NASCAR has been modified and changed several times. With its various different iterations, some have been more acceptable to certain drivers compared to others. Dale Earnhardt Jr and Denny Hamlin have been some of the biggest critics of its current one.
The playoff system came to NASCAR in 2014. Possibly learning from the successes of other leagues, NASCAR thought of making the sport more attractive to younger generations and leaving the Championship undecided until the last race.
The new system had 16 cars competing for the final stage of the season, with the winner of the season decided based on the final 10 races. This made sense in a number of different aspects. It meant a season would always end on the last day, in effect meaning more viewership. Also, it will encourage and motivate drivers and teams to give it their all until the end of the season.
But legends of the sport, such as Dale Earnhardt Jr and Denny Hamlin, were never big supporters of the system; not then, not now. Junior had said on his podcast with Brian France, “I’ve kinda struggled with how expanded the playoff feeled. And it’s happened at the Clash as well.”
He also said, “I’ve always kinda struggled with the final race being all or nothing.” Hamlin echoed Dale Jr’s views. “The round of 4 is great. I agree with @DaleJr that it should be a larger sample size however.”
This opposition has been going on for years, and a change looks unlikely.
Fans wrote Dale Earnhardt Jr’s opinion off
A lot of fans love the NASCAR legend. for his insights on racing, and for his general demeanor.
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DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 30: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #8 Hellmann’s Chevrolet, stands in the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200 at Darlington Raceway on August 30, 2019 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
However, some fans were not quite happy with his stance on the subject.
They don't like it because neither one of them have won a cup championship.
Denny Hamlin and Dale Jr have expressed their displeasure with NASCAR’s Playoff System. Figured most fans and drivers tolerated it at this point but them speaking during the off-season shows this is still a hot topic after it’s 9th season of existence.
Denny had displeasure the 9 seasons before this too, when he didn’t win a championship. 18 seasons 0 ships. Cry
Denny Hamlin and Dale Jr have expressed their displeasure with NASCAR’s Playoff System. Figured most fans and drivers tolerated it at this point but them speaking during the off-season shows this is still a hot topic after it’s 9th season of existence.
Sorry Hamlin, sorry Jr, but I don't want a Nascar season ending 3 or 2 races early like Formula 1 does. It just makes the last few races rather pointless. 2003 got lucky cause Homestead changed it's track fully, so there was actual intrigue for that race.
Denny Hamlin and Dale Jr have expressed their displeasure with NASCAR’s Playoff System. Figured most fans and drivers tolerated it at this point but them speaking during the off-season shows this is still a hot topic after it’s 9th season of existence.
The World Series and NBA finals are a best of series. The Super Bowl is a one game take all. Both scenarios work for those sports. Meaning either way, a best of 3 or the current format would work for NASCAR. Either way is better than the past formats. Not really worth changing
Every major American sport has a regular season and a playoff. The team with the most wins isn't guaranteed to win the championship and that's how it should be. Could the playoffs be executed better? Sure, but the playoff bracket is the most competitive way to have a playoff
I would suggest that the losers of the last 50 Super Bowls feel the same way. Many of them could have won a “2 out of 3” Championship Super Weekend.
Counting their combined titles.. let's see.... Yep.. same number as me.
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Do you agree with Dale Jr and Denny Hamlin?