DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — This season marks 20 years since the first NASCAR playoffs were implemented.
The initial version was introduced in 2004, with subsequent changes occurring over time.
However, in a sport where every win contributes to a driver's resume, some question whether the playoffs are truly the best method for determining the season-long champion.
Here's what several drivers had to say.
"When they first implemented it, it had 10 drivers over 10 weeks. Like, it was the 10 best and in order to be the 10 best, it was a really super elite group and then you let those guys figure it out for the next 10 weeks. And really, every race had such big importance. Now there's a win and you're in. You can just kind of win and go to the next round. Doesn't matter about the other performances in the playoffs. So, it's just different now," said Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11.
"I would just hate for somebody to win 10 races or something and not win the championship. That would just to me, kind of be a little bit of a black eye for the integrity of our sport," said Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9.
"I think what we got is great. I really do. And, it could happen in any sports. Every sport now has a playoff system. You can look at the NFL, you can look at the NBA and whatever. You can have a mediocre regular season and make a hell of a run through the playoffs and they're the champion. No one's going to argue that. Why are we arguing it over here," said Joey Logano, driver of the No. 22.
"I'm little bit of a traditionalist liking the old school point system more. But, through the years it's been fairly consistent when you compare them that your most consistent driver would win the championship. It's not always worked out, and there's certainly been some years that feel a little strange," said Chris Buescher, driver of the #17.
"If I had to change it, I think there should be a championship round. Not tied down to one race where it could fit the potential manufacturer or a team or a driver. Make them work in some different types of racetracks to crown a champion," said Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11.