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24m ago

NASCAR Playoffs Open at Darlington as Format Fight Intensifies

Previews favor Kyle Larson, William Byron, Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney to clear the first round.

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs driver line-up.
2025 NASCAR Playoff Drivers. Photo Credit: NASCAR Media
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Overview

  • The 76th Southern 500 on Aug. 31 starts the 16-driver, elimination-style Cup postseason, with the champion decided Nov. 2 at Phoenix.
  • Denny Hamlin labeled the format "bad business" for its randomness, yet enters as the four-win third seed with a 23-point cushion and says the 23XI antitrust case will not distract him.
  • Christopher Bell urged adding more races to crown a champion and Rick Hendrick said he prefers the old points method, as NASCAR evaluates potential changes for 2026.
  • Defending champion Joey Logano defended the elimination system, described Team Penske’s week-to-week playoff blueprint, and said criticism using him as an example "ticks me off."
  • Deadspin’s Round of 16 outlook lists Larson, Byron, Hamlin and Blaney as near locks to advance, and places Logano in a danger zone alongside names like Ross Chastain and Austin Cindric due to inconsistent speed.