NASCAR COO Steve O'Donnell sends clear message on NASCAR's future format adjustments

NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Steve O'Donnell shared his thoughts on the current playoffs format. As Joey Logano claimed the 2024 Cup Series Championship at Phoenix this year, the governing body has been criticized for the playoff format.

Renowned motorsport journalist Adam Stern recently took to his official X account to share O'Donnell's latest statement on the possible format change. He wrote that the NASCAR COO hinted that the governing body would only consider a change if it was in the sport's best interest.

"What I would say is that we'll have an industry working group that will take a look at is already taking a look at the playoffs. The great thing about our system is that this evolved through discussions with the industry – everyone had input to the product and the format that you see today and that will continue."

"We'll look at different ideas, and if we can make tweaks to enhance it we certainly will do that, but we're not going to do it unless we feel like it's in the best interest of the sport and really drives even more engagement from our fans," O'Donnell added.

Notably, the NASCAR COO's statement has come amid criticism of the governing body after Team Penske's victory in the 2024 Cup Series, where Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing failed to compete in the end despite dominating throughout the season.

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Why is NASCAR's current format facing criticism?

NASCAR's current playoff format is being criticized for multiple reasons. For example, winning one race allows a driver to qualify for the playoffs, whereas a driver who has been consistent throughout the season but may not have won a race, is not guaranteed a playoffs entry.

A driver who may not have performed consistently during the season but performs in the latter stages could end up winning the title, as happened with Ryan Blaney last year and Joey Logano this year. Both Team Penske drivers' average finish position was comparatively poor to the other top contenders in their respective seasons.

Joey Logano (22) next to his car and trophy - Source: Imagn

Lastly, the regular season championship barely puts a driver into an advantageous position. Therefore, winning more races or amassing maximum points is only limited to the regular season as points reset going into the playoffs.

Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing won the regular season championship this season, but he ended the season in fourth place, behind Logano, Blaney, and Hendrick Motorsports' William Byron. Kyle Larson, the driver with maximum wins (six) did not even qualify for the Championship 4.