Joey Logano, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, sparked controversy once again with his remarks about the sport’s playoff format during a test at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Tuesday. While NASCAR has returned to a chase-style playoff system, Logano openly expressed his appreciation for the previous elimination playoff format, which has led to widespread criticism from fans.
Fan Backlash Over Logano’s Comments on the Playoff System
Logano stated,
“Personally, I was one of the rare people who liked the old one just from a fan perspective,”
and added,
“I enjoyed it, but if the majority doesn’t like that, then, sure, we’ll change it and we’ll go race another way, and that’s OK with me, too.”
All three of his championship titles were earned under the former elimination format, which many fans blame for some controversial outcomes.
His 2024 championship became a focal point for detractors who felt his limited regular-season success—entering the playoffs 15th with just one win—made his title run undeserved in the eyes of many supporters. One fan posted a clip of Logano’s remarks with the caption:
“I liked the old format – The guy who benefitted the most from it.”
The response was swift and severe. A tweet mocking Logano publicly compared his preference to a biased vendor, stating,
“Cheese is the best thing you can eat! Healthiest food there is”
– guy who sells cheese.” Another fan aimed criticism at both Logano and fellow Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney, calling them “Undeserving champions!”
The fans’ discontent escalated further.
“Of course, Joey benefited from it. He got handed 3 championships. Prime example of an undeserving champion and 3 stolen champions!”
another user asserted. Another comment added,
“Seriously. The biggest playoff merchant there was sure as hell will miss it,”
suggesting Logano himself would struggle under the new playoff rules.
How the New Chase Playoff Format Changes the Dynamics
The revised playoff system resets the points of the top 16 drivers before the final ten races, a setup similar to the one used between 2004 and 2013 before NASCAR introduced eliminations. Logano mentioned that this format places greater emphasis on consistent performance rather than clutch playoff results.
He explained,
“The bad days are going to be harder to recover,”
and added,
“Consistency is going to pay off more.”
Highlighting the challenge ahead, he noted,
“If you’re 12th or so going into the playoffs, I don’t think you can win it from that far back. You’re going to have to be really, really, really good, really special to do that.”
Logano’s Complex Reputation in NASCAR Culture
Hailing from Connecticut, Logano has been a polarizing figure in NASCAR for years, earning a reputation as the sport’s villain. His career has included disputes with drivers such as Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth, Tony Stewart, Martin Truex Jr., and Aric Almirola. These rivalries and his outspoken nature have made him a driver many fans love to criticize.
As NASCAR moves forward with its playoff changes, Logano’s backing of the old system highlights ongoing debates within the sport about how to balance competition, fairness, and fan engagement in determining a champion.
“Personally, I liked the old [format].”
3x Champ @joeylogano was a fan of the old format, but is alright with NASCAR moving back to The Chase 🏆 pic.twitter.com/PL9VV2Hx7X
— PRN (@PRNlive) January 13, 2026
"I liked the old format"
~The guy who benefitted the most from it https://t.co/U6xblKo0mo
— D O N D E R (R.I.P Biffle) (@DonderLeNasHawk) January 13, 2026
“Cheese is the best thing you can eat! Healthiest food there is”
-guy who sells cheese.
— S1apSh0es (@S1apSh0es) January 13, 2026
Him and Blaney both! Undeserving champions!
— Ryan Taylor (@Rjt3and8Win) January 13, 2026
Of course, Joey benefited from it. He got handed 3 championships. Prime example of an undeserving champion and 3 stolen champions! #TheChase #NASCAR
— Lar5on Fan (@Lar5onFan) January 14, 2026
Seriously. The biggest playoff merchant there was sure as hell will miss it.
— ACS Racing Network (@ACS_onYouTube24) January 13, 2026
