Logano, NASCAR Playoffs King, Defends Format: “It’s Exciting”

NASCAR driver Joey Logano is in his favorite time of year: the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. A moment he considers “the most grueling, perhaps the most unpleasant,” but also “the one with the biggest reward.” Logano, who drives the number 22 Ford Mustang for Team Penske, has won three Cup Series championships. His first title came in 2018, the second in 2022, and the third last year, which puts him in an elite group alongside figures like Cale Yarborough, David Pearson, Lee Petty, Darrell Waltrip, and Tony Stewart.

Looking at a Fourth Title

The driver is aiming for a fourth title, which would place him in an even more exclusive company, alongside Jeff Gordon. “Four would be incredible,” Logano commented with a laugh. “Three was something special, and it puts you in a pretty elite group. Although I would also be frustrated for not having won four or five more championships.” The only drivers with more titles in the Cup Series are Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jimmie Johnson, all with seven championships in their careers. Logano’s title defense begins with a similar feeling to 2024 and, as he himself points out, to the 2018 season. There have been years when he felt he had an incredible regular season, but didn’t win the championship. He’s also had years where the regular season wasn’t outstanding, but ended up taking the grand prize. Currently, Logano is in the last situation. Although he was not the most dominant driver during the regular season, with only one victory, he had other opportunities that slipped away. The first 26 races were enough for Logano to be placed in 12th place in the championship standings, and that’s where the postseason began. The reason Logano loves this time of year is that, regardless of his position in the standings, he and his team, whom he praises for their experience and perseverance, have shown time and again that they rise to the occasion when others count them out.

“I think we’re really close to where we need to be,” Logano said. “I think our speed has improved. We’re in a comparable place to where we were last year. Team Penske in general does a good job of rising to the occasion, which is very important.” After Logano won the title, a debate arose as to whether the defending champion was a deserving winner. In the elimination era, from 2014 to the present, Logano is tied with Denny Hamlin for appearances in the Round of 8 (nine) and leads all drivers with the most appearances in the Championship 4 (six). With three championships, Logano has the most of any active driver in the Cup Series. In addition, Logano leads all active drivers with the most playoff wins, with 15.

I love it. I know people say, ‘Oh, it’s because it works for you.’ I know. Sure. But I think it’s very exciting.

Joey Logano

Logano is part of the NASCAR playoff committee, which includes former drivers, media partners, team owners, manufacturers, and track representatives, as well as independent media. Logano supports the playoff format, and believes that simplifying it could be beneficial. “I think there are ways we can simplify it a little bit because I think it’s a little confusing to have two point systems where there are regular season points and then playoff points and the playoff grid,” Logano said. “I think it’s good, and we can still achieve the same thing.” Logano is ready to be the protagonist in the next two months.