NASCAR drivers in favor of return to Chase format, saying it will yield a more legitimate champion

NASCAR drivers are backing a return to the Chase format for the 2023 Cup Series playoffs, believing it will result in a more legitimate champion. Denny Hamlin, who lacks a championship to his name, enters the modified 10-race playoff format as his best shot at winning based on his overall performance this season. The new format, last used in 2013, is designed to reward consistent performance throughout the season and provide a larger sample size to determine a champion. Fans have been pushing for its return due to its simplicity, and drivers share this sentiment.

Hamlin, speaking at the playoff media day in Charlotte, described the new format as "a giant leap forward in crowning a champion," adding that he believes all drivers would agree it's a more fair way to decide a champion. Chase Briscoe echoed this sentiment, stating that the format will produce a more "legitimate" champion, as drivers can no longer win the first 35 races and then blow up at the end of the season.

Unlike previous years, there will be no elimination rounds or points "reset" midway through the playoffs, with the champion determined by who accumulates the most points over the final 10 races.

The drivers are also pleased with the change in win point value, which has been increased from 40 to 55 points. Consistency is key to winning the championship, as there are no freebies like in previous formats where a bad race could be easily recovered from. While the grueling 10-week playoff may be challenging, drivers like Logano and Hamlin see the feeling of winning the championship as worth the effort.