In a recent edition of his podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. offered a nuanced take on the ongoing Joey Logano NASCAR playoff debate, addressing the sport’s playoff system and Logano’s standing as a champion. Earnhardt Jr., speaking with spotter TJ Majors, balanced respect for Logano’s achievements with calls for changes in the championship format, reflecting ongoing tensions within the NASCAR community.
Earnhardt Jr. Explores How NASCAR’s Championship is Decided
During a detailed discussion, Dale Earnhardt Jr. – who holds strong ties to NASCAR’s tradition – acknowledged the complexity of the current Cup Series championship system. He noted that while he values established customs, he also recognizes the accomplishments of three-time and defending champion Joey Logano, whose career has unfolded under these modern playoff rules. The conversation, taking place with TJ Majors on this week’s “Dale Jr Download,” was sparked by Logano’s recent comments at Playoff Media Day, highlighting the drama and intensity created by the format.
The playoff structure, which has evolved over time, aims to keep both competitors and fans fully engaged. Joey Logano’s own perspective was clear:
“As a fan, I want to see (drivers) scared, and our playoff system now does that,”
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Logano added that success under this system earns respect, reinforcing that the system rewards those who thrive under pressure while dismissing complaints about legitimacy:
“But don’t say it’s not legit. You could have gone out there and won to get in. You didn’t. Just because it didn’t work for you, it doesn’t mean change the rules.”
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Perspective on Logano’s Titles and the Playoff System
Earnhardt responded by addressing the nuance in evaluating Logano’s achievements. While supporting the legitimacy of Logano’s victories, he expressed a desire to see something different in the future. Earnhardt emphasized that each era of NASCAR has produced champions through unique circumstances, whether related to changes in playoff points or competitive dynamics:
“You can believe that Joey Logano is a legitimate champion and still believe that the playoffs should be different,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Legend
“I think that Joey is a legitimate champion. I think that Joey’s trophies that he has in his possession are as cool and real and as historic as any other champion in our series ever, right? All through the history of NASCAR, every championship has been won under a different set of circumstances, whether it be how the playoff points are tallied, whether it be the competition level.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Legend
Earnhardt pointed to the contrast between the lack of parity in NASCAR during the 1970s and the heightened competitiveness of today to underline that the debate extends far beyond the playoff format alone. He argued that the evolution of the sport means each championship stands alone in its context.
The Evolution and Impact of NASCAR’s Modern Playoff Setup
The current format, designed for excitement and unpredictability, has produced results that sometimes place drivers in tight scenarios heading into the season’s final races. Earnhardt used his own experience to highlight how a single win can dramatically alter a driver’s championship prospects. Last year, he noted, a competitor could move from outside the top-10 to contending for the title after just one race win, which he credited to the structure of the system:
“He went from how many races out of the points lead to like one and then they get erased after each round,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Legend
“That’s the way I see it. This system definitely benefits (him because he) went from eight races behind the leader in points to one race. I mean, that’s nice. Then you end the season with some strong races for your company or your team and he is arguably the best at this system. He knows how to grind out every single point and take those …”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Legend
Earnhardt also highlighted how unusual circumstances, such as Logano’s advancement to the Round of 8 after initially being eliminated and then reinstated due to Alex Bowman’s failed post-race inspection, demonstrate the benefits and limitations of the current playoff model.
Potential Changes to the Championship Format and Their Implications
Earnhardt revealed that the possibility of changes to the NASCAR Cup Series playoff format has become a subject of growing discussion within the sport. While nothing is expected for the 2026 season, he speculated that officials might eventually introduce a multi-race championship round, potentially involving three or four decisive events. Still, he stressed that this shift would not diminish Logano’s record or his three titles in the past seven years:
“Joey can go to bed feeling comfortable and confident,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Legend
“I know people use him as an example as to why we need change. It’s a good example to use but he did win it. He does have the trophy.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Legend
Earnhardt even referenced NASCAR history, pointing out that previous champions such as Benny Parsons and Matt Kenseth claimed their titles in eras with very different criteria. Parsons triumphed in 1973 with just a single lead lap finish, and Kenseth earned his championship in 2003 despite only one win. Earnhardt openly acknowledged his own fondness for studying hypothetical full-season points tables while understanding that today’s drivers race with different incentives, especially with stage points in play. He also noted the emotional nostalgia for an era when a single DNF or win could define a long championship battle.
The Search for an Ideal NASCAR Playoff Model
Reflecting on the broader quest for fairness and excitement, Earnhardt observed that it is unlikely any system will be deemed perfect by all corners of the sport. However, he identified a growing consensus for extending the championship round to incorporate more races, believing this approach could provide a fairer way to determine the title winner:
“There never will be a perfect playoff format, never,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Legend
“But we all do seem to think that there needs to be a little bit bigger of a sample size of final races for that final round, and I think that’s probably what we’re gonna get.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Legend
As the debate continues, key figures like Joey Logano, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and others remain central to the conversation about the future of the championship, the nature of competition, and how the achievements of today’s champions are viewed within the evolving landscape of the NASCAR Cup Series.
