Joey Logano Defends Controversial NASCAR Playoff System, Declares It “Rewards Consistency”

Three times Cup Series champion Joey Logano has given his verdict on the criticism of the current NASCAR playoff system.

Joey Logano Defends Controversial NASCAR Playoff System, Declares It “Rewards Consistency”

Joey Logano (via Imagn)

One of the major topics of discussion since Joey Logano’s clutch championship win last season, has been the playoff format. Many in the community sees it as an unfair system that rewards the driver that get in form in the playoffs, as well as the season finale, and overlook the racers that were consistent throughout the year.

Amidst all the criticism, Joey Logano has been a big defender of the format and how it has changed the sport for better. It was introduced in the first place, after the point system that was in use previously proved to be less entertaining. With some teams becoming more dominant, the Cup winners were often crowned multiple races before the season comes to an end.

I like it, what we have now. And we gotta remember, we changed it for a reason, right? We went from where it was just 36 races, score all the points, no playoff system at all and the champion would be crowned with three races to go at the end of the year. Well, that’s kind of boring, and nobody wanted to see that.

Joey Logano said via Zach Gelb Show.

The veteran declared that the current format rewards consistency, despite many claiming otherwise, highlighting the advantage the drivers that wins in the regular season gets in the playoffs. He admitted that there is always a possibility of an underdog team getting in form the right time, and secure multiple race wins.

Our playoff system rewards consistency through the regular season, it rewards winning through the regular season to seed you better, but at the same time, there’s always the underdog story that can get hot at the right time, figure everything out, and go win the championship and take it from what may have been the best team through the first 26 races of the regular season.

Joey Logano said.

In the same conversation, Logano discussed the accusation of bias that will come his way regarding his comments supporting the current format. He asserted that he isn’t backing the system because he is the most accomplished driver since the start of the new format, as he genuinely enjoys the current format.

Just like every other sport, we have that, so I like what we got. I know everyone’s going to say, ‘Well, it’s because you’ve won a lot of them,’ but I really do enjoy it.

Joey Logano added.

Joey Logano explains why the playoff system was developed

Earlier talking about the point, Logano asserted that the new format was developed to make the racing more entertaining. But at the same time, not everyone is will like the change there will aways be fans complaining about the good old days.

Joey Logano (via Imagn)
Joey Logano (via Imagn)

They wanted to develop something better, and this is what we’ve got right now, is the playoff system…Bottom line is no one’s, not everyone’s going to be happy. It’s always going to be someone saying, ‘Oh, this was better back then.’

Joey Logano added.

The new format has offered more entertaining finishes in the final races of the season, and produces more do-or-die moments, just like other sports with the playoff format. NASCAR made the decisions to change the system and the criticism is one of the consequences for it.

When you look at what we have now, when we have these do-or-die moments, just like every other professional sport, when it comes to the playoffs, where you perform, or you’re out. And you’ve gotta live with the consequences either way.

Joey Logano asserted.

The comments from the three times cup series champion seems rational and on point. Though the system doesn’t always reward the most consistent driver, it rewards the teams as well as drivers that improves their performance as the season progresses. It will be interesting to see how the racing community is going respond to the comments.

Also Read: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Sold His Charlotte Estate for a Whopping $13 Million