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

Joey Logano, the NASCAR driver, eagerly awaits the end of August. With the calendar change, the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs season arrives, a crucial moment for Logano. “It’s the most exhausting time, maybe the least enjoyable of the year,” Logano declared. “But it’s also when the reward is greatest, when you can show what you and your team are made of and create great moments. As a fan, you love it, but as a competitor, you must learn to love it because great things can happen, and bad things too, but the opportunity to achieve something big is what counts.” Logano, behind the wheel of the No. 22 Ford Mustang from Team Penske, is a three-time Cup Series champion, which has allowed him to embrace the postseason. His first title came in 2018, the second in 2022, and the third last year, solidifying him in the elite of the competition, alongside figures like Cale Yarborough, David Pearson, Lee Petty, Darrell Waltrip, and Tony Stewart.

Seeking the Fourth Title

Logano is now aiming for his fourth title, which would put him in an even more prominent position, alongside Jeff Gordon. “Four would be incredible. Three was something special, and it puts you in a very select group,” Logano admitted. “I still feel like I missed out on four or five titles that I should have won, and that frustrates me. I don’t look too far into the future, but it would be great. There’s always room for more.” Only Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jimmie Johnson have won more titles in the Cup Series, all with seven championships in their careers. Logano’s title defense begins with a similar feeling to 2024 and the 2018 season. He has experienced years in which he felt dominant in the regular season without achieving the championship, and others in which the regular season was discreet but culminated in the grand prize. Currently, Logano is in the second situation. Although he was not the most dominant driver in the regular season, with only one victory, he had opportunities that slipped through his hands. Despite this, his performance placed him in 12th place in the standings, securing his place in the postseason. The experience and perseverance of his team are key factors for Logano, who has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to excel when others give up on him.

“I think we’re really close to where we need to be,” Logano stated. “Our speed has improved and we’re in a position comparable to last year. Team Penske in general does a good job of rising to the occasion, which is very important. The 22 team can do as well, or even better than any other team, when it comes to people counting you out and then proving them wrong. I think we like that situation.” After Logano won the title after starting 15th in the regular season, a debate arose as to whether the best driver had won the championship. In the elimination era (2014 to the present), Logano is tied with Denny Hamlin for the most 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

NASCAR created a playoffs committee after the 2024 season due to the controversy generated by the format. Possible future changes are being discussed, such as the points structure, eliminations, and moving away from a single-race final. Logano is one of the drivers on the committee, along with former drivers, media partners, team owners, manufacturers, and track representatives. “I think there are ways to simplify it a little bit because I think it’s a little confusing to have two points systems, where there are the regular season points and then the playoff points and the playoff grid,” Logano said. “There are ways that have come up in those meetings that we can simplify, which I think is great. I think that’s good, and we can still achieve the same thing. I’d like that to happen. But I think to completely give up on what we’re doing and try something different, I don’t think that’s right either, because a few people complained.” Logano defends the emotion that the format generates with its “win or go home” moments and is ready to be a protagonist again in the coming months. “You won’t have a moment of the Super Bowl without a run, all or nothing. That’s what we have now.”