Joey Logano recently addressed criticisms surrounding his third NASCAR Cup Series championship, particularly those questioning the playoff format. Critics argued that Logano’s performance, with the worst average finish for a Cup champion (17.1), undermined the title’s legitimacy. Logano countered by emphasizing the strategic nature of the current system, which rewards execution at pivotal moments rather than season-long dominance.
Logano and his crew chief, Paul Wolfe, defended their success, explaining that they simply followed NASCAR’s rules. Logano highlighted the excitement generated by the playoff format, contrasting it with the old system, which often crowned champions prematurely. Both insisted that adjusting their approach for a different format would have been feasible but unnecessary under the current structure.
Logano’s late-season surge, highlighted by strong playoff performances, secured his title. He urged critics to focus on improving the format rather than undermining his and his team’s accomplishments. Ultimately, he reinforced his status as a three-time champion and defended the playoff system as an enhancement to the sport’s drama and competition.
