NASCAR: 5 reasons the playoff format isn’t going to change

NASCAR: 5 reasons the playoff format isn't going to change

As a lifelong NASCAR enthusiast who’s seen more than a few seasons come and go, I can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu when it comes to the current playoff format debate. I remember the uproar when they first introduced it back in 2014, and here we are again, seven years later, with fans clamoring for change. But let me tell you something, folks, change ain’t gonna come easy, if at all.

The current NASCAR Cup Series playoff format has never received more scrutiny than it did following Joey Logano’s third title win on Sunday afternoon, as he ended the 36-race season in 11th place for overall points earned.

Since 2004, NASCAR has been using a playoff system, and they introduced the current elimination-style format in 2014.

However, the demand for change is at its peak now, as the driver who ended the regular season in 15th place, qualified for the playoffs after a five-overtime victory and was eliminated in the round of 12 due to another driver’s disqualification, was declared champion. This unexpected outcome occurred despite the Championship 4 not including any of the three drivers who finished the year in the top three in points.

NASCAR fans, don’t get your hopes up. Here are five reasons why changes aren’t on the horizon.

Stage racing

The problem with reverting to any kind of season-long points format is the fact that stage racing exists. A driver can technically finish the season atop the point standings with nothing higher than 16th place finish, and a driver can technically win all 36 races and finish outside of the top 10 in points.

While many spectators consider the playoff system questionable, they might find the current points system even more dubious, particularly as long as stages persist, suggesting an alternative structure for a fairer competition.

Instead of stage racing, which some might consider more of a novelty than a genuine playoff system, let’s first discuss a season-long point system. However, with the current setup where points are given arbitrarily throughout races, implementing a season-long point system wouldn’t be feasible at this time.

No perfect solution

Regardless of the approach NASCAR takes, it seems there’s no universally accepted solution. Some fans might prioritize points and consistency over other aspects, while others might value wins or even prefer a return to the old Winston Cup points system. In essence, finding a completely satisfactory format appears to be a challenging task.

There are, quite literally, thousands of combinations when it comes to what NASCAR can do.

In simpler terms, it seems that NASCAR can’t find a solution that will satisfy everyone in this particular situation. Since someone is bound to feel upset no matter what, it might not be worth making significant changes that could potentially backfire. The current playoff format may have its flaws, but it hasn’t been an absolute disaster throughout history, even considering this season.

Fans still watch

Despite the persistent complaints from fans, it seems unlikely that NASCAR will significantly alter its format as long as it continues to generate profits. This is a situation many people would rather avoid, but it’s hard to ignore the financial incentives that keep viewers tuned in.

The new seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal certainly doesn’t hurt NASCAR’s case.

Game 7 moment

In every season since its introduction, the current playoff format has been exceptionally successful at delivering nail-biting, climactic moments reminiscent of a “Game 7.” This point is undeniably true.

Indeed, there’s a notable distinction between NASCAR and the World Series: in baseball, Games 1 through 6 of the World Series significantly impact the outcome, whereas NASCAR seems content as long as its final event, akin to Game 7, operates smoothly, which it does effectively.

It’s worth noting that NASCAR isn’t like traditional “ball and stick” sports. However, just as the MLB once only had the World Series for its championship, there’s no rule dictating that NASCAR must crown its champion based solely on regular season performance.

The development of postseason play isn’t exclusive to specific sports, and NASCAR is indeed experiencing the desired outcome in this case.

Stubbornness

Elton Sawyer, a key executive at NASCAR, remarked that the current playoff system in NASCAR necessitates drivers and teams to consistently give their best performance each week.

Logano ended his not-so-stellar championship season, which was one of the poorest performing in the 76-year history of the Cup Series, by clinching the title. His average finish for the series was a disappointing 17.1, making him the champion with the worst performance record; he managed to rank within the top 20 only in 21 out of the 36 races.

Moreover, he was essentially racing without a prize in four out of the nine playoff contests en route to the Championship 4. In these four events, his average placement was a rather lackluster 20.25. Quite an off day, wouldn’t you say?

Regarding conventional sports competition, it’s as if the team barely making it through the last playoff wildcard spot is already granted an advantage of skipping the initial four weeks of play.

Sawyer’s remarks highlight a significant discrepancy between the objectives NASCAR aims to recognize and the outcomes they are in fact recognizing.

However, NASCAR appears reluctant to acknowledge any changes in the format, as such adjustments might be perceived as a concession. Furthermore, it seems unlikely for them to suggest or admit, even indirectly, that they’ve made an error, especially given the escalating discontent among their fanbase.

2024-11-14 16:34