Denny Hamlin has strongly criticized NASCAR’s playoff system, taking particular issue with Joey Logano’s place in the Championship 4.
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series title will be decided at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, with Logano, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, and Tyler Reddick vying for the championship.
**READ MORE:** Dale Earnhardt Jr. urges driver suspensions following Martinsville drama.
It’s been a contentious week in NASCAR, with Chevrolet facing backlash over team tactics during the Xfinity 500. Austin Dillon and Ross Chastain coordinated with their teams to help secure Byron’s spot in the Championship 4.
As a result, Dillon, Chastain, and Bubba Wallace were each penalized with a 50-point deduction and a $100,000 fine. Their teams faced the same penalties, along with suspensions of key personnel.
### Hamlin Critiques NASCAR Playoff Format
As the season wraps up, it’s not just Martinsville stirring debate. Hamlin has openly criticized NASCAR’s playoff format, particularly how it secured Logano’s spot in the championship fight.
Logano, 34, clinched his spot in the Championship 4 with a strategic victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, managing his fuel to last until the finish line.
“That takes a spot from some of your big winners. The most dominant drivers of the year are out because of one race,” Hamlin said on his *Actions Detrimental* podcast.
“This is the downside of this format. Very few people believe this system truly rewards the most deserving champion.”
He added, “I’m not blaming anyone here. But if Logano wins the title, expect a social media storm over how flawed this format is.”
