Mark Martin Reveals the Only Playoffs Format That Will ‘Resonate with NASCAR Fans’

Hall of Famer Mark Martin has shared his thoughts on NASCAR plans to change the playoff format and how they can avoid further criticism.

Mark Martin Reveals the Only Playoffs Format That Will ‘Resonate with NASCAR Fans’

Mark Martin (Via IMAGO)

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One of the biggest points of debate in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season was the playoffs format, that in the words of Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. betrayed the sport. The discussions in the community went into overdrive and the sanctioning body was forced announce plans to change the format from next season. These plans have the got the attention of HOF Mark Martin.

In the Coffee with Mark Martin Part 2: The State of NASCAR show for Kenny Wallace’s YouTube channel, the racing legend shared his thoughts on the potential the new format will be 3-3-4. But for the ex-HMS racer the only acceptable format that will resonate with fans will be the original 10 race chase format if not for the 36-race full-season points format.

I am all in with 36. I think we need to debate how you award the points. That’s a debatable subject, but first you have to say, ‘Yes. We’re going to go with a full season. However, I know we’re almost positive we can’t get NASCAR to do that. And so, I could get behind a 10-race chase format as a compromise, nothing less. If they come with this 3-3-4 business, it’s not going to resonate with the fans.

Mark Martin said via Kenny Wallace’s YouTube channel.

Further talking about the points, the legendary driver explains why playoff doesn’t belong in the sport. He pointed out that racing is not a ball sport and playoff format shouldn’t be part of the championship. A race-off should determine who will be the champions of the sport, instead of the current system that only piss off traditional fans.

We are not ball sports, you know. We don’t play. We shouldn’t have playoffs. We don’t have timed races. We don’t have overtime. We’ve got a green-white checkered, or a race. A race-off instead of a playoff. Trying to make it a ball sport is part of what has pissed off so many race fans. The traditional race fans don’t like to see that. They don’t recognize what they’re seeing.

Mark Martin added.

Ahead the finale Mark Martin gave the ultimate appreciation to Denny Hamlin’s legacy

If there are any drivers in the history of motorsport that understand that pain of Denny Hamlin, who has never won a championship in his career despite being one of the most dominant forces in history, is Mark Martin. Before the JGR veteran, it was the ex-HMS driver that held the title of the best to never been crowned the champion.

Denny Hamlin and Mark Martin
Denny Hamlin and Mark Martin (Via IMAGO)

Coming into the weekend, Martin, like many of the big names of the sport, it was Denny Hamlin who he backed to win. But unfortunately, the Toyota veteran loss the championship race to Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson, in a late caution drama after having a dominate race till that moment.

But on his message for the No:11 driver on X, he reminded the racer that not winning the championship isn’t going to define his legacy. The 60-career Cup race win, a milestone he secured in the R-8 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, legacy he has made for himself will always remain in the history books.

I’m pulling for @dennyhamlin to win the Championship today for all the right reasons. BUT also so one of the most successful drivers in this era won’t have to listen to the idiotic (never won a championship) from haters. The trophy doesn’t define the entire body of work.

Mark Martin wrote on X.

The JGR veteran Denny Hamlin needs take inspiration from Mark Martin words, while he tries to move on from the disappointment.  It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout for the future Hall of Famer in the potentially last two seasons he has in the sport.

Also Read: Chase Briscoe Is Finding His 2025 Championship Loss to Kyle Larson “Hard to swallow”