Is NASCAR's Playoff Schedule Losing Its Edge? Denny Hamlin, the seasoned driver from Joe Gibbs Racing, has ignited a fiery debate by calling for a radical change in NASCAR's Cup Series Playoff lineup. But here's where it gets controversial... Hamlin boldly suggests dropping the Charlotte Roval from the schedule, arguing that it fails to captivate audiences compared to the thrilling unpredictability of an oval track. And this is the part most people miss... While the Roval has been a staple since 2018, Hamlin points out that recent races, like the Bank of America 400, have lacked the excitement needed to compete with the NFL. Should NASCAR prioritize fan engagement over tradition?
Hamlin’s critique doesn’t stop there. On his Action’s Detrimental podcast, he questioned whether viewers would choose the Roval over football, highlighting the race’s predictability, especially with Shane van Gisbergen’s dominance on road courses. But here’s the kicker... Hamlin believes switching to Charlotte’s oval would inject much-needed unpredictability and excitement, citing the success of the Coca-Cola 600 as proof. Is NASCAR’s insistence on road courses in the Playoffs a mistake?
The driver also sheds light on the politics behind the schedule, suggesting Speedway Motorsports’ ownership of the Roval date ties NASCAR’s hands. However, he proposes Sonoma as a better road course alternative if NASCAR insists on keeping one. And this is where it gets even more intriguing... Hamlin argues that road courses aren’t a Playoff necessity, recalling earlier seasons when they were absent. Are we overcomplicating the Playoffs?
Hamlin’s solution? A bold announcement for 2026: replace the Roval with Charlotte’s oval. He predicts this move would boost ratings and ticket sales, addressing NASCAR’s declining viewership in the face of competition from the NFL and College Football. But will NASCAR listen? As it stands, the Roval is set to return in 2026, though changes to the Playoff format could shake things up. What do you think? Is Hamlin onto something, or is the Roval here to stay? Share your thoughts in the comments!
