Joey Logano’s win at the South Point 400 in October 2024 left fans with a bitter taste in their mouths. The race unfolded with a twist that had people questioning the integrity of the playoffs. A major disqualification shook up the standings, pushing Logano into the Championship 4—despite his relatively low points total compared to other contenders. How could a driver who was out of the round of 8 suddenly be one of the leading contenders for the Cup Series win? Dale Earnhardt Jr had similar thoughts.

NASCAR eliminated Alex Bowman, a popular pick for the title this year, due to his car being underweight by 17 pounds. With how the season is unfolding, many fans have questions about the championship. Was the system designed to reward the most consistent drivers, or does it leave room for controversy? Fans are still debating whether this one race marks a shift in how the postseason should be handled and Dale Jr. had something to say on the matter.

Dale Earnhardt Jr’s take on the way NASCAR is handling the championship

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his wife, Amy opened up about how their loyalty to NASCAR is beginning to fade, especially when it comes to Joey Logano’s place in the championship race. On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, they both expressed frustration over the way things are being handled in the playoffs.

Dale Jr. was pretty blunt: “I don’t believe you put somebody that’s knocked out into the playoffs. I feel like that takes any legitimacy out of it entirely.” He went on to explain that NASCAR already got “tricky” when they penalized Alex Bowman’s 48 car and allowed Logano to move into the playoff picture. For Dale Earnhardt Jr, this kind of decision-making is pushing him to a breaking point: “I’m going to lose my… as a fan. I’m going to lose my… like, the value of this is in question.” 

His comments are simply a reflection of what the NASCAR community feels at large. Martinsville essentially exposed the poor calls NASCAR when it came to violations on the track. Christopher Bell’s hail melon penalty knocked him out of the Top 4 and granted William Byron a spot. While the involved Chevys of Chastain and Dillon did pick up penalties, was it too little too late? Given NASCAR overturned Alex Bowman’s position after Charlotte, could a similar situation occur with Byron? All of this remains conjecture. What Dale Jr and his wife know for certain is that the governing body is rapidly losing trust with the fanbase.

This was when Amy chimed in, echoing Dale’s sentiments about the growing mistrust among fans: “The loyalty kind of starts to fade as a fan, and you can’t trust it.” It’s clear that, as long-time NASCAR fans, both Dale and Amy are struggling to find the same connection and trust in the sport they once had, especially with NASCAR being finicky with the rules.

Although Dale Jr. couldn’t admit it, his co-host tried to keep it blunt, saying, “Well, I’ll say it,” adding, “I couldn’t tell if I was entertained or disgusted” while watching the race. It’s a sentiment that many fans may find relatable, as it seems the sport’s integrity is being called into question more than ever. Now that the only race remaining for the season’s conclusion is the finals, let’s dive into how each driver found themselves in the Championship 4.

The 2024 Championship 4 for the Cup Series title

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The 2024 NASCAR season is coming down to the wire this weekend, with three championships still up for grabs as we head into the final round at Phoenix. Four drivers from each series—Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks—are battling for the title, and the highest finisher in each series will take home the crown. As the championship race kicks into high gear, it’s time to meet the contenders who’ll be fighting for the ultimate glory.

In the Cup Series, Tyler Reddick has had a rollercoaster year but earned his spot in the Championship 4 with a win at Homestead. Despite a rough start to the playoffs, he’s unpredictable and could surprise. Joey Logano, with two championships under his belt, made his way into the playoffs with his Las Vegas win with hopes of winning his third title.

Ryan Blaney, the 2023 champion, is looking to defend his title after a strong finish to the year, while William Byron, who snuck into the Championship 4 after a dramatic disqualification, has been a consistent force all season. With everything on the line, Phoenix will be an action-packed race, with all 4 drivers having an equal shot at the title. Who is your pick for the 2024 title winner?