NASCAR is “Open” to Changing Playoff Format in Offseason

What’s Happening?

We finally have word on how NASCAR feels about changing its championship format. These comments follow online discontent from fans and race attendees over Joey Logano’s improbably NASCAR Cup Series championship.

• In an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, NASCAR Senior Vice President of Competition Elton Sawyer confirmed that NASCAR is open to changing the NASCAR playoff format. Sawyer said that they want to ask around and review with the teams what changes, if any, NASCAR should make to the current format. If they find changes they could make, they are willing to work it out:

“But if it’s not, we want to… we’re open. You know, we’re all ears on it, and we have some ideas, but we want to make sure as an industry, you know, we’re doing the right thing for our sport and the right thing to crown our champions. — Elton Sawyer on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

The Situation As a Whole

• For now, this is just in early talks. It should be noted that Sawyer also mentioned looking into how you qualify and advance in the playoffs and whether or not the system is “equitable.” What these questions mean as to the nature of a revitalized system is unknown. However, these rhetorical questions suggest that NASCAR is willing to look at the entire system rather than tweaking a small aspect.
• Current criticisms of the system revolve around the wild nature that allowed a driver to have a statistically down season, Joey Logano, to win the series championship by winning four key races. While the current system has had its critics, it appears that fans are finally reaching their boiling point.
• Some suggestions from fans include an inversion of the system and the elimination of the “win and in” format. Or, in a drastic change, a return to the past full season or chase format. One thing is clear: these fans are tired of the randomness and complexity of the system.
• NASCAR has made it clear that it will not eliminate the Playoffs, with COO Steve O’Donnell saying on Friday, “We’re not going to go away from playoffs.” However, these fans seem willing to keep a postseason as long as it is not the current system.
• A drastic change would likely not happen next year, as the tracks in the 2025 Playoffs are already marketing their playoff race. However, NASCAR could let it lie for 2025 and do something different in 2026.

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