Joey Logano’s 2024 NASCAR Cup Championship win has sparked intense debate in the racing community, leading to backlash questioning the validity of his success.

Despite facing plenty of challenges and criticism, Logano was able to secure his third Cup title, placing him in an elite group of just six drivers in NASCAR history with three or more championships. Some critics argue that Logano’s championship was facilitated by NASCAR’s current playoff format, which they argue unfairly favors less consistent drivers.

Former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty came to Logano’s defense amid the criticism. Petty argues that the backlash against Logano is unwarranted, suggesting that fans are focusing on minor issues to undermine Logano’s significant accomplishments. Petty is adamant that the focus should be on Logano’s impressive achievement of winning a third Cup Championship, rather than dwelling on perceived shortcomings. he explained:

“You take Joey Logano and all we want to do with Joey is strip down and pick out the parts that we don’t like, that we don’t agree with as fans and you pick out the little pieces. Is it worth it? Or not, he got the trophy.

Logano responded to critics after his win with a succinct message, stating:

“I have a pretty sweet trophy now. I’ll laugh all the way to the bank.

“The only reason I don’t say that about other sports is because they haven’t changed the playoff system.

“It might help you. It’s the same in NASCAR, the way we have the rules now, it’s just that you line up a lot better.”

The Team Penske driver also commented on the possibility of retirement, explaining how previously reported by Newsweek Sports:

“Retirement is a real thing, right? An afterlife of sports is something that will hit me at some point.

“That’s why I think there are a few things in it. That’s why I think your family is so important because when we’re done with this sport in three years, you’re forgotten, maybe even faster.

“I like trying to prove to myself that I’m not just a one-trick pony.

“I feel like I’ve hit the cheat code in life being a professional athlete. Like, you know, I didn’t make it in business, I’m a race car driver, I drive in crazy circles all day.

“I feel like I’ve reached the cheat code in life being a professional athlete.”

“What is that, I don’t know, right? Is it on a race team? Maybe. Is it in NASCAR? Maybe. Is it on TV? Maybe. It’s something completely outside of sports, I don’t know.”