Overview

• Denny Hamlin criticized Joey Logano’s defense of the elimination format, calling the logic flawed and highlighting how points resets help lagging drivers close gaps.
• Dale Earnhardt Jr. argued the format overvalues single-race tactics and fuel mileage gambits, citing examples from Logano’s 2024 run, while still saying Logano’s championships are legitimate.
• The dispute reignited after Logano, who entered Gateway below the cutline, finished fifth at the Enjoy Illinois 300 to advance and then publicly defended the current system.
• NASCAR formed a Playoff Committee after last season’s controversy and held two meetings, but any substantive changes remain tied to discussions with media partners.
• Hamlin warned that the structure could undercut dominant Xfinity seasons, pointing to rookie Connor Zilisch as a potential example of how resets can negate large cushions.