Joey Logano has successfully managed to block out the negative chatter that has surrounded him for months.
Whether it’s skeptics or anyone dismissing his third Cup Series championship as mere luck, Logano has a comical way to deflect the criticism.
During a media call via Zoom on Wednesday, he stated, “I can’t hear it because my trophies, they kind of echo around me.”
Logano clinched his third title back in November, which led to a stir over the efficacy of NASCAR’s current playoff format in determining the rightful champion.
While some may question Logano’s credentials for 2024 contention, he did log four victories and achieved 13 top-10 finishes throughout the 37 races.
However, fortune also played a role in his success; he notably pulled off a risky strategy to win in Nashville, where he managed to stretch his nearly-empty fuel tank through five overtimes, just to qualify for the postseason.
Additionally, he faced an unexpected elimination from playoff contention in the second round but got a second chance when Alex Bowman’s car was found to have failed a post-race inspection.
In light of this backdrop, there have been calls from competitors for NASCAR to reevaluate its playoff structure, with some advocating for rotating the final race venue rather than consistently ending at Phoenix Raceway.
Logano, however, stands firm in his support for the present format.
“The playoff system is very entertaining,” he asserted, adding that many teams in various sports find their momentum and often go all the way.
He emphasized that it takes considerable effort and skill to navigate the 10 playoff races to win the championship, remarking on how hot teams often emerge when the playoffs begin.
“We’ve been one of those teams, thankfully, and it’s worked out for us three times. But I don’t think that means you have to change the playoff system,” Logano said.
This past week, NASCAR confirmed that there would be no alterations to the championship format in 2025, emphasizing that they would spend another year studying the system before implementing changes, should any be deemed necessary.
This doesn’t deter drivers from voicing their opinions on potential adjustments.
Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron expressed thoughts on considering a change, as he feels the current routine of revisiting the same racetrack for the finale is becoming predictable.
He compared it to other sports where certain teams dominate, using the case of the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the AFC championship annually as an example.
“It’s just kind of the nature of sports, probably; it gets a little bit repetitive. But it’d be nice to see the final race move around,” Byron added.
Team Penske has claimed victory in the last three Cup Series championships, with Logano sandwiching his titles between those won by teammate Ryan Blaney.
During that time, Phoenix became the final destination for the title race after almost two decades at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
NASCAR has introduced several significant changes to its schedule in recent years, including relocating their season-opening Clash and the all-star race.
The Clash has shifted from Daytona International Speedway to the Los Angeles Coliseum and is now set to take place at the historic Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Similarly, the all-star race has bounced around North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas before returning to its roots in North Carolina.
There’s no doubt that a similar reshuffling could happen regarding the championship finale in the future.
Byron pointed out that other tracks, such as Las Vegas, Homestead, and Charlotte, could also make great candidates for the championship showdown.
“Just being open to all the different ideas would probably be cool and bring some buzz and also just even out the competition,” he noted.
With no imminent changes, 34-year-old Logano is focused on pursuing a fourth championship.
He is among the elite group of six drivers who have secured three Cup titles and requires just one more to join legends like Jeff Gordon (4) and the iconic seven-time champions Dale Earnhardt, Jimmie Johnson, and Richard Petty.
“Probably not until I’m done racing will I be content with what I have because I’m not done yet,” Logano said, mentioning he still has many years left to chase additional championships and victories.
“As great as it is, the first 20 minutes is amazing because you’re celebrating with your team and your family, but every day after becomes a little less exciting and more thoughts of, ‘We got to do it again.’”
Achieving another championship would certainly silence the critics even further.
