NASCAR champion Joey Logano comments on the “Super Bowl” moment of the playoffs

Joey Logano, the 2024 NASCAR champion, defended the playoff system once again as he qualified for the Round of 8. Drawing parallels with the NFL, he said that a win at Phoenix Raceway provided that “Super Bowl” moment to the drivers.

The NASCAR playoffs have generated continuous uproar and discussions during the 2025 season, making the playoff system highly unpopular among fans, drivers, and industry insiders. Critics of the elimination-style playoff system, in which the championship is decided in just one final race, have pointed out that it has brought unexpected results that can be at odds with the performance throughout the season.

Others argue that the system inculcates excitement and spectacle rather than steady quality. Several drivers have progressed in the competition, though their overall performance was not impressive, winning one or two decisive races.

Despite the backlash, some veteran drivers and NASCAR officials have defended the playoff system for its ability to keep fans engaged late into the season. Joey Logano defended the playoff system, calling it a "Super Bowl" moment, speaking to the motorsports journalist Holly Cain.

"Personally I love it, but that's just my opinion and everyone's got one,'' he was quoted as saying.

Joey Logano achieved his breakthrough into the next round of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs after an intense and eventful Round of 12 race at the Charlotte Roval. In a situation threatening his position in the playoffs, Logano was able to pick up the last ticket to the Round of 8 by a very tight margin. He leveraged his excellent on-track performance and tactical pit calls made by his crew chief, Paul Wolfe.

Joey Logano backs future ‘champion’ Connor Zilisch ahead of Cup Series move

Joey Logano, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, has expressed high praise for young rising star Connor Zilisch as he prepares for his full-time move to the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing in 2026. Speaking on the Rubbing is Racing podcast, Logano called Zilisch the most promising talent he has ever seen entering stock-car racing.

Logano said:

"He'll be a champion someday. When that is, I'm not sure. He's a very well-rounded race car driver from track's perspective. Is he going to have to go through a learning curve in the Cup side? Sure. Because everybody in the Cup level was a standout in Xfinity. But he'll have a little bit of a learning curve. There's no doubt."

Connor Zilisch’s 2025 Xfinity season has been nothing short of dominant, with 10 wins and 18 top-five finishes, establishing him as a clear frontrunner in the series playoffs.

About the author

Born and raised in Pune, India, where a strong emphasis on education instilled in me a lifelong love of learning. My academic journey led me to Amity University in Noida, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication. This foundation in communication arts ignited a passion for storytelling and a keen understanding of audience engagement.

The allure of cinematic storytelling further captivated me, prompting me to pursue a Master's degree in Filmmaking from the prestigious University of Glasgow. This enriching experience honed my critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling me to dissect narratives, understand the nuances of performance, and craft compelling narratives of my own. During my time in Glasgow, I honed my writing skills as a contributor to the university newsletter, covering a diverse range of topics from local sporting events to film screenings and reviews. This experience cultivated my ability to research, analyze, and articulate my thoughts in a clear and engaging manner.

My interests extend beyond the world of film, encompassing a diverse spectrum of sporting passions. From the exhilarating world of Formula 1 to the thrilling spectacle of NASCAR, I find myself captivated by the raw power, strategic brilliance, and human drama that unfold on the racetrack. My passion for sports, coupled with my deep understanding of storytelling, provides a unique perspective that I aim to bring to my writing about NASCAR.

I am eager to share my insights and passion for this exhilarating sport with a wider audience. My background in film, coupled with my experience as a writer and my deep-seated love for competition, equips me to craft compelling narratives that capture the essence of NASCAR – the speed, the strategy, the human element, and the sheer thrill of the race.

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Edited by Hitesh Nigam