Is NASCAR's Playoff Schedule Losing Its Edge? Denny Hamlin Thinks So, and He's Not Holding Back
Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin is sparking a heated debate in the NASCAR world. He's calling for a bold move: ditching Charlotte's Roval from the Cup Series Playoff schedule in favor of a return to the oval.
But here's where it gets controversial: Hamlin argues the Roval, a road course, simply doesn't deliver the excitement needed to compete with the NFL, especially during the crucial Playoff season. His 23rd-place finish at the recent Roval race, marred by a collision with Ross Chastain, only fueled his frustration.
And this is the part most people miss: Hamlin isn't just complaining; he's offering solutions. He believes switching to Charlotte's oval would inject much-needed unpredictability into the Playoffs. Think about it: Shane van Gisbergen has dominated road courses lately, winning five in a row. An oval race would level the playing field, Hamlin argues, making for a more thrilling spectacle.
Hamlin points out that the Coca-Cola 600 on the oval was a fan favorite, proving the potential for excitement. He suspects the Roval's inclusion is more about Speedway Motorsports' (SMI) scheduling preferences than fan engagement.
Here's the kicker: Hamlin even suggests Sonoma, another SMI-owned road course, as a better alternative if NASCAR insists on keeping a road course in the Playoffs. But ultimately, he questions the necessity of a road course at all in the final stretch.
"Do we really need a road course in the final 10 races?" Hamlin asks. "We used to do just fine without one." He believes a return to the oval would boost fan sentiment, which NASCAR desperately needs amidst declining ratings and stiff competition from the NFL and college football.
Despite Hamlin's passionate plea, the Roval is currently slated for a 2026 return. However, with potential changes to the Playoff format looming, there's still a chance for a shake-up.
What do you think? Is Hamlin right? Should NASCAR prioritize excitement and unpredictability by ditching the Roval? Or is there still a place for road courses in the Playoffs? Let us know in the comments below!
