Joey Logano, the defending NASCAR Cup Series champion, has voiced his continued support for the one-race championship finale format, even as NASCAR prepares for a significant format change in 2026. During recent conversations, Logano expressed that the intense pressure and clarity provided by a single decisive race are what make the Joey Logano NASCAR championship finale so special to him, setting him apart from other drivers who are reportedly in favor of the new approach.
Logano Stands Alone in Support of One-Race Championship
Within the NASCAR community, few topics have ignited as much passionate debate during the current playoffs as the structure of the Cup Series finale. While upcoming changes to the championship format have been broadly accepted by drivers, Joey Logano remains steadfast, publicly calling to preserve the longstanding single-race conclusion to the season. As a veteran driver for Team Penske and three-time Cup champion, Logano’s perspective carries weight among fans and fellow competitors alike.
During his recent discussion with the media, Logano spoke candidly about the format’s unique challenges. He highlighted the immense pressure it places on everyone involved — from the drivers to the teams and support staff — and how every choice leading up to that final event can make or break a season. As he put it:
“I love the one-race where it all comes down to one thing. I love the pressure that it puts on every member of the team. I love that they’ve got to come down pit road, and they cannot screw up, and I love that every decision that is made with that race car before it leaves the shop has a direct effect on whether you win the championship or not.”
– Joey Logano, Cup Series Champion, via Cup Scene.
The defending champion further explained that this intense approach not only tests competitors but also enhances the experience for fans, as everyone leaves the racetrack with an immediate and definitive answer to who has claimed the season’s greatest prize. According to Logano:
“You will leave the racetrack knowing who is the champion. I like it. I personally love that. Not everyone has the same opinion, and that’s mine, but that’s mine just as a fan watching. As a competitor, it’s stressful as hell. It’s not a comfortable place to be in. No one would really ever know what that feels like unless you’re in the seat, but it’s hard. It’s supposed to be hard.”
– Joey Logano, Cup Series Champion.
For Logano, the core appeal of the existing format lies in how it condenses a year’s worth of effort, risk, and preparation into one high-stakes battle. He believes that changing to a multi-race finale could dilute that sense of urgency and the magnitude of each decision, making the championship less grueling and, in his view, less rewarding for those who triumph. Logano’s strong stance comes at a time when the NASCAR organization, as well as teams like Team Penske Racing and ford/”>Ford, are reflecting on how the sport evolves to suit new audiences and strategic goals.
Highlighting the Depth in This Year’s Round of 8
In addition to his thoughts on the championship finale, Logano shared insights into the current race for the 2025 Cup Series title. As he assessed the lineup of drivers advancing to NASCAR’s Round of 8, Logano made a point to acknowledge that every competitor remaining is deserving and has a legitimate shot at the title. Regarding the talent in the playoffs, he stated:
“I wouldn’t say there’s any surprises in the Round of 8 here. I think they’re all capable of winning the championship this year… every one of them. There’s none that are like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe this guy made it this far. That’s crazy.”
– Joey Logano, Cup Series Champion.
Logano, who is often recognized as a future Hall of Famer, reinforced his view that the competition has never been tighter. Each of the top eight drivers and their teams have proven their capability to win races and compete at a championship level. He emphasized the parity and uncertainty among these teams, noting:
“You’ve got the best eight teams going for it. It’s gonna be a battle right to the end. I don’t see a clear favorite or clear like this person is gonna kill them all. It seems like it’s gonna be close all the way to the end.”
– Joey Logano, Cup Series Champion.
Logano’s perspective provides important context for fans and industry observers as the Cup Series edges closer to its climax. His acknowledgment of the talent and drive within this year’s group highlights the competitive landscape and sets up a playoff run that promises to be hotly contested, especially with drivers like Denny Hamlin already locking in their spots and others still fighting for a chance at NASCAR glory.
What’s Next for the NASCAR Championship Format
Joey Logano’s outspokenness about the one-race championship finale places him at the center of NASCAR’s ongoing evolution. While almost all drivers have agreed to the future multi-race finale format, Logano’s arguments resonate with a segment of the fanbase that appreciates pressure-packed spectacle and clear narrative closure. His experiences as both a champion and a devoted fan of the sport allow him to critique the forthcoming changes from multiple angles.
As the playoff battles intensify and speculation swirls about who will reach the season’s deciding event, Logano’s sentiments may influence ongoing debates both inside and outside the Cup Series paddock. Key figures such as Denny Hamlin, racing organizations like Team Penske Racing, and competitors determined to join the championship showdown, all remain an integral part of the unfolding story. Supporters and critics alike will watch closely to see how the new format is embraced and whether the one-race finale remains the pinnacle of NASCAR achievement in the eyes of its most accomplished drivers.
