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Denny Hamlin has criticised NASCAR's "incredible" decision to scrap its regular season championship.
Hamlin is enjoying one of the most dominant NASCAR Cup Series seasons in recent memory, leading the championship standings by 68 points with four victories to his name. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has also produced an astonishing 3.64 average finish on non-drafting ovals in 2026 - a mark not seen since Richard Petty in 1977.
However, despite putting together the kind of campaign fans have waited decades to see, Hamlin will no longer be rewarded with a trophy he appeared destined to claim.
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As part of NASCAR's off-season overhaul, the regular season title has been scrapped, meaning the points leader at the end of the regular campaign will no longer receive a formal championship or trophy, but will simply enter the playoffs as the top seed.
During his Actions Detrimental podcast, co-host Jared brought up Hamlin's commanding regular-season lead with a hint of excitement. Hamlin confirmed he held a 68-point advantage overall and was 84 points clear of Ryan Blaney, before the discussion quickly turned to the consequences of NASCAR's rule changes.
"They don't want me to be a champion," said Hamlin. "I'm pretty sure, Jared, that as part of the press release for the new playoff format, the regular season title is gone. So there is no regular season champion anymore."
Jared's reaction quickly changed, saying: "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard." "It's incredible," Hamlin added. "The one time you win the regular season, they get rid of it."
NASCAR's regular-season title removal is just one part of a major championship overhaul. The elimination playoff format has been scrapped, with The Chase returning as the title will now be decided over a 10-race stretch, with the driver scoring the most points crowned champion at Homestead.
The playoff points system has also been removed, meaning race and stage wins will no longer provide a postseason advantage. All title contenders will now start the championship battle on equal footing.
The top 16 drivers will enter The Chase with staggered points, with the regular-season leader starting on 2,100 points and receiving a 25-point advantage over the rest of the field. However, the title itself has been removed. NASCAR has also increased the value of race wins, with victories now worth 55 points compared to 40 previously. Winning a race and both stages can earn a driver 76 points in a single event.
The changes are particularly significant for Hamlin, whose four-win regular season would previously have created a huge playoff points cushion. Instead, his 68-point lead will become just a 25-point advantage when the championship battle begins, leaving every driver on a more level playing field. "If we can keep this momentum going and avoid bad luck, I think it'll be hard for the field to catch us," Hamlin said. "But you never know what kind of wreck you can get caught up in."
