NASCAR Cup Series great Denny Hamlin believes the sport's return to The Chase is 'better' than using the playoffs.

Earlier this month, NASCAR announced that it would be using a new championship format for 2026, ditching the playoffs in favor of a return to The Chase.

Although it is not the 36-race points format that some fans would have liked, it does put more importance on the regular season and consistency, with win and you're in having been ditched, the field set to be determined by the standings only, and there being no eliminations or rounds in the postseason.

In recent seasons, Hamlin has been one of the most vocal critics of the old playoff format, and he himself felt the sting of the one-race championship decider at Phoenix when a late caution and subsequent tire call cost him the championship.

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Denny Hamlin on The Chase return

Speaking at a NASCAR media day ahead of the new Cup Series season, Hamlin has now given his verdict on The Chase's return.

“It’s the same guys that are favorites every single week, and it's because those are the ones that are up front every week. That's who this format benefits," he told PRN.

“I don't think you'll see any crazy wildcards go on runs in the final ten. If you couldn't go on a run in 26 races, you're not gonna go on a run more than likely in the final ten.

“So I think it really benefits four or five teams, and others, it at least allows them to kind of move, slide up and down the standings as they perform.

“There are no eliminations. They'll just happen organically and naturally, and we're gonna be talking about the guys that are up front each and every week.”

Asked if The Chase was better than the playoffs, Hamlin continued: “Well, from a pure standpoint, it's better. It’s going to be better.

“I still think the champion will be crowned at Homestead as people want it to be.

"But if they lock in to a championship before that, I mean, that clearly means they were head and shoulders above everyone else and deserve it."

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