Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson has voiced a strong critique of NASCAR’s current playoff format, arguing that it diminishes the significance of securing a championship title. This debate has been ongoing since NASCAR introduced the playoff system, originally known as “The Chase,” in 2004. Over the years, the system has undergone changes, but criticism has persisted, especially during the 2024 season when Joey Logano claimed his third championship despite a lackluster regular-season performance.
The playoff structure consists of a 26-race regular season, where the top drivers secure spots in a 16-driver playoff field. Drivers accumulate playoff points based on performance, which are then carried into the postseason rounds. However, Larson believes this system places too much emphasis on postseason results, overlooking consistent season-long success.
Larson, who secured six victories in 2024, expressed frustration that winning multiple races doesn’t hold more weight in determining the championship winner. He argues that achieving numerous race wins is a significant accomplishment and should be more directly tied to winning the title.
In a statement on HendrickMotorsports.com, Larson said, “If anything, I just think the format, in a way, devalues a championship. Especially in the Next-Gen era. Winning six races is extremely tough to do, and we were a factor in many more than that.”
Larson’s frustration is shared by other drivers who have had strong seasons but failed to make it to the Championship 4. Christopher Bell, another top performer, also missed out on a chance to contend for the title. Despite his playoff disappointment, Larson remains proud of his race wins, viewing them as equally valuable as a championship.
Reflecting on his season, Larson said, “I really wasn’t that upset during the week of Phoenix because I knew no matter the result, we were going to end the season with the most wins. To me, these days, that’s as important as winning a championship.”
NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell acknowledged that discussions about potential changes to the playoff system are ongoing. Earlier this year, O’Donnell explained that NASCAR is open to making adjustments if it benefits the sport and increases fan engagement. He emphasized that any changes would come after thorough input from the industry.
The debate around the playoff format remains a hot topic, with Larson’s comments adding more fuel to the ongoing conversation.
2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule
Regular Season
Feb. 2: Winston-Salem (Clash) – 8 p.m., FOX
Feb. 16: Daytona 500 – 2:30 p.m., FOX
Feb. 23: Atlanta – 3 p.m., FOX
Mar. 2: Austin – 3:30 p.m., FOX
Mar. 9: Phoenix – 3:30 p.m., FS1
Mar. 16: Las Vegas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
Mar. 23: Homestead – 3 p.m., FS1
Mar. 30: Martinsville – 3 p.m., FS1
Apr. 6: Darlington – 3 p.m., FS1
Apr. 13: Bristol – 3 p.m., FS1
Apr. 20: Off (Easter)
Apr. 27: Talladega – 3 p.m., FOX
May 4: Texas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
May 11: Kansas – 3 p.m., FS1
May 18: North Wilkesboro (All-Star) – 8 p.m., FS1
May 25: Charlotte – 6 p.m., Prime Video
June 1: Nashville – 7 p.m., Prime Video
June 8: Michigan – 2 p.m., Prime Video
June 15: Mexico City – 3 p.m., Prime Video
June 22: Pocono – 2 p.m., Prime Video
June 28: Atlanta – 7 p.m., TNT
July 6: Chicago street course – 2 p.m., TNT
July 13: Sonoma – 3:30 p.m., TNT
July 20: Dover – 2 p.m., TNT
July 27: Indianapolis – 2 p.m., TNT
Aug. 3: Iowa – 3:30 p.m., USA
Aug. 10: Watkins Glen – 2 p.m., USA
Aug. 16: Richmond – 7:30 p.m., USA
Aug. 23: Daytona – 7:30 p.m., NBC
Playoffs
Aug. 31: Darlington – 6 p.m., USA
Sept. 7: St. Louis – 3 p.m., USA
Sept. 13: Bristol – 7:30 p.m., USA
Sept. 21: New Hampshire – 2 p.m., USA
Sept. 28: Kansas – 3 p.m., USA
Oct. 5: Charlotte road course – 3 p.m., USA
Oct. 12: Las Vegas – 5:30 p.m., USA
Oct. 19: Talladega – 2 p.m., NBC
Oct. 26: Martinsville – 2 p.m., NBC
Nov. 2: Phoenix – 3 p.m., NBC
