Joey Logano, now a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has delivered a fiery defense of his 2024 title in the face of growing criticism about NASCAR’s playoff system. The Team Penske driver, who clinched the championship with a stellar late-season surge, pulled no punches when addressing his detractors, calling out those who question the legitimacy of his triumph.
“Mickey Mouse Champion”? Logano Fires Back
Logano’s 2024 campaign was marked by five race wins, including three victories in the playoffs. Yet, some in the NASCAR community have dismissed his championship as a byproduct of what they deem a flawed playoff format, dubbing him a “Mickey Mouse Champion.” Speaking on The Kenny Wallace Conversation YouTube show, Logano vented his frustration with the criticism:
“I don’t really know how to explain how frustrated I get when I hear some of the stuff. I’m on social media, I see it — not a true champion, Mickey Mouse, all this stuff. Bottom line is, we won three of the last 10 races. Pretty solid. We had five wins on the season. I kind of count Richmond a little bit even though we didn’t win, but that was pretty dang close.”
Logano Defends the Playoff System
Logano also threw his full support behind NASCAR’s playoff format, which has been a lightning rod for controversy since its inception. Critics argue the system rewards drivers who peak late in the season rather than those who dominate over the entire year. However, Logano sees the playoff structure as a thrilling and fair way to crown a champion:
“The playoffs are here because everyone complained about it being a full season for one, and it wasn’t exciting enough… Now we’ve got a system that I think is freaking awesome. I love it. As a race fan, it is intense, it is pressure-packed, it is do-or-die. People are willing to do the craziest things to try to win, and we’re gonna complain about that now too? C’mon, guys.”
He likened NASCAR’s playoffs to similar systems in other sports, where regular-season performance provides a strong foundation but the ultimate glory hinges on delivering under pressure.
“You can have a great regular season, and it will set you up better for the playoffs. It definitely does, there’s no doubt. But you’ve got to show up when it matters most, and that’s the same as any other playoff system in any other sport.”
“Get Checked Out!”: A Champion’s Message to His Haters
Logano’s confidence in his championship run remained unshaken as he took a jab at those belittling his success:
“To say we’re not a true champion, you better get checked out. We showed up when it mattered the most.”
He also joked about his near-misses in races like Richmond, suggesting that his season was effectively a six-win campaign — a performance that, in his view, solidifies his status as a worthy champion.
A Divisive Triumph
Logano’s win has sparked a debate about the legitimacy of NASCAR’s playoff format and its impact on how championships are perceived. For Logano, the criticism is fuel to prove his doubters wrong, and he seems determined to silence them with more victories.
Whether fans will soften their stance remains to be seen, but Logano’s bold comments leave no doubt about his belief in the system — and himself. One thing is certain: the drama surrounding the 2024 championship will linger as NASCAR heads into its 2025 season.
