
Denny Hamlin’s Points Lead Shrinks as NASCAR Overhauls Championship Format
NASCAR's new playoff structure strips the regular-season crown and reshapes the points battle, challenging Denny Hamlin's early-season dominance.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Denny Hamlin across Nascar.

NASCAR's new playoff structure strips the regular-season crown and reshapes the points battle, challenging Denny Hamlin's early-season dominance.
The Brickyard 400 returns to the historic Indianapolis oval this weekend, offering a $1 million prize and a final chance for drivers to secure a spot in the postseason Chase.

After a decade with Hendrick Motorsports that yielded eight wins and seven poles, Alex Bowman will step away from full‑time Cup competition following the 2027 season, leaving a high‑profile seat that could reshape the series.

Denny Hamlin likened North Wilkesboro to Bristol, called the track ‘racy’, and finished second after a radio outburst, while Joey Logano led 323 of 450 laps and vaulted into the Chase cutoff, prompting a rare show of mutual respect between the two rivals.

Joey Logano’s surprise win at North Wilkesboro, Denny Hamlin’s second place, and the rising profiles of Shane van Gisbergen and Ryan Fox set the stage for the Brickyard 400.
Joey Logano's recent slump gave way to a commanding win at North Wilkesboro, reshaping the points table and highlighting the rise of international drivers ahead of the iconic Brickyard 400.

Taylor Gray will rejoin Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, extending his partnership with veteran crew chief Jason Ratcliff as both aim to strengthen their playoff prospects.

Denny Hamlin thought he could beat Joey Logano for a fleeting moment at North Wilkesboro, but a well‑timed strategy and superior car control kept the win out of reach.

Denny Hamlin tops the standings with four wins and an average finish of 3.64 on non‑drafting ovals. NASCAR has scrapped the regular season championship, removing the trophy and reconfiguring the playoff points system. The changes level the playing field for all contenders, including Hamlin, who now starts the final stretch with a reduced 25‑point lead.

Denny Hamlin tops the odds for the upcoming Brickyard 400, while a mix of rising stars and veteran teams prepare for a high‑speed showdown on Indianapolis Motor Speedway's flat 2.5‑mile oval.

Denny Hamlin believed he could beat Joey Logano during the NASCAR Cup Series race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, but Logano's car proved unbeatable.

After a dominant win at North Wilkesboro, Joey Logano looks to translate his resurgence into a full‑season championship bid with Team Penske.

Ford’s storied partnership with NASCAR heads into its next chapter at the Brickyyard, where Ryan Blaney prepares for his 400th Cup start and Joey Logano climbs the all‑time win rankings.

Joey Logano and crew chief Paul Wolfe overcame a rocky start to the 2026 NASCAR Cup season, turning early setbacks into a breakthrough win at North Wilkesboro.

Denny Hamlin, the current points leader in the NASCAR Cup Series, voiced frustration with NASCAR’s move to scrap the regular season title, arguing the change undermines consistent performance just as he eyes the championship.

Joey Logano's win at North Wilkesboro reshapes the latest power rankings, while Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin and others jockey for position ahead of the Indianapolis race.

The Brickyyard 400 will feature the NASCAR Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, NASCAR Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series, showcasing a deep field of drivers and teams across Indianapolis Motor Speedway and nearby Raceway Park.

The 30th running of the Brickyard 400 brings together veteran drivers, a historic track, and a fresh wave of betting interest.

NASCAR’s Cup Series heads back to Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend, featuring the Brickyard 400 and the Pennzoil 250, with odds, broadcast details and a full roster of drivers announced.

Denny Hamlin, currently atop the Cup Series standings, decries NASCAR's decision to scrap the regular season title, arguing the timing is unfair and reshapes the championship picture.

With three drivers already locked into the playoffs, the Brickyard 400 will determine the final Chase contenders, each needing a precise number of points to secure a spot.

NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 marks the final In‑Season Challenge race, pitting Blaney against Gilliland while Logano’s recent win and Hamlin’s points lead shape the playoff picture.

With three drivers already locked into The Chase, the Brickyard 400 becomes a decisive moment for the remaining contenders battling for the final playoff spots.

Joey Logano captured the NASCAR Cup Series race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, leading the majority of laps and outlasting Denny Hamlin in a late‑stage duel.