The existence of NASCAR’s playoff system has been a boon for some and a bane for others. Since its introduction in 2004, the dynamic shift in deciding the championship winner has earned many mixed reviews from drivers and fans alike. To add spice and urgency to the equation, NASCAR adopted the elimination-based format in 2014. Since 2014, the only driver to have won multiple championships is Joey Logano.

Having won the Cup Series in 2018 and 2022, he understands the challenge of progressing well through the four playoff rounds. However, the Team Penske star also believes that the drivers who miss out on the next round of the competition or do not qualify for the playoffs are similar to mere spectators in the race. On the other hand, NASCAR fans witnessed the first time a non-playoff driver won the season finale in 2023. Ross Chastain emerged victorious at Phoenix as he teased Ryan Blaney and denied him a golden finish.

Joey Logano explains the different situations for a driver in the playoffs

Joey Logano was an unexpected exclusion in this year’s latter stages. The #22 Mustang driver was ousted in the first round of the playoffs alongside former champion Kevin Harvick. His teammate and No. 12 Mustang driver Ryan Blaney didn’t let Team Penske miss Logano’s services, as he brought out his best-ever form and retained the championship for Roger Penske.

Amidst all this, there was one thorn in Blaney’s side. That was #1 Chevy driver Ross Chastain. The Trackhouse Racing star had only led one lap in his last nine races, a run that extended to his previous win at Nashville. However, at Phoenix, he was a different gravy. Chastain kept Blaney frustrated with his determined possession of the lead and held him off until the end. As a result, a historic night dawned upon Ross Chastain and Trackhouse Racing.

But was there any real motivation behind him fending off Blaney? Joey Logano explores that in a recent conversation on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The yesteryear champion stated, “The speed of racing changes in the playoffs because there’s different agendas out there.”

“For every team, a win is huge in the regular season. For a playoff team, a playoff win is huge. If you’re not in the playoffs, it is not that big of a deal. When you go to those races, your alliances and how everybody works together is a way toward the playoff guy. I think it takes something away from the speed of racing.” 

Joey Logano could have tried to help his teammate in the championship race. But it wasn’t much needed with the #12’s pit placements at the front and an eventual rise to the upper ranks. On the other hand, Ross Chastain has never backed out of a dogfight.

Read More: Ryan Blaney Reveals Bittersweet Reality Behind Championship Win, Praises Jimmie Johnson’s Wholesome Persona

Despite exiting the playoffs in the Round of 12, he didn’t want to give up his lead just because of his racing spirit. That could be one way to put it. As for a change in the system, Chastain has an idea that he believes NASCAR could implement and imbue the same from Formula 1.

Ross Chastain speaks on the growing influence of Formula 1 in America

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Last week’s Las Vegas Grand Prix started horrendously. Following an incomplete inspection of the racetrack on Friday, the first practice session of the race had to be suspended. But the trackside was graced by a horde of stars. While that is not uncommon in Formula 1, NASCAR drivers made a difference to the celebrity list in Vegas. Ross Chastain was present at the race among drivers like Denny Hamlin, Austin Cindric, and Todd Gilliland.

The Las Vegas GP made its debut in the country in 2022. Ever since the announcement of the event’s addition to the schedule, the fanbase for Formula 1 in the country has widened. Could that pose a threat to NASCAR with its decreasing viewership? Chastain believes the exact opposite of it and wants NASCAR to capitalize on the competition.

“I love it. I think a rising tide raises all ships,” claimed Chastain. “I’ve become a fan. I wasn’t a fan 15 years ago, but I was 10 years ago, and I’ve just slowly kind of just watched from afar. I’ve never been to anything, been to any events or anything. I’m glad that we’ve got more events on this side of the pond and love that more people are watching.”

NASCAR’s viewership has continued to decrease with each passing day and has come down by 5% from last season. Having healthy competition in Formula 1 could benefit the sport. With the addition of the Chicago street race, NASCAR also has its own version of Las Vegas street racing, but with the global influence missing, some things need addressing.

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