Austin Cindric Argues NASCAR Playoffs “Will Never Satisfy” Everyone

2022 Daytona 500 champion Austin Cindric has shared his thoughts on the debates around the needs to change NASCAR Playoffs format.

Austin Cindric Argues NASCAR Playoffs “Will Never Satisfy” Everyone

Austin Cindric (Via @Team_Penske/X)

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Since NASCAR crowned their first champion in 2004, dropping the all-season points format and replacing is with the playoffs, arguments started over its credibility. Despite multiple changes being done to the format, the debates still prevail. According to Team Penske Racing’s Austin Cindric the three isn’t a fix to end the debate.

On his recent appearance in the Dirty Mo Media Door Bumper Clear podcast, Austin Cindric asserted that the discussion over the format will never end as one group of fans, or another would be frustrated not seeing their favorite driver with the trophy. He gave the example of his favorite team Kansas City Chiefs not winning the Super Bowl despite having the best league.

This is going to be an argument that will never satisfy all parties. My response would be, as someone who likes football, it’s the only other sport that I watch. If the Kansas City Chiefs didn’t win the Super Bowl as the best team in the league with the best quarterback in the league with the best record in the regular season, does that make it a bad year?

Austin Cindric said on Door Bumper Clear podcast.

He pointed out that while a set of fans will be devastated with Chief’s lost there will also be another group that that would love to see them lose. Hence the only question fans should be concerned about is should the finale be a one off event like Super Bowl or should be something that has multiple races.

I bet you most people who are tired of watching the Kansas City Chiefs win would gladly see somebody beat them in the Super Bowl. What is our Super Bowl moment, and how do we define that in racing that makes sense? Is it a single race? Is it a multiple races?

Austin Cindric added.

Austin Cindric declares playoff format is exciting for those who understands it

During the same conversation, the Team Penske Racing driver Austin Cindric asserted that in order to getting really excited about the playoff everyone has to understands it first. Hence, he wants the sport to make changes that would simplify it and make it more exciting.

Austin Cindric
Austin Cindric (Via @AustinCindric/X)

I think the playoff format is exciting for those who understand it. I think if there are any changes in the future that are to be made, it has to be first and foremost simplifying in order for more to understand and appreciate.

Austin Cindric said.

Furthermore, the 2022 Daytona 500 winner hinted that if NASCAR decided to add more incentives or changes to the playoffs, instead of simplifying the format, things could turn out to be worse for the sport. The sports is going to lose their fanbase, if the current system is changed to something that is really confusing.

Otherwise, it’s difficult to add more incentives and more items into the fold. …You’re going to lose people’s interest because it’s going to be really confusing.

Austin Cindric added.

The comments from the star driver shows NASCAR has to really careful with the changed they are planning to introduce in the 2026 season onwards. It would be interesting to see how the sanctioning body is going respond to the sentiment shown by the Ford racer.

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