Denny Hamlin’s late-season slide is exposing an understated perk of NASCAR’s Chase

Does Denny Hamlin really deserve the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship?

By Ryan McCafferty · Beyond the Flag

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 1:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Writer Ryan McCafferty argues Denny Hamlin's late-season slump validates the Chase format prioritizing peak late-season form.
Hamlin has fallen to fourth in points despite scoring the most total points throughout the full season.
Seven NASCAR Cup Series drivers remain separated by only 56 points entering the final three races.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Ryan McCafferty argues that Denny Hamlin's recent slump demonstrates the value of NASCAR's Chase format, which rewards late-season momentum over early luck. Although Hamlin has accumulated the most overall points across the entire season, his recent dip in form has seen him drop to fourth in the standings heading into the final three race weekends of the campaign.

According to the writer, Hamlin's struggles highlight why a championship should prioritize drivers who peak at the right time rather than rewarding an early-season points cushion. The article notes that Hamlin has led only 160 laps since June, managing just two finishes better than eighth place during the Chase.

Read the full article on Beyond the Flag

Denny Hamlin’s late-season slide is exposing an understated perk of NASCAR’s Chase

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