Joey Logano, the reigning NASCAR champion, has spoken openly about his position regarding the ongoing debate over the playoff system, confirming his indifference to any possible changes despite controversies in the sport. His stance on the current playoff format, described in various outlets as the “Joey Logano playoff format stance,” reflects his belief that the format does not diminish the value of a championship, regardless of how the winner is decided.
Ongoing Debate Over NASCAR’s Championship System
The playoff format used in NASCAR has become a hot topic among fans, drivers, and the broader racing community. While a significant portion of fans are calling for a return to the full-season points system that once determined champions, a vocal minority continues to support the playoff format currently in use. Joey Logano, who has earned three championships under the playoff system, is at the heart of this conversation, as the format has played a substantial role in his success.
Logano has faced criticism from some who believe the newer format diminishes the credibility of championship titles. However, he has always defended the structure, consistently pointing out that the rules apply equally to all competitors. His recent remarks on the Rubbin is Racing podcast further emphasized his untroubled approach to the format debate, expressing that he remains focused solely on the pursuit of victory, not on how the system may be perceived by others.
“You want me to be honest with you? Yeah. I don’t care. Doesn’t matter. I don’t care. Because you know why? Their trophy’s the same size, the check’s the same size, and the stat still says champion.
Joey Logano said via Rubbin is Racing.”
Championships Recognized, Regardless of Format
Throughout his career, Logano has maintained that all drivers begin each season with the same rules, underscoring that his titles are as worthy as those won under different systems. According to him, succeeding under the given regulations is what truly matters and what ultimately defines a champion.
“The rules are the rules, right? Like, they were given to everybody. We all started at zero in Daytona, and everybody’s found their way to get this far. The rules are the rules, and we just got to play them from there. So, to me, a champion’s not any different, depending on the format, to me.
Joey Logano added.”
The Team Penske Racing driver has openly acknowledged that some observers believe his positive view of the playoffs is biased due to his own achievements. Still, he insists that no matter what format is used, the winner deserves the same recognition and respect. For Logano, winning championships under the existing system does not diminish their significance compared to the sport’s earlier eras.
“I know. I know. Everybody’s going to say, well, that’s because you won them all this way. I know. I know. I hear it all the time. I just, I don’t look at it that way. No, I agree. I agree with you. I mean, if they change the format next year, would it be great to win it? Absolutely. It wouldn’t be any less great than winning it this year, though, or more great.
Joey Logano asserted.”
Measuring Greatness and Legacy in NASCAR
Logano also addressed the broader concept of athletic greatness during his podcast appearance, highlighting that legacies in sports are ultimately measured by championships, regardless of how they are won. He expressed that both teams and athletes are remembered for their championship tallies, not the format in which they won them.
“You know, it’s still the same. It’s still a championship, and I measure athletes off of that. I just do. Teams and greatness are off of rings. How many rings do you have? How many, like, you guys watch a lot of other sports, obviously. Yeah. What’s the question people always bring up? How many rings you got?
Joey Logano said.”
With three titles, Logano sees himself alongside the legends of NASCAR, confident that the passage of time will solidify his legacy. He remarks that, in the long run, most fans and analysts remember the champions rather than lingering debates about playoff systems or points structures. His perspective suggests that, ultimately, championships define careers and outlast individual rule changes within the sport.
Broader Implications for NASCAR’s Future
The ongoing debate reflects deeper questions about tradition, fairness, and the recognition of achievement in motorsports. Logano’s views provide a grounded response amid the emotionally charged discourse, emphasizing results and legacy over procedural disputes. As the conversation about the playoff system continues to unfold, it remains clear that drivers like Logano focus on performance and adaptability, rather than external validation.
For NASCAR, the issue remains unresolved within its passionate community, where voices such as critics, other drivers like Chase Briscoe, and commentators like Kevin Harvick have each weighed in about the merits of different systems. However, with the championship trophy, prize money, and the revered Bill France Cup awarded the same regardless of the path taken, the sport’s champions—whether named Logano or otherwise—stand to be remembered most for their victories, not the way in which they achieved them.
As NASCAR evaluates its future championship format, the clarity and confidence of the Joey Logano playoff format stance will continue to influence discussions among fans, drivers, and organizations like Team Penske Racing and Ford. The coming years may see format changes or calls for return to past systems, but as Logano and many athletes suggest, history ultimately honors those at the top, format notwithstanding.
Joey Logano doesn’t care about what format they use, he just wants to win.
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— Rubbin is Racing (@rubbinisracing) October 10, 2025
