NASCAR has tried to address the playoff criticism by reintroducing a version of “The Chase” format. It could make a big difference for certain teams and drivers. Kenny Wallace recently shared which driver he believes will take the title in 2026.
Kenny Wallace Names the Driver He Thinks Will Shine in NASCAR’s New Chase Era
A fan reached out to Wallace on social media, curious about who he thinks will have the best chance at next year’s title.
“@Kenny_Wallace hey! I’m in Nc. Watched you and your brothers all my life. Under the new Chase system…. Who is your best pick for champ. I’ve got in a game with my son and three friends. Since they are guys… they think I’m toast!! Have to pick weekly and pick a champ! Help!!”: they wrote.
Wallace’s answer was quick and confident: Denny Hamlin. It’s a pick that makes a lot of sense when you look at the new format and Hamlin’s racing history.
NASCAR is changing its championship format for 2026. After a 26-race regular season, the top 16 drivers in points will move on to a 10-race Chase. The big change here is that there are no elimination rounds. Playoff points don’t matter, and winning a race doesn’t automatically lock in a playoff spot.
The champion will be the driver with the most points after those 10 races. Success will come from consistency and strong performance in every Chase race — not just a win or two in key moments.
This change comes after years of fan complaints. Many felt the old playoff system didn’t always reward the season’s best driver. The tipping point came in 2025, when Hamlin lost the championship to Kyle Larson on the final lap at Phoenix, even though he had dominated much of the race.
If any driver is built for this format, it’s Denny Hamlin. The Joe Gibbs Racing veteran has been racing in the Cup Series since 2005, and his career is defined by one word: consistency.
Hamlin has 60 Cup Series wins, including multiple Crown Jewel victories. He’s made numerous championship appearances. But his trophy case is missing the one thing that matters most — a Cup championship.
Hamlin’s 2025 season showed why the old format worked against him. He won six races and was one of the top drivers all year. He made it to the Championship 4 and led most of the final race at Phoenix. But in the final moments, a late caution let Kyle Larson pass him and win the title.
Hamlin’s winless drought might still continue in the new format, but one thing is for sure, it gives the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran a better fighting chance.
