NASCAR’s one-race, winner-take-all playoff format has been a lightning rod for years, with fans and drivers griping that a single bad day can wipe out a season’s worth of work. Joey Logano’s 2024 title, won despite a low average finish, poured fuel on the debate, pushing NASCAR to rethink things for 2026. A playoff committee, including drivers, officials, media, and manufacturers, is meeting next week to chew over changes, from a multi-race Championship 4 to stricter qualifying rules or even a smaller playoff field. But this doesn’t stop the garage voices from weighing in with their own strong opinions.

Past formats have sparked similar fights. Kyle Busch’s 2015 title despite missing 11 races, Chase Elliott’s 2020 win over Kevin Harvick’s nine victories, and Logano’s 2018 and 2024 upsets

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