For years now, the NASCAR playoff format has been the sport’s favorite argument starter. Whether it’s fans debating “true champions” or former drivers calling for a return to the old full-season points system, the chatter never really stops. And with NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell confirming that a new playoff format is officially in the works (to be revealed after the 2025 season), the speculation has only ramped up.

A playoff committee featuring insiders and ex-drivers has already weighed in, and let’s just say the “back to basics” crowd is feeling hopeful. But while everyone’s busy predicting what comes next, three-time champion Joey Logano isn’t losing sleep over it. In fact, his four-word response to the entire debate might just end the argument altogether.

Joey Logano shrugs off format drama with simple truth

Joey Logano has spent much of his career fending off criticism over his championship wins, with detractors often noting that his titles came after winning just a handful of races each season. “I know everyone’s going to say, ‘Well, that’s because you won them all this way.’ I know. I know. I hear it all the time,” Logano remarked, fully aware of the doubters questioning the playoff format’s legitimacy. His 2018, 2022, and 2024 championships, achieved with a smaller win tally than some rivals, remain hot-button topics among purists who favor a season-long points approach.

The scrutiny Logano receives stands in contrast to drivers like Ryan Blaney, whose championship run in 2023 drew praise and excitement rather than skepticism. Even though Blaney won just three races that season. This disparity only fuels his resolve to prove his consistency and value as a champion in any environment.

Asked whether winning under a new playoff system would change his feelings about a title, Logano didn’t hesitate. “If you change the format next year, would it be great to win it? Absolutely. Wouldn’t it be any less great than winning it this year, though, or more great, you know, it’s still the same. It’s still a championship.” This bold, clear-eyed response encapsulates his mindset. A championship is a championship, regardless of the process.

Logano’s career numbers speak for themselves. With three NASCAR Cup Series championships (2018, 2022, 2024), he’s one of only 10 drivers to claim three or more titles, joining names like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. His 37 Cup Series wins, Daytona 500 triumph, and ongoing streak of playoff berths underline his status as an elite, credible competitor. For Logano, debate or not, his legacy is built on results, not asterisks.

As Joey Logano himself summed it up when he asked the reporters: “You guys watch a lot of other sports, obviously. What’s the question people always bring up? – How many rings you got.” And with that, Logano made it clear. No matter how the rules evolve or how loud the critics get, the only number that truly matters is the one etched next to his name in NASCAR’s record books.

Joey Logano fires back at critics

Joey Logano isn’t backing down. Not from the boos, not from the critics, and definitely not from the playoff pressure. After snagging last year’s Cup Series title, the Team Penske driver is heading into Las Vegas this weekend with one goal in mind: to remind everyone exactly why he’s a champion.

On the Rubbin’ is Racing podcast, Logano opened up about the loud reaction he got after the Charlotte ROVAL race. Denny Hamlin’s last-lap move on Ross Chastain had indirectly helped Logano advance to the Round of 8, and fans weren’t too thrilled about it. “I’m like, ‘That’s for me?’ People hate me. And I thought, ‘What did I do?’ I was confused. And then I was like, ‘Well, screw you. I’m still in. If you hate me now, watch this,’” he said with a grin.

That confidence isn’t misplaced. After all, it was this very race at Las Vegas that sent him to the Championship 4 in 2024. You can bet he’s thinking about another encore performance. But beyond the tough exterior, Logano admits he’s tried to understand the hate.

“I look at comments on social media to try to figure out why, and people say, ‘Oh, it’s just your smile.’ I’m like, ‘What do you want me to do? Not smile? Not be me?’” he joked. For Logano, it’s simple. The opinions that matter come from his family, his team, and the people who actually know him. “If you’ve never really met me, I hate to say I don’t care, but I care less,” he added.

Unlike Denny Hamlin, who happily claps back at haters, Logano’s not about to feed the negativity. “I’m just not that guy,” he said (smiling again, of course) before sending a quiet message to his doubters: his answers come on the racetrack. And this Sunday, the No. 22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is ready to roar.