As speculation grows around the possibility of a Joey Logano fourth NASCAR Cup title, industry insiders are raising concerns that a repeat of last year’s playoff outcome could lead to significant unrest and possible changes in the sport’s championship system. Discussions among NASCAR experts highlight mounting tension, especially with Logano entering the playoffs in 12th position and carrying only a single regular-season win into the postseason.
Joey Logano’s third Cup title, secured with a similar late-season surge, stirred debate throughout NASCAR regarding the validity of the current playoff format. After Logano’s championship run, calls intensified for the format to give greater weight to regular season performance. NASCAR officials acknowledged these concerns, confirming that internal discussions about potentially revising the system were taking place, fueled by feedback from both fans and insiders.
For the 2024 season, Logano again reached the playoffs with only one victory and minimal playoff points, yet managed to clinch the Cup by winning three of the eliminator rounds. This sequence of events not only underscored his clutch racing ability but also reignited debates surrounding fairness and competition within the playoffs. Should Logano replicate this performance in 2025, the outcry is expected to be even louder, with prominent voices such as podcast hosts Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck weighing in on the potential fallout.
Offering his perspective, Gluck commented:
“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
According to Bianchi and Gluck, if Logano does win a fourth Cup, he will match the legendary Jeff Gordon and surpass champions Tony Stewart, David Pearson, and Cale Yarborough in championship count. Bianchi humorously suggested that in such a scenario, NASCAR chairman Jim France might step in during the title celebration to announce a sudden shift in the playoff system, highlighting the level of controversy the outcome could generate.
Logano’s Performances Draw Praise From Fellow Drivers
Respect from his peers continues to reinforce Joey Logano’s place in Cup history. After Logano’s remarkable drive at Richmond, where he fought back from the rear of the field to a top-five finish, former Cup champion Kevin Harvick was quick to recognize his form heading into the playoffs.
“It’s happening again. Here we go,”
Harvick claimed. —Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Driver
Harvick pointed out that several playoff venues—like Kansas and Las Vegas—typically suit Team Penske’s strengths. He noted that seeing all three Penske drivers finish in the top five at Richmond serves as a strong indicator of the organization’s competitiveness as the postseason approaches. Harvick also mentioned Logano’s adversity during the race, including practice issues and an untimely flat tire, which did not prevent Logano from finishing ahead of many rivals.
The following week, Logano’s teammate Ryan Blaney took victory at Daytona, reinforcing Team Penske’s reputation for peaking at crucial times and reminding competitors not to overlook their potential as the playoffs unfold.
What Could Happen if Logano Secures a Fourth Title?
If Joey Logano claims a fourth NASCAR Cup championship, the current playoff system could face unprecedented scrutiny. NASCAR may feel compelled to restructure its format, especially if widespread backlash follows. The debate over how regular-season achievements factor into playoff success would likely intensify, potentially leading to changes in the rules for future seasons. This critical period could see major adjustments introduced, particularly if another late surge by Logano shifts the sport’s championship narrative once again.
