Logano on NASCAR’s Playoff Changes “It’s Not My Job to Complain”

What’s Happening?

During a recent interview, three-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Joey Logano shared his thoughts on NASCAR potentially changing its playoff system for 2026, stating that he likes the current system but doesn’t “really care” what the new system is.

Perhaps no driver in NASCAR has made the most of NASCAR’s single-race championship playoff format like Team Penske’s Joey Logano.

Since the format was introduced in 2014, five drivers have won one championship under the system, two drivers have won two, and only one driver, Logano, has won three.

In each of his three championship seasons, Logano defined NASCAR’s goal of winning in this format when it mattered most. Of his 34 race wins since the 2014 season, 15 have come within the 10-race playoff regardless of his status as a playoff or non-playoff driver.

His clutch wins and smart use of the system have resulted in Logano being viewed as the one-race championships version of what Jimmie Johnson was for the 10-race Chase, turning up a notch when it matters most.

Nonetheless, his most recent championship win in 2024 may have led to the elimination of this points system altogether.

Going Through Changes

In 2024, Logano did not initially make the NASCAR Playoffs Round of Eight, only sliding by after Alex Bowman was DNQ’d at the Roval. But, with two of his best tracks in sight in the Round of Eight and Championship Four, Las Vegas and Phoenix, Logano clutched up and won at both, securing his third Cup Series title.

To say this title was controversial is an understatement, as Logano had the third-fewest laps led, fewest top fives and top tens, and the worst average finish of a champion in NASCAR’s modern era (since 1972).

Regardless of his adherence to the rules of the given system, the backlash from this championship was the icing on the cake that led NASCAR to review the system as a whole throughout 2025. As the season progressed, it looked increasingly likely that the format would be replaced for the upcoming season.

While Logano has been outspoken in his support of retaining the single race championship, if NASCAR announces changes for the 2026 season, don’t expect the veteran to push back regarding a new format.

In a recent interview with Donut Media, Logano says that it is not his job to complain about the format; rather, it’s his job to take the format and figure out how to win a championship.

“I liked where it was, but I’m going to like where we go to. I’m okay with whatever. . . It’s not my job to complain about what we have or what we’re gonna have. My job is to say, ‘Okay, this is the rules. Okay, let’s figure out the strategy to win this thing.’” — Joey Logano

This mentality from Logano shouldn’t be surprising, as he goes on to stress that he doesn’t care what the format is, because, in his eyes, everyone has the same shot at a title, regardless of the format.

“I don’t really care what it is; just tell me what it is, so we can focus on doing that,” Logano said. “The bottom line is, it’ll be the same for everybody. No matter what they come up with, everyone’s gonna have the same opportunity to go out there and win a championship.”

As he suggested in these comments, Logano later clarified that he, along with most of the NASCAR industry, is unsure of the format for 2026, as NASCAR is still working out the details.

Recent rumors suggest that it will be one of three options: a 10-race Chase, a full 36-race points system, or a modified playoff format consisting of three rounds, with two three-race rounds and a four-race final round.

Although each of these formats has its supporters, recent reports suggest that NASCAR is likely leaning towards some form of playoff system, rather than a full 36-race points system.

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