Joey Logano has learned to block out months of criticism and skepticism surrounding his third Cup Series championship. Detractors who question whether he truly deserved the title in 2024 don’t seem to faze him.
“I don’t hear it because my trophies just kind of echo around me,” Logano joked during a media Zoom call on Wednesday.
His third title, won in November, reignited discussions about NASCAR’s playoff format and whether it consistently crowns the most deserving champion. Logano’s 2024 season, while successful, didn’t make him the clear-cut favorite. He secured four wins and 13 top-10 finishes but was rarely the dominant driver throughout the 37-race season.
He also caught some major breaks. His victory at Nashville came after stretching his fuel to the limit through five overtimes, just to secure a playoff spot. He was even eliminated in the second round before being reinstated when Alex Bowman’s car failed inspection.
The playoff format has faced criticism, with some drivers pushing for changes, including rotating the championship race location instead of keeping it at Phoenix Raceway. However, Logano sees no reason to adjust the system.
“The playoffs are exciting,” he said, likening it to other sports where teams get hot at the right time and win it all. “Getting through those 10 races to win the championship isn’t easy… We’ve been one of those teams that peaks at the right time, and it’s worked for us three times.”
NASCAR has confirmed that the current playoff format will remain unchanged for 2025, though officials plan to evaluate it for potential modifications in the future. Some drivers, like William Byron, believe a fresh approach is necessary.
“I think it’s worth reviewing and likely adjusting down the road,” Byron said. “We’ve fallen into a pattern of racing at the same tracks leading up to the finale, and it’s becoming predictable. But sports have that nature—look at the Chiefs hosting the AFC Championship every year.”
Penske Racing has dominated recently, with Logano and teammate Ryan Blaney winning the last three titles, all in Phoenix. With NASCAR making bold scheduling changes—like relocating the Clash and the All-Star Race—it wouldn’t be surprising to see the championship finale shift venues.
For now, Logano is focused on winning a fourth championship, aiming to join legends like Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jimmie Johnson, and Richard Petty in NASCAR’s history books.
“I won’t be satisfied until I’m done racing,” Logano admitted. “Winning another title would help silence any remaining critics.”
