Logano Defended NASCAR Stage Point System
The veteran driver supported stage points despite recent criticism from rival competitor Kyle Larson.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Motorsports
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Joey Logano has defended the current NASCAR stage point system, which rewards drivers for performance during specific segments of a race. This comes as Kyle Larson has publicly criticized the format.
Why it matters
The system was implemented to ensure drivers receive credit for strong race segments while boosting fan engagement throughout the event. NASCAR maintains that recognizing performance across all race portions provides a more complete picture of a driver's competitiveness.
Kyle Larson earned 76 total points at Kansas, while Ryan Preece has accumulated eight stage points over the last four races. NASCAR introduced the current stage point system in 2017 to provide credit for strong performances during race segments.
The players
Joey Logano
He is a veteran NASCAR driver who currently ranks 4th in the NASCAR Cup Series Chase standings.
Kyle Larson
He is a competitive NASCAR driver who has been vocal in his criticism of the current point system.
Denny Hamlin
He is a prominent NASCAR driver who currently trails Kyle Larson by 26 points.
Carson Hocevar
He is a NASCAR driver who has expressed support for the existing stage point format.
Ryan Preece
He is a NASCAR driver who has earned eight stage points across four recent races.
The details
Drivers like Carson Hocevar have voiced support for the system, which allows competitors to earn points regardless of their final race position. Conversely, the format remains a point of contention for racers like Kyle Larson who have questioned the impact of the point structure on overall standings.
Timeline
NASCAR introduced the stage point system in 2017.
The article was published on October 4, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The ongoing debate over scoring formats impacts the competitive balance as drivers battle for position in the Cup Series Chase standings. Disagreements over these rules could influence future adjustments to NASCAR's playoff and points architecture.
Joey Logano currently trails Kyle Larson by 67 points, putting pressure on his performance in the remaining races. The points gap between top contenders like Larson and Hamlin demonstrates how stage segments continue to dictate the overall playoff positioning.
The takeaway
The disagreement highlights the tension between performance-based rewards and traditional finishing metrics in racing. Drivers and fans remain divided on whether these segments improve the sport or overly complicate the championship pursuit.
Further reading
For more background on racing regulations, visit the Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EssentiallySports.
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