Harsh Reality Joey Logano’s Third Championship Denied by NASCAR Fans
Joey Logano claimed his third NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2024, cementing his legacy and delivering Team Penske its third consecutive title. Yet, this victory didn’t sit well with many NASCAR enthusiasts. Instead of uniting the fanbase, it reignited fiery debates about the fairness of the playoff format.
With only four wins, 13 top-10 finishes, and an average finish of 17.11, Logano’s season left much to be desired compared to his rivals. His championship bid hinged on two critical moments: a fuel gamble in Nashville and Alex Bowman’s disqualification at the ROVAL. Critics argue these moments highlight how the current system rewards luck over consistent excellence.
Fans Push for Change
Outraged fans took to social media, calling for reforms to NASCAR’s format. On Reddit, one user suggested introducing a trophy for the most consistent driver:
“Why not have a separate trophy for the driver with the most points across all races? We already have a ‘Regular Season Champion’ award, so adding this wouldn’t be absurd. It respects the effort across 26 races while keeping the playoff format.”
However, not everyone welcomed this idea. “A cumulative points trophy would be meaningless,” one commenter retorted, dismissing the proposal.
Others argued for tweaking the playoffs to better reflect overall performance, pointing to drivers like Kyle Larson, whose 2024 season was statistically superior.
Drivers Join the Debate
Kyle Larson, who led in nearly every major category, was vocal about his frustration. With six wins, 18 top-10 finishes, and an average finish of 12.91, Larson seemed destined for glory. However, a pair of disappointing results in the Round of 8 crushed his championship hopes.
“Winning six races is tougher than winning a championship,” Larson said. “These days, that’s as important as the title itself.”
Denny Hamlin, a seasoned driver with over 50 Cup Series victories, also weighed in. Despite his long and storied career, Hamlin has yet to secure a championship, which he attributes to the playoff system’s unpredictability:
“The regular season doesn’t hold much weight when it comes to deciding the championship. That’s not ideal for the sport.”
Fans Want Action—Now!
As NASCAR gears up for the 2025 season, fan demands for change are louder than ever. A growing faction believes the organization must act swiftly to address these concerns.
One Twitter user summed up the sentiment succinctly:
“Kyle Larson is the real champion—no debating it. Logano didn’t earn that trophy; the system is broken.”
Calls to Revive the Harrison Burton Rule
Some fans also champion the return of the Top 30 rule, known as the Harrison Burton Rule. This regulation required drivers to finish in the top 30 standings to qualify for the playoffs. Its removal in 2023 sparked controversy, particularly after Burton’s 2024 Daytona win secured him a playoff spot despite ranking 34th.
What’s Next for NASCAR?
NASCAR’s playoff format faces mounting criticism from both fans and drivers. While the organization has resisted major overhauls, many believe the pressure to implement reforms is becoming impossible to ignore.
