NASCAR's playoff era has been a rollercoaster ride, with a series of controversial moments that have left fans and media alike scratching their heads. The Phoenix race weekend was a prime example of this, with a confusing, emotional, and strange championship that left many feeling disappointed and robbed of a moment they expected and wanted. Corey Heim's victory was a relief, but the road to it was fraught with controversy. Jesse Love's upset win over Connor Zilisch was a shame for both drivers, with Love's title being questioned and maligned. The emotions on Saturday were high, with tears of sadness and joy, and a feeling of dirtiness that lingered among fans and viewers. The playoff system has stripped away the joy of the end of a season, and has made a fanbase feel robbed and cheated. The controversy continued on Sunday, with Denny Hamlin's loss to Kyle Larson in a late restart, leaving fans with a melancholy taste in their mouths. The playoff system has fundamentally changed the course of the sport, and not for the better. NASCAR's own system has done more damage, with drivers struggling to get approved for FIA-sanctioned series. The story should have been about two young champions and a wily veteran, but instead, we got a championship that felt like NASCAR got it right by accident, and two where they got it wrong in two completely different ways. NASCAR needs to turn back the clock to a full-season championship, no overtime, and a desire to let the drivers and teams control their own destiny. The long-term health of the sport depends on it.
