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Kyle Larson Calls Out NASCAR Playoff Format: “We Could Win 20 Races and Still Lose the Championship”

Harry Stone by Harry Stone
February 1, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Kyle Larson vs. the Field: 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals Set for Epic Showdown

Nov 2, 2024; Martinsville, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar (77) followed by driver Kyle Larson (5) during cup practice at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season saw Team Penske continue their dominance, securing yet another Bill France Cup in controversial fashion. But for Kyle Larson, the format that decides the champion is deeply flawed—a system where consistency and season-long dominance mean nothing if you don’t win the finale.

Despite winning more races than any other driver, Larson was denied his second championship, as Team Penske peaked at the perfect moment in the playoffs to steal the title. And now, Larson isn’t holding back on his frustrations.

“You Can Win 20 Races and Still Lose the Championship”

In an interview with NASCAR on FOX, Larson addressed the elephant in the room—the flawed nature of NASCAR’s playoff system, which prioritizes a single race over an entire season’s performance.

“The format is really difficult, and when it comes down to just one race at the end, there’s an opportunity that it can happen. I think we could win 20 races in a year and still not win the championship.”

For Larson, the playoff format doesn’t reward the best driver over a full season—instead, it rewards whoever gets hot at the right time.

Penske’s Phoenix Advantage: NASCAR’s Biggest Problem?

Larson also pointed out why Team Penske has thrived under the current format—they own Phoenix Raceway, where the championship race is held.

“I wouldn’t be surprised because the [Team Penske] cars are just so dominant at [Phoenix Raceway]. If nothing changes, I think, anytime a Penske car makes the Final 4 at Phoenix, they’re gonna have the best opportunity to win currently.”

With NASCAR’s refusal to change the playoff structure, Larson expects Penske to continue their reign—and unless you can beat them at Phoenix, it doesn’t matter how dominant you were all season.

Can Larson Move On? “Having One Championship Helps”

For Larson, losing in 2024 was frustrating, but he admits that having already won the 2021 title makes it easier to accept.

“If I didn’t have a championship already, I would say no, I wouldn’t be good with that. I think having a championship already allowed me to get over it more this past season.”

But that doesn’t mean he’s happy about it. His comments make it clear:

  • If NASCAR doesn’t make changes, a driver could dominate all year and still walk away empty-handed.
  • Penske’s advantage at Phoenix makes it harder for other teams to win under the current system.
  • The frustration is real—and if nothing changes, Larson might find himself in the same situation again.

Will NASCAR Listen?

Larson’s comments echo a growing frustration among fans and drivers alike. Many believe the current format devalues the season and makes the championship feel more like a lottery than a true test of dominance.

Will NASCAR adjust the system to reward season-long excellence, or will the playoff controversy continue?

One thing is certain—Kyle Larson isn’t staying quiet about it.

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