Overview

• Denny Hamlin labeled Joey Logano’s defense of the elimination format “fundamentally flawed,” arguing the reset erases advantages earned over the regular season.
• Dale Earnhardt Jr. said the format does not favor Team Penske specifically and instead rewards having the fastest car on the decisive day.
• Earnhardt Jr. cited Logano’s 2024 path — a ROVAL advancement after Alex Bowman’s failed inspection and a Las Vegas win via fuel strategy — as examples of how single events can swing a title run.
• Hamlin warned that the structure could expose big-winning prospects such as Xfinity rookie Connor Zilisch to abrupt exits despite strong seasons.
• NASCAR’s review group continues to study tweaks, with ideas including a larger final-round sample, though any changes hinge on media-partner and scheduling constraints.