Former FOX broadcaster makes bold claim about Denny Hamlin’s championship chances amid NASCAR’s return to Chase

Denis Hamlin lose the championship race against Kyle Larson in the final moments was the final nail in the coffin of NASCAR’s playoff format. Over the years, fans continued to criticize him for not rewarding the season’s best player, and the sport finally listened, bringing back the Chase format for the championship. But whether it’s the format or any other change, the question is, after everything Hamlin has been through in 2025, will he be able to do it again?

With the Chase now, drivers will focus more on consistency and overall performance than just winning. While the previous format helped many inconsistent drivers by getting them a ticket to the playoffs with just one win, much of the garage will no longer be able to do so. But for this former FOX broadcaster, Denny Hamlin could perhaps go all the way.

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Veteran driver backs Hamlin for victory

Denny Hamlin’s 2025 Cup Series campaign looked perfect. He was one of the most successful drivers in the garage and dominated with six race wins, qualifying for Championship 4 at Phoenix. He also managed to lead much of the final race; However, things turned bitter during the final lap showdown, when Kyle Larson managed to pass him after a late caution.

There was nothing Hamlin could have done at this point. He watched the title slip out of his hands as the playoff system held him back once again. Larson won his second and Hamlin went home empty-handed.

However, with the Chase format returning this season, consistent and high-performing drivers will be rewarded, as it will focus more on overall performance than just race wins. Amidst this, a fan asked Kenny Wallace an interesting question: who seems to be the driver who could make the most of this format and win a championship? Wallace’s response was clear: “Let’s go with @dennyhamlin,” he wrote.

That seems about right. The Chase existed from 2004 to 2013, and when Denny Hamlin began racing full-time starting in 2006, he qualified for every year except 2013.

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In recent years, Denny Hamlin has become a driver with a much better season average. However, for him, it happened at a time when the sport rewarded winning races more. Over the years, even in 2019 and 2020, Hamlin has been the best performer on the grid compared to the winners.

Picking up six wins in 2019 and seven the following season was a testament. If NASCAR were to follow the Chase format back then, Hamlin would not only be a Cup winner, but a multiple-time champion as well. It’s always the slightest problem that occurred in one or maybe two races that deprived him of his chance of winning the title.

However, drivers will now be more focused on consistent performance rather than simple race victories. In fact, there is a very real possibility that the field will be less aggressive, as they will need to focus more on overall performance to make the top 16. The “win and enter” format will no longer exist.

Thus, in a format where the sport will reward the most consistent drivers, Denny Hamlin appears unbeatable. If anything, the 23XI Race the co-owner has been a consistent performer over the past few seasons. And so, the Chase format might as well end his championship drought.

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But who else looks good for a title bid?

What do the Power Rankings look like for Denny Hamlin and his competitors heading into 2026?

The 2025 Cup Series was one of the most intense seasons NASCAR has seen in recent years. Although the playoffs have been widely criticized, there is only one thing they have done well and that is create uncertainty. Kyle Larson became the two-time champion, and that one boost put him in first place to win it again, because there’s no reason why he couldn’t do it.

Although Larson did not lead a lap at Phoenix, his racing consistency is a testament to his performance, giving him the best chance to win three Cup championships, a title held only by Joey Logano among active drivers.

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Denny Hamlin, however, is not falling out. In fact, it’s placed right after him, as happened in the finale.

With his six race wins and incredible consistency throughout the year, Hamlin is still a competent enough driver to win his first championship. He was one of the favorites for the title last year and he continues to be. And as we read above, Kenny Wallace thinks so too.

This brings us to the next name in the list, William Byron. The Chevrolet driver won the Daytona 500 for the second consecutive time in 2025 and earned the first playoff qualification. Naturally, he remained a strong contender and also advanced to Championship 4. However, Phoenix did not follow his path and he finished the season in fourth place in the standings. Despite this, it remains a major threat.

Christopher Bell was the second-fastest driver to earn a playoff spot, winning three straight races following Byron’s triumph at Dayton. Not only did he qualify for the playoffs, but a total of four race wins made him a strong contender. However, he was unable to advance to Championship 4 after his elimination in the round of 16, but remained a strong driver throughout. His excellence in the regular season makes him a solid candidate.

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Another driver matched Bell. 2023 Champion Ryan Blaney also won four races. However, his title fight ended quite early, but he proved that he can successfully contend again in the upcoming season.

These are the top-performing drivers for the 2025 season. It’s worth noting, however, that this list could be significantly altered under the Chase format. But for Hamlin, he just has to do his best to get there once and rest peacefully.

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