NASCAR wouldn’t be the same without the recurring debates over its Playoff format. Since its introduction in 2016, fan reactions have been mixed, with much of the feedback skewing negative. Despite the controversy, the format isn’t going anywhere, no matter the chaos it brings. This year’s Championship 4 contenders are Joey Logano, Tyler Reddick, William Byron, and Ryan Blaney.

At Martinsville Speedway, defending champ Blaney secured his spot in the final four with a win. But the real drama surrounded the battle for the last Playoff berth. Initially, Christopher Bell claimed the spot, attempting a wall-ride move reminiscent of Ross Chastain’s famous maneuver. However, NASCAR has since banned the tactic, disqualifying Bell on safety grounds.

Kyle Larson also came up short, finishing third yet missing out on advancing, a scenario that fuels criticism of the format’s complexity. While one thing is clear—winning guarantees progression—the Playoff structure still has its share of detractors.

NASCAR vice president Elton Sawyer defended the format

As one would expect, NASCAR’s governing body was quick to defend its long-debated brainchild. Tooting his own horn, Vice President Elton Sawyer insisted that the Playoff format has delivered great racing. According to him, the format forces drivers to be on their toes and ‘bring their A game.’ every weekend.

However, it was noteworthy that not many NASCAR fans were convinced by his praise. As per one NASCAR fan, “This dude has lost it.” Others tried to bring him back to reality, “Please tell Elton on behalf of 90% of race fans. This format sucks….”. Some even joked, “Elton Sawyer clearly isnt on Twitter lol.”

Sawyer’s remarks follow a controversial race finish, where teams driving the same manufacturer teamed up strategically. A notable instance involved Austin Dillon from Richard Childress Racing and Ross Chastain from Trackhouse Racing. The two Chevrolet drivers essentially became William Byron’s protectors, forming a Chevy wall that blocked others from overtaking while also refraining from passing Byron themselves. This teamwork kept Byron securely in the lead, sparking debate over manufacturer alliances on the track.

Many fans called for the format to go, yet again

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Unfortunately, it looks like the Playoff format is going to be a necessary evil. Fans clearly do not like it, but NASCAR will not budge from its stance. In their eyes, why fix something that was not broken, even though fans believe otherwise? One NASCAR fan complained, “What a dumbass It’s awful. Change it or the sport will die.”

Few people did sympathize with Elton Sawyer a little bit, believing him to be nothing but a pawn. As one person eloquently put it, “NASCAR once again sending Elton out as their fall guy.” Someone else pointed out the questionable Chevrolet tactics to highlight the flaw in the system. They ranted, “That’s a patented lie if you look at the 1 and 3.”

All this being said, what’s done is done, and Blaney and Byron will head to the season finale. The duo will do battle against Joey Logano and Tyler Reddick, both of whom, have had time to prepare. Meanwhile, their teammates will definitely try their hardest to help them to the title. Admittedly, Austin Cindric will have to choose between Blaney and Logano. Denny Hamlin and the Joe Gibbs drivers will back Reddick, along with Bubba Wallace. Finally, Kyle Larson, Alex Bowman, and Chase Elliott will try their utmost to help Byron.