For years, NASCAR fans and drivers have been raising their voices, calling for a shake-up to the playoff format that’s been the sport’s big drama machine since 2004. The gripes boil down to one thing: fairness and keeping it simple. Fans want the guy who’s dominated all season to hoist the trophy, not some hotshot who catches fire in the last few weeks. A 2022 Athletic survey nailed it: a majority of fans preferred the old season-long championship over the elimination chaos, proving this isn’t just a vocal minority grumbling in the comments. Drivers have been in on it, too.

Denny Hamlin’s been blunt: “One bad race shouldn’t end your season.” Kevin Harvick, after getting bounced from the 2020 Championship 4 despite nine wins, called the system out for not rewarding the year’s best team.

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