Joey Logano, a three‑time NASCAR Cup Series champion, is once again positioning himself as a serious contender for the title as the sport’s playoff format enters its decisive stretch. Though he has yet to capture a championship under the current Chase structure, the No. 22 Ford driver talks about his team’s rallying cry, “4 the haters,” as a source of daily fuel.
The New Points‑Driven Chase
Unlike the old elimination brackets, the Chase now relies solely on accumulated points to lock in the 16‑driver field, meaning every race can shift the standings in a single lap. Logano’s recent surge — from 20th place six weeks ago to ninth in the latest rankings — illustrates how quickly momentum can be built when a driver masters the points‑heavy format.
His teammates add depth to the Penske effort. Ryan Blaney has climbed to second in the standings after a strong showing at Richmond, while Austin Cindric secured a career‑best third on a short track, bolstering his eligibility for the playoffs. The trio’s progress reflects a strategic push that could reshape the championship picture.
Versatility Off the Oval
At New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin currently leads the points battle by 115 over Blaney and is widely expected to claim the top seed when the final regular‑season race concludes. NASCAR’s internal simulations show that the eventual champion starts inside the top six in roughly 85 % of races, underscoring the importance of a strong opening position.
Outside the stock‑car circuit, Kyle Larson’s recent victory in the Knoxville Nationals — his fourth win in the sprint‑car series — highlights his adaptability across disciplines. Larson’s pole‑position start came after winning a preliminary dirt‑track qualifier, a testament to his versatility that could translate into a wild‑card threat for the upcoming championship.
The upcoming Chase opener at Darlington Raceway on September 6 will set the stage for a points race that could determine the final lineup. With the championship leader beginning 25 points ahead, the pressure is mounting, but many drivers say the new points‑only system has reduced the frantic scramble that once defined qualifying.