NASCAR’s decision to return to a Chase-style championship format in 2026 was meant to quiet long-standing fan complaints about the gimmicky nature of its playoff system. For years, critics have argued that the format fails to reward season-long consistency appropriately. However, some fans remain unconvinced, pointing to Joey Logano, often viewed as the embodiment of the playoffs’ shortcomings, as proof that the changes may not go far enough.
Why Fans Point to Joey Logano as Proof the New Format Still Falls Short
Daniel Cespedes recently shared an eye-opening breakdown on X. The prominent NASCAR statistician applied NASCAR’s 2026 format to past seasons going back to 2001. Under that system, Joey Logano would have won four championships. That’s one more than the three titles he earned under the elimination-style playoffs.
For many NASCAR fans, this finding proves their worst fears about the sport’s latest championship structure. Responses to Cespedes’ analysis revealed widespread frustration within the NASCAR community over any championship format that includes a points reset.
One fan cut straight to the heart of the matter, arguing that tinkering with the system doesn’t eliminate its fundamental flaw.
“I know this is just for fun, but Logano winning 4 under the new Chase proves my point that a less gimmicky format is still a gimmick when there is any points reset,” they wrote.
Another commenter expressed support for abandoning playoff-style formats altogether. “This is Spot On. Full season points !!!” they declared, advocating for a return to traditional season-long points racing.
The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on fans who’ve long questioned Logano’s championship credentials under the playoff system.
“Fans trying to get away from a format where Joey won 3 championships he didn’t ‘deserve’ only to find out he would have won even more with the new format,” one user pointed out.
Even Logano’s potential three-peat from 2014-2016 drew sarcastic commentary. “Joey 3 peat is diabolical,” another fan remarked.
The message from these comments is clear: they believe Logano would not have a championship under any legitimate full-season points system.
The Team Penske driver tends to start slow in the season and peak in the playoffs. For this reason, some fans argue that he unfairly benefits at the expense of more consistent competitors.
The problem, according to critics, is that any points reset inherently devalues the regular season. A driver could dominate for 26 races, build a massive points lead, and see it erased to just a 25-point advantage when the Chase begins. Cespedes’ analysis of Logano’s hypothetical success under this format seems to validate those concerns.
If a driver many fans view as an undeserving champion would actually benefit more from the “new” Chase, what does that say about the format’s ability to crown the season’s best performer?
NASCAR positioned this change as a response to fan feedback, but judging by the reaction to Cespedes’ post, a significant portion of the fanbase remains unconvinced. For them, going back to the Chase doesn’t fix the main issue; it just repackages it.
