Joey Logano, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Cup Series, Joey Logano playoff format reaction [Image Source: NYT]
NASCAR has announced a return to the 10-race Chase championship format set for 2026, ending its current playoff system—a move that has generated generally favorable responses, though Cup Series star Joey Logano stands out with a mixed reaction. The Joey Logano playoff format reaction highlights both respect for the outgoing system and readiness for the changes ahead as voiced during a news conference at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Mixed Sentiments toward the Playoff Change
While many in the NASCAR community have welcomed the shift back to the traditional Chase format, Joey Logano, a three-time Cup Series champion, has shared his disappointment at the departure of the elimination-style postseason. In his words,
“Personally, I liked – I was one of the rare people apparently that liked the old [format],”
Logano stated during the event at North Wilkesboro Speedway. For Logano, who captured Cup championships in 2018, 2022, and 2024 under the playoff system, the change holds particular significance. He elaborated,
“Just from a fan perspective, I enjoyed it.”
His achievements are closely tied to the playoff era, giving his perspective added weight within the sport.
Adjusting to a New Championship Landscape
Despite his preference for the recent format, Logano expressed acceptance of NASCAR’s decision and voiced readiness to adapt. He acknowledged the need for evolution in the sport, recognizing that as a competitor, the job remains constant: strive for victory each weekend. Logano discussed the implications of the rule change, emphasizing the level playing field it creates:
Image of: Joey Logano
“Honestly, I’m okay with whatever they tell us,”
Logano said. He expanded further,
“Because the rules are the same for everybody just like they were before. Everyone started with the same set of rules, we all knew what we had to do to try to win a championship. Now we have a different set of rules, but it all starts at zero again and we have to change the way we go win a championship.”
His remarks underline the spirit of competition and the need for adaptability among drivers.
Logano’s Record During the Playoff and Chase Eras
The 35-year-old from Middleton, Connecticut, has consistently been at the forefront of postseason racing. In the 2025 season, Logano earned one victory and finished in the top 10 thirteen times over the course of 36 races. Under the playoff system, he qualified for the Cup Series playoffs in 11 out of 12 seasons, serving as a testament to his consistent performance. However, during the five-year period when the Chase format was in place (2009-2013), Logano made the exclusive 12-driver field only once, in 2013—his initial season driving with Team Penske. Under the new rules, the postseason will continue to feature 16 competitors, maintaining the playoff field size first introduced in 2014.
What the Change Means for Drivers and the Series
The return to a 10-race Chase format signifies a significant shift in how drivers approach the postseason, requiring adjustments in strategy and preparation. For Logano and others, the reset represents both a farewell to a format that shaped recent championship battles and the beginning of a new competitive era. As the sport gears up for another transformation, drivers like Logano will continue to adapt, seeking opportunities to stand in victory lane as the next chapter in NASCAR unfolds.
