Joey Logano’s path to a possible fourth NASCAR Cup title has sparked debate among insiders about a significant shift in the sport’s playoff system. Entering the playoffs ranked 12th with only one regular season win, Logano defied expectations by rallying to win three more races and clinch his third championship last season. This scenario has ignited speculation on how a repeat—his fourth title—could influence NASCAR’s established playoff format.
After Logano’s third championship stirred controversy surrounding the playoff structure, NASCAR acknowledged ongoing evaluations of the system amid calls to assign greater weight to regular season points. Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi, hosts of the Teardown podcast, recently discussed the ramifications if Logano secures his fourth title in 2025, noting it could mark the final year for the current playoff configuration.
Gluck remarked on the potential for Logano’s continued success to be a “format killer,” suggesting that this year could be the last under the Phoenix playoff setup. He predicted a dramatic reaction from fans and insiders alike, with debates about the format intensifying as Logano ties Jeff Gordon with four championships, surpassing legends like Tony Stewart, David Pearson, and Cale Yarborough.
“It always is the most NASCAR thing to happen and because this could be the format killer. I think that Logano, this is the last year of Phoenix. This is potentially the last year of this playoff format. We don’t know if they’re going to change it or not. Logano is going to go out with a bang. He’s going to win another championship. I mean, people are going to lose their minds. Be great. It’s going to be the absolute meltdown. They’re going to be, everybody’s gonna spend the rest of his career saying, ‘Asterisk this and asterisk that.’ He’s going to be four time.” —Jeff Gluck, Podcast Host
Bianchi humorously suggested that NASCAR’s chairman, Jim France, might even pause Logano’s celebrations to announce an immediate revision to the playoff rules if such a scenario unfolds, underscoring the potential upheaval a fourth title could trigger.
Kevin Harvick Praises Logano’s Resilience at Richmond
Veteran NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick expressed admiration for Joey Logano’s remarkable performance at Richmond Raceway, where Logano recovered from setbacks to finish in the top five, signaling his readiness for the playoffs. Despite issues during practice and a flat tire during the race, Logano demonstrated resilience and competitive strength.
“It’s happening again. Here we go,” —Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Driver
Harvick highlighted the dominance of Team Penske on tracks featured in the playoffs, including Kansas and Las Vegas, pointing to Richmond as evidence of their continued strength with three Penske drivers finishing among the top five. He noted that Logano’s ability to overcome adversity and deliver strong results exemplifies why Team Penske remains a formidable force as the championship approaches.
Following Richmond, Logano’s teammate Ryan Blaney secured a win at Daytona, reinforcing the team’s powerful momentum at crucial moments of the season.
Implications of a Fourth Title and NASCAR’s Future Format
Joey Logano’s pursuit of a fourth Cup championship carries significant implications for NASCAR’s playoff system, already under scrutiny after last season’s outcomes. If Logano’s success continues, it could accelerate NASCAR’s plans to rethink the balance between regular season performance and playoff results, potentially leading to a major overhaul of the format.
As the sport weighs these possible changes, Logano’s achievements and the performances of Team Penske drivers add drama and intensity to the championship battle. The coming season may not only redefine Logano’s legacy but also reshape how NASCAR crowns its future champions.
