Joey Logano, the three-time Cup Series champion, faces a challenging task as he embarks on defending his 2024 championship title. His journey began with a disappointing showing at Darlington on Sunday, where he finished 20th after starting from 14th, signaling difficulties in his attempt to maintain dominance this season.
During the Cook Out Southern 500, Logano encountered unexpected handling issues with his No. 22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, which hampered his performance. Reflecting on the race, he shared his frustrations, saying,
We just didn’t go fast. Just couldn’t get a handle on the car. Either the front was plowing or the rear was loose, and sometimes I had both at the same time. It’s not what we were expecting.
—Joey Logano, driver
Darlington has historically been a strong track for Logano, often producing solid finishes that gave fans hope of a top-10 result. The recent outcome, therefore, came as a shock to both Logano and his team, casting uncertainty over their position. Now, Logano sits three points below the cutoff for the Round of 12 elimination line, with the upcoming races at World Wide Technology Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway critical for his playoff survival.
Despite the setback, Logano’s track record offers some optimism. He has secured a win at Gateway in the past and generally maintains a reliable finish rate. Team Penske’s history of perseverance under pressure further fuels belief that Logano can still advance through the playoff stages.
Logano’s Stance on the Current NASCAR Playoff System
Following his 2024 Cup Series victory, numerous voices within the NASCAR community called for changes to the playoff format, which many consider overly reliant on chance. NASCAR has acknowledged these calls and is reviewing the system, but no definitive changes have been announced.
Veteran drivers like Mark Martin have been outspoken advocates for replacing the current format with one perceived as fairer. In response, Logano has defended the system, fully aware that his view might be controversial among fans and critics. In a recent interview with Jeff Gluck, he remarked,
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.
—Joey Logano, driver
This assertive defense underscores Logano’s belief that success requires rising to the challenge during key moments in the playoffs. However, detractors might interpret his defense as an attempt to legitimize a championship won under rules they view as flawed. Regardless, Logano’s perspective highlights the intensity and urgency with which he approaches his 2024 Championship Defense.
