Joey Logano, a three‑time NASCAR Cup Series champion, is turning his attention from simply making the Chase to actually winning the title this season. His No. 22 Ford, which climbed from 17th to a stronger position after two victories in the last four races, now carries the team’s rallying cry, “4 the haters,” as extra motivation for the championship push.
The New Points‑Based Chase Format
The Chase has abandoned its former elimination playoffs in favor of a pure points system. The championship leader starts the stage 25 points ahead, and every subsequent driver is separated by five‑point increments. This structure means that only a handful of drivers remain realistically in contention, and the champion typically starts within the top six about 85% of the time, according to Racing Insights simulations.
Team Penske’s trio — Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Austin Cindric — are among those fighting for the top spots. Blaney recently moved past Ty Gibbs in the standings, while Denny Hamlin appears poised to lock the highest Chase seed at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, holding a 115‑point lead over Blaney.
Motivation and Analytics
Logano’s crew leans heavily on data analytics that show a high probability of success when a driver finishes the regular season in the top six. The statistical edge, combined with the team’s internal slogan, fuels a competitive fire that extends beyond merely qualifying for the Chase.
Meanwhile, Kyle Larson’s recent triumph at the Knoxville Nationals, where he captured his fourth victory and earned pole position after a rain‑delayed Richmond qualifying session, underscores the depth of competition across the sport. Larson’s dual successes highlight how victories in other series can translate into momentum for the NASCAR schedule.
Leaders and Upcoming Venues
Christopher Bell joins a growing list of drivers who have already secured a Chase spot, noting that the reduced pressure on many competitors has altered the narrative around qualification. As the season progresses, the focus will shift to the upcoming races at Darlington Raceway and the historic short track at Richmond Raceway, where points will be fiercely contested.
The championship battle will culminate at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where Hamlin’s 115‑point advantage could be decisive. If he clinches the top seed there, the remaining races will likely serve as a final showdown for those still within striking distance, including Logano, Blaney, and Cindric, all of whom are backed by the resources and strategy of Team Penske.