Top 10 NASCAR Playoff Moments Fans Still Hate

NASCAR Playoff Moments Fans Still Hate

Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch

10. Kyle Busch winning the 2015 title after missing 11 races

Busch missed nearly a third of the season due to injury but still became champion under the playoff rules. Many fans felt it cheapened the meaning of a full-season championship.

9. Kevin Harvick manipulating the 2015 Talladega finish

Harvick intentionally triggered a late caution to advance in the playoffs. Fans saw it as exploiting the system with zero real consequences.

8. Ryan Newman nearly winning the 2014 title without a win

Newman entered the finale with no victories yet still had a shot at the championship. The scenario made many fans feel wins had been devalued.

7. Joey Logano advancing after Matt Kenseth wrecked him (2015)

Kenseth intentionally wrecked Logano out of anger, but Logano still advanced due to playoff math. The optics of the situation left fans furious.

6. Denny Hamlin missing the Championship 4 in 2020

Hamlin had one of the strongest seasons of his career before being eliminated in a single round. Fans felt consistency meant nothing anymore.

5. Chase Elliott winning the 2020 title

Elliott peaked at the right time and capitalized on the finale format. Critics argued others were better over the full season.

4. Martin Truex Jr. eliminated despite dominating Phoenix (2019)

Truex was arguably the fastest driver at Phoenix but had no title shot. Fans pointed to it as proof the system ignores performance.

3. Jeff Gordon being added back into the Chase (2013)

NASCAR changed the rules mid-playoffs to include Gordon after he was eliminated. Many fans said credibility was permanently damaged.

2. Kyle Larson losing the 2023 title after a historic season

Larson dominated the year statistically but left Phoenix without the championship. Fans called it the ultimate example of the playoff system failing.

1. Kevin Harvick being eliminated in 2020 after a dominant season

Harvick won nine races and led nearly every major stat category before being knocked out. To many fans, this moment defined everything wrong with the playoffs.