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Joey Logano Insists the Controversy Around the Current Championship Format Will Not Taint the Legacy of Its Champions

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 1:34 GMT by The Sports Rush

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Joey Logano Says the Current Championship Format Won’t Tarnish NASCAR’s Champions

In a recent interview, veteran driver Joey Logano addressed growing criticism of NASCAR’s playoff system and affirmed that the format’s controversies do not diminish the legacies of past and present champions. Logano, a three‑time Cup Series champion, has long been vocal about how the sport’s “Championship 4” format has evolved and what it means for driver legacy.

The Context of the Debate

Since NASCAR overhauled its playoff system in 2017, the sport has experimented with a tiered structure that culminates in a final “Championship 4” race. The format was designed to keep competition alive until the very last lap of the season. However, it has also sparked debate among drivers, teams, and fans. Critics argue that the system sometimes rewards luck over skill, while supporters contend that it injects excitement into a traditionally long, mid‑season‑driven sport.

Logano’s comments come after a season of mixed results for many of the sport’s top competitors. The 2023 and 2024 Cup Series seasons saw a flurry of playoff drama—including the introduction of “Crossover” races, a “lucky dog” rule for the final rounds, and a sudden‑death playoff format. In the 2024 Daytona 500, Logano’s win under the new system brought fresh attention to the playoff structure.

Logano’s Take on the Legacy of Champions

When asked whether the current playoff format casts a shadow over the achievements of Cup champions, Logano was unequivocal: “It doesn’t. A championship is a championship. The way it’s earned doesn’t matter to the legacy. We all earned it the hard way.”

Logano referenced the accomplishments of NASCAR legends such as Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon. He noted that these drivers secured championships during eras when the sport operated under entirely different rules, yet their names remain etched in history. According to Logano, the integrity of a championship should be judged by the driver’s performance throughout the season, not by the format used to decide the final race.

“People want to talk about the playoff structure, but the question should be: did the driver prove they were the best in the season?” Logano added. “That’s what matters.”

Addressing the Controversy

While Logano dismissed the notion that the playoff format tarnishes champion legacies, he did not shy away from pointing out the format’s flaws. In particular, he highlighted the “lucky dog” rule—an automatic pass for the first driver to cross the line with the highest number of laps behind the leader in the playoff’s final stages. Logano argued that the rule can undermine a driver’s strategic approach and alter race dynamics in ways that feel arbitrary.

He also criticized the “Championship 4” race for sometimes producing outcomes that feel more accidental than earned. “It’s all about who’s ahead when the clock starts to tick down,” he said. “You could have a driver who’s raced the entire season consistently lose the title because they’re one lap down in the final race.”

Logano suggested a few adjustments: a “crossover” format that incorporates a head‑to‑head challenge, a more robust “playoff points” system that rewards consistency, and a transparent “rulebook” that clearly explains playoff dynamics. He emphasized that the changes should preserve the sport’s competitive edge while ensuring fairness.

Industry Response

The comments came at a time when NASCAR’s top executives are reviewing the playoff system. In a press release, NASCAR CEO Jay Robinson said, “We’re listening to everyone—drivers, teams, and fans—about how the playoff format is working.” The release also mentioned that the organization is studying data from the 2023 season to evaluate potential rule adjustments.

Other drivers weighed in. Kyle Larson, who finished third in the 2024 standings, echoed Logano’s concern about the “lucky dog” rule. “It can change the whole complexion of the race,” Larson said. Meanwhile, rookie driver Aric Almirola, who has expressed frustration about the playoff system, noted that the format “does create excitement but it can also be frustrating when the rules come into play.”

The Road Ahead

Logano’s comments reflect a broader conversation about how sports evolve while staying true to their core values. While the debate over NASCAR’s playoff format continues, the consensus among veteran drivers appears to be that the prestige of a championship is rooted in a driver’s skill, perseverance, and consistency, rather than the mechanics of the playoff system.

For fans and newcomers alike, the sport’s future will likely depend on striking the right balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation. Whether NASCAR ultimately revises its playoff format will be a story to watch in the coming seasons, but Logano’s reassurance—“a championship is a championship”—underscores that, at its heart, NASCAR remains a sport that rewards talent above all else.