Joey Logano, well-known for his consistent pursuit of racing success, has made it clear that his primary target for the 2025 playoffs remains the same: securing another championship. As the Penske driver prepares for the crucial Round of 8, Logano emphasized his unwavering approach in an interview recently circulated on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, underscoring his relentless Joey Logano championship mindset.
Currently, Logano finds himself in a challenging position in the standings, ranked eighth with 4008 points—24 below the crucial cutoff. With only a few weeks left before the final four championship contenders are decided, each race carries added significance for the veteran driver, who has clinched three championships across his celebrated career in NASCAR’s top series.
Determined Focus Regardless of Past Victories
Logano’s dedication to victory remains undiminished, independent of his previous title wins or last season’s results. He addressed his goal with clear intent, sharing his straightforward approach and the mindset that has driven him to continued prominence. In Logano’s own words,
“I am as simple-minded as it comes when it comes to what the goal is. It’s always to win the championship,”
Joey Logano said.
“It doesn’t matter what you did last year, it doesn’t matter how many (championships) you have. The goal is still the same, and you have to do whatever it takes to get there.”
– Joey Logano, Series Champion
He further reinforced his perspective on chasing championships no matter how formats evolve or until his driving days are done:
“Until I am done driving race cars, that is forever going to be the goal. No matter the format, no matter anything else, the goal is always to win that because that is the biggest prize, period. Hands down, the championship is what it’s all about. It’s what you’re measured by at the end of your career,”
he added. – Joey Logano, Series Champion
Playoff Hopes Rest on Performance at Las Vegas
As the next round of playoffs approaches, Logano enters the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as the defending winner, aiming to solidify his place among the top competitors. With 32 races completed this season, Logano’s record includes six top-five finishes and 10 top-10s, as well as a notable victory at Texas Motor Speedway earlier this year.
Joining Logano from Team Penske in the Round of 8 is Ryan Blaney, who sits second in the standings and will also be contending in the high-stakes, 267-lap Las Vegas event. The upcoming race will be vital for both, as only the most consistent performers in the playoff format will advance closer to the championship title.
Defending NASCAR’s Playoff Structure Amidst Debate
There has been considerable discussion among fans and analysts about NASCAR’s current elimination-style playoff format, with some critics questioning whether the existing 3-3-3-1 segment design properly rewards the most deserving drivers over the 36-race schedule. Logano’s own championship run last year—achieved with an average finish of 17.1, the lowest for any titleholder—has fueled the debate, especially as drivers like Kyle Larson, who led the series in wins, missed out on a shot at the finale in Phoenix.
In a recent interview after racing at Charlotte, Logano addressed the format directly:
“The playoffs create drama. It creates storylines. It creates awesome moments like that. I don’t understand what people don’t like about it. I really don’t get it.”
– Joey Logano, Series Champion
Reflecting on Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen dominating the ROVAL, Logano emphasized the excitement the system brings to the sport:
“If you don’t have cutoff races and things like that, what are you even talking about today? How Shane waxed everyone’s butt? That’s what you want? I’m just saying, this playoff format is wicked.”
– Joey Logano, Series Champion
Looking Ahead to the Next Playoff Chapter
This weekend marks the start of the Round of 8 at Las Vegas, a pivotal race for those still in championship contention. Fans can tune in to the live broadcast on USA or listen to exclusive radio coverage via PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio beginning October 12 at 5:30 pm ET. As the field narrows and high-intensity battles unfold, Joey Logano remains steadfast in his pursuit of another championship, demonstrating the commitment and drive that have defined his NASCAR legacy thus far.
The events of these concluding weeks will not only shape the immediate playoff landscape but may also influence long-term conversations about racing formats, driver legacies, and the enduring appeal of the Cup Series for both competitors and fans alike.
The goal is simple for @joeylogano. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/47yMwFE7fV
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 8, 2025
