While it is widely accepted that the Cup Series Playoff format is here to stay, NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell has hinted that some changes are in consideration too. Those could be in line with the demands of outspoken figures such as Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick, say reports.
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Team Penske and Joey Logano did win the 2024 title playing within the rules and adhering to what is asked of a team in modern-day NASCAR. However, the community was left bitter after the Phoenix title decider.
Now, a possibility of the championship race moving away from Phoenix is under consideration, something both Hamlin and Harvick had spoken in favor of.
O’Donnell stated, “I would not limit something just to Miami if we were to rotate it. I think you’d have a broader look at venues that could host a championship.”
“But short term we’re in Phoenix, we’re extremely happy there and we want to make sure that whatever we do, we continue to grow the sport when it relates to the playoffs,” he added.
Sunday was like a movie 🏆🎥#Championship4 pic.twitter.com/Ah35DuGcUa
— Phoenix Raceway (@phoenixraceway) November 13, 2024
Of course, there would be a lot of difficulty in replicating the event in another venue. The Phoenix track is owned by the governing body. And a host of supportive legislature along with a market known to respond to the current Playoff format, makes it an ideal venue.
Phoenix Raceway has hosted the title-deciding race for four years now. The venue has managed to remain sold out for the past seven seasons. NASCAR spent $178 million in 2018 to revamp the facility and the decision to keep the title race there could be an attempt to recover some of that money, or make a profit on their investment.
With the 2025 schedule already set, it remains to be seen how the narrative changes in 2026.
What exactly did Hamlin and Harvick demand?
Harvick had spoken of a rotation system for Playoff venues.
“I wish we would rotate the last race. I think Homestead! That’d be cool. I wish there was some sort of three-year rotation that you got to mix that up so it wasn’t hey we ran this track last year we’ve got really good notes we’re going to be good,” the 2014 champion, had said.
Hamlin, 23XI Racing co-owner and driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, had stated, “Challenge these drivers at multiple different racetracks. I mean, I don’t care if you put a road course in the championship round. At least, your crowning achievement champion off a larger sample size.”
While the general fan sentiment on the issue has also favored the two drivers, what the governing body decides remains out of anyone’s control.
