Joey Logano has once again proven himself as one of the most formidable drivers under pressure, clinching his third NASCAR Cup Series title. However, his triumph hasn’t escaped criticism, with some questioning the legitimacy of his victory under the current playoff format.
But the driver of the No. 22 car didn’t hold back in defending his championship, so let’s take a closer look at his fierce statements and how he secured his win.
Read more:
- F1 vs NASCAR: two drivers face off against NASCAR stars in a dirt track race that’s already legendary…
- The most famous TV host congratulates Alpine F1 Team drivers for their double podium in Brazil by giving them a surprising giftt!
A controversial yet effective NASCAR champion
Logano’s performance this season sparked debates, and for good reason: with an average finish of 17.1 across all races, he now holds the record for the lowest average finish for a NASCAR Cup champion. This figure even surpasses Ryan Blaney’s previous “record” last year, which stood at 14.1. Despite that, Logano expertly navigated the playoff system. Thanks to a regular-season win, he secured his spot in the finals, where he claimed three crucial victories — in the Round of 16, the Round of 8, and the Championship 4.
“We all know the rules from the start,” he reminded critics. “Everyone has the same chances. Those complaining should ask themselves why they couldn’t take advantage of them.” Honestly, he’s absolutely right. In competition, the rules are the same for everyone and clearly defined from the outset.
Playoffs tailored for modern sports
For Joey Logano, comparing NASCAR to sports like football or basketball is perfectly valid.
“In those sports, having a great regular season doesn’t guarantee a title,” he explained. “The playoff system creates high-pressure moments, those ‘do-or-die’ situations that fans love. Who would want a championship decided three races before the finale? That would be boring.” This format remains unique in motorsports. Take the 2023 Formula 1 season, for example, where Verstappen clinched the title long before the final race after a dominant year. While competitions like NHRA have used a playoff system since 2007, and Australian V8 Supercars will adopt a similar approach in 2025, most global series still operate on a cumulative points system throughout the season.
Logano defends NASCAR’s evolution and standing system
Joey Logano didn’t hide his frustration with ongoing criticism of the current format. For him, reverting to the old system would be a step backward. “Times change, and we have to adapt. NASCAR found a way to add suspense and keep fans engaged until the very end,” he emphasized. He also dismissed comparisons with the past, pointing out that races would play out differently if the rules were from another era. With three titles in the playoff era, Logano thrives under this system. And as he says with a grin: “I’ve got a shiny trophy, and I’m laughing all the way to the bank.” Classic Logano.
This article explores Joey Logano’s ability to thrive under pressure, the debate surrounding NASCAR’s playoff system, and how the series continues to evolve in the world of motorsport.
Featured image: NASCAR Media
