Joey Logano has never shied away from speaking his mind, but his latest comments about NASCAR’s playoff system have sparked a firestorm of criticism. The three-time Cup Series champion defended NASCAR’s playoffs format in blunt terms, igniting fresh debate about whether the current postseason structure truly rewards the best driver.
Since its introduction in 2014, the current elimination-style postseason has divided fans, drivers, and analysts into camps: Those who love the drama of a winner-take-all finale and those who believe the system lacks integrity. At the center of that storm now stands Logano, a driver who has thrived under the current format, winning all three of his championships.
Joey Logano Doubles Down on NASCAR’s Playoff Format
The controversy erupted when Logano recently dismissed concerns that the elimination-style system lacks legitimacy.
In an interview with veteran journalist Jeff Gluck, Logano said, “If you scored a bunch of points during a regular season and you didn’t make the Championship 4, shame on you. You had a head start, and you still couldn’t do it.”
“If you scored a bunch of points during a regular season and you didn’t make the Championship 4, shame on you. You had a head start, and you still couldn’t do it.
“Don’t say it’s not legit. You could have gone out there and won to get in. You didn’t.”https://t.co/kQP7rc99fJ
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) August 30, 2025
“Don’t say it’s not legit. You could have gone out there and won to get in. You didn’t,” he added.
While Logano framed his defense as a challenge for drivers to step up in big moments, the comments hit a nerve with fans who feel the format places too much emphasis on short bursts of success rather than consistent wins.
Also under NASCAR’s current playoff system, drivers can secure a postseason berth with a single race win, regardless of their performance over the 26-race regular season.
Social Media Fans Erupt After Logano’s Comments
The social media reaction to Logano’s comments was swift and unrelenting. Fans accused him of hypocrisy, noting that he was quick to defend a structure that had directly benefited him.
Others argued that his dismissive tone toward drivers who fall short of the Championship 4 ignored the randomness of wrecks, mechanical failures, or bad luck that can derail even the most dominant seasons.
Calling out his Championship wins, a NASCAR fan said, “If Logano said that, I’m not surprised. 3 fraudulent championships. Granted I fully believe he deserved to be champion in 2015.”
If Logano said that, I’m not surprised. 3 fraudulent championships. Granted I fully believe he deserved to be champion in 2015.
— Andrew (@Draft_AR) August 30, 2025
One fan sarcastically commented, “He’s right. It’s not his fault everyone else wasn’t good enough to average a 17th place finish. That’s just elite driving.”
He’s right. It’s not his fault everyone else wasn’t good enough to average a 17th place finish. That’s just elite driving.
— Seth (@Seth_Cole33) August 30, 2025
“3 gimmick championships tarnish the legitimate accomplishments of past champions of NASCAR,” another fan chimed in.
3 gimmick championships tarnish the legitimate accomplishments of past champions of NASCAR.
— Lake Toho Man (@bigtimehoo1) August 30, 2025
An outraged fan added, “He’s full of sh!t. Sorry, but trying to do a playoff in racing is wrong. It’s not head to head like the stick and ball sports. There’s 36 or so other cars that can get in the way and determine the outcome.”
He’s full of sh!t. Sorry but, trying to do a playoff in racing is wrong. It’s not head to head like the stick and ball sports. There’s 36 or so other cars that can get in the way and determine the outcome.
— John Kernan (@John_KernanIND) August 30, 2025
The divide is nothing new. Ever since NASCAR shifted from a full-season points championship to the playoff-style elimination format, debates have raged between traditionalists and newer fans of the sport.
Logano’s remarks have only fueled the fire. While he may see the system as the ultimate test of performance under pressure, certain fans argue it dilutes the meaning of the regular season.
