Whereas three-time Cup Collection champion Joey Logano turned simply the tenth driver in NASCAR historical past to win three or extra titles at Phoenix Raceway in November, there are loads of critics that say he ought to have by no means received that third championship.
Contemplating Logano joined Tony Stewart, Darrell Waltrip, Cale Yarborough, David Pearson, Lee Petty, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty — all of whom are within the NASCAR Corridor of Fame — these that aren’t as aware of the game might marvel why Logano doesn’t obtain the credit score for his accomplishments.
Though Logano received 4 races in 2024 — second solely to 2021 champion and Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson — he had seven prime fives, 13 prime 10s and led 414 laps. Compared, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell (15 prime fives, 23 prime 10s, 1,145 laps led) and Larson (15 prime fives, 18 prime 10s, 1,700 laps led) received 9 races between the 2 of them and would have been extra deserving of the title within the eyes of most followers.
When talking with the media Wednesday on a videoconference name, Logano made it clear what his ideas are concerning these that don’t suppose his title was deserved.Â
“I can not hear it as a result of my trophies, they type of, like, echo round me,” Logano stated.Â
Whereas NASCAR’s present playoff format has triggered some blended reactions amongst the fan base and drivers, Logano has taken full benefit, particularly in 2024.
It took miraculous fuel-saving at Nashville for Logano to attain his first win of the season in 5 overtimes. He was even eradicated from playoff competition following the Spherical of 12 cutoff race on the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval till Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman was disqualified for failing postrace inspection.Â
Logano capitalized on his reinstatement by successful the next week at Las Vegas to punch his ticket to the championship race, the place he would declare that third title three weeks later.
Regardless that NASCAR offered an replace earlier this week saying there can be no adjustments to the postseason format for the 2025 season, they’ll have a look at it some extra earlier than making a choice past the upcoming season.
Though the playoff format has remained the identical since its inception in 2014, the tracks have been rotated round some. Drivers like Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron wish to see the championship race transfer to a different venue. NASCAR has not dominated that chance out whereas persevering with to maneuver occasions just like the All-Star race and this weekend’s Prepare dinner Out Conflict to completely different tracks.
Byron thinks that might probably degree the enjoying subject out some extra. “Simply being open to all of the completely different concepts would in all probability be cool and convey some buzz and likewise simply type of even the competitors out.”
Shifting sure tracks round annually and giving drivers much less familiarity may even issues out. Nonetheless, if the playoff elimination format stays the identical, getting sizzling on the proper time, as Logano has confirmed, is all that it might take for any driver to get some momentum and win their approach into the championship race.
Whether or not you want him or not, Logano appears to shine when the strain is on him essentially the most. Solely Gordon (4), Earnhardt (seven), Johnson (seven) and Petty (seven) have received 4 or extra titles in Cup Collection historical past. If Logano can put collectively one other playoff run this season and get his fourth, that might be an esteemed group to be part of, no matter how he will get there.
