NASCAR reportedly open to changing controversial playoff system following Joey Logano’s third championship

NASCAR driver Joey Logano clinched his third Cup Series title with a victory at Phoenix Raceway’s Championship Race. Following his win, rumors have surfaced from a NASCAR insider indicating that the organization may consider a change in the playoff format. This would mark a significant change, as the current format has been around for nearly two decades.

Joey Logano pilots the #22 Ford for Team Penske, competing full-time in the Cup Series. In his Cup career, the Connecticut native has amassed 36 race wins in over 570 race starts. However, the elimination-style playoff format has benefitted the #22 driver significantly. All three of his titles follow a pattern. If Logano wins the Round of 8 opener, he eventually gets his hands on the title. This has happened in all three of his championship seasons(2018, 2022, 2024).

Recently, Sports Business Journal's Adam Stern shared that NASCAR is reportedly in the process of reviewing the current playoff format. Stern wrote(via SBJ):

"NASCAR will review its playoff format this offseason and changes are possible as soon as next year, though a larger overhaul may need to wait until 2026 if it ends up being pursued, sources say."

After explaining the current playoff format using Joey Logano's performance in the 2024 season, the SBJ journalist added:

"Logano broke the record for having the lowest average finishing position for a champion in NASCAR history at 17.1, according to media reports. That unleashed a torrent of commentary on the topic on social media[...]COO Steve O’Donnell and President Steve Phelps defended this year’s crop of final-four drivers and the concept of playoffs overall, but O’Donnell for the first time conceded that NASCAR would be open to reviewing the format. NASCAR VP/Competition Elton Sawyer reiterated that during an interview Tuesday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, without getting into specifics."

Meanwhile, drivers like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson, who have a statistical advantage over Joey Logano, miss out on their chance to win a title. This can seem 'unfair' to certain fans and notable athletes, stirring up controversy and a mutual dislike towards the current playoff format.

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Ryan Blaney responds to Team Penske criticism amid Joey Logano clinching 2024 title

Joey Logano's Penske teammate Ryan Blaney snapped back at the criticism his team has received after Joey Logano secured the third consecutive title for Team Penske on Sunday.

Ryan Blaney, who was the defending champion for the 2024 title, finished the season in an overall P2. Despite missing out on the chance to secure back-to-back titles, a feat that hasn't been witnessed since Jimmie Johnson's five-peat from 2006-2010, Blaney defended his team and teammates from the harsh criticism they have been receiving(via NASCAR on X, formerly Twitter)

All of our employees have to sit around and listen to people saying that we suck and we don’t deserve to be here and why are they in the playoffs and all that ****… and we’ve won the last three championships," Blaney said.

While the current playoff format invites criticism across NASCAR, Team Penske has been thriving in the sport. The team also created history as both drivers finished the Championship Race in P1 and P2.