“It's not my job to complain”: Joey Logano on potential changes to NASCAR format

Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano has recently shared his opinion on the potential changes to the NASCAR championship format for the 2026 season and beyond. Logano, who has been a supporter of current elimination-style playoffs, has made it clear that whatever NASCAR changes to the format, his responsibility is to adapt to the rules—not to critique them.

NASCAR is likely to introduce a new playoff format, as the governing body is evaluating significant changes to its current format that could take effect next season. However, no one knows yet what changes will take place. The current Cup Series elimination-style format was introduced in 2014.

Speaking to Donut Media, Joey Logano opened up about one of NASCAR’s hottest topics to debate in recent times—the playoff format. But the Team Penske star is ready to adapt if any potential changes are made.

“It's not my job to complain about what we have or what we're going to have. My job is to say, 'Okay, this is the rules; let's figure out the strategy to win this thing.' Like, how do we do that?' I don't really care what it is; just tell me what it is so then we can focus on doing that,” the #22 Ford driver said.

Logano is not worried about whatever changes NASCAR makes to the playoff format because the rules will be the same for everyone.

“The bottom line is it'll be the same for everybody. No matter what they come up with, everybody's going to have the same opportunity to go out there and win a championship, and we'll have to just try and do it again.” Logano continued.

Three-time champion Joey Logano has consistently shown that adaptability and strategic thinking are among his strongest assets. Whatever NASCAR decides, his focus remains unchanged: to maximize performance to win another championship.

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Joey Logano is a fan of NASCAR’s current pressure-filled playoff format

The current 10-race title chase is held over four rounds, with four drivers being eliminated after each of the first three rounds. The final round included one race featuring the remaining four drivers, with the highest finisher among them being crowned the champion.

Joey Logano’s all-three titles came in the current format. The #22 driver loves the current playoff format because he thrives in high-stakes situations and enjoys environments where drivers must perform under intense pressure.

In the aforementioned interview, Logano said:

“It seems like a lot of people don’t like the format we have. I’m the minority in saying I love it because I love the pressure part. It fits the kind of person I am. I love playoff sports; that’s really the only time I watch other sports is when they’re in the playoffs because I like seeing people with their back up against the wall.”

With more than two months left in the 2026 season, NASCAR has time to finalize their playoff format, and whatever they decide will definitely upset a chunk of the fanbase.

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Edited by Yash Soni