Kyle Larson

Stories

NASCAR kills the knockout playoffs after 12 years of controversy

Won 2025 title in controversial fashion

NASCAR just blew up its most controversial championship system. After Joey Logano won the 2024 title with the worst average finish in Cup Series history, and Kyle Larson 'stole' the 2025 crown without leading a single lap, the sanctioning body abandoned its elimination-style playoffs. They're returning to 'The Chase'—the 10-race postseason format last used in 2013.

Updated May 20

Notable Quotes

"We didn't lead a lap and won the championship. We had an average car at best."

from NASCAR kills the knockout playoffs after 12 years of controversy · Updated May 20

"When you don't win the race, you don't lead a lap, you win the championship, you steal it from a guy who's tried for so long, it's a really weird feeling."

from NASCAR kills the knockout playoffs after 12 years of controversy · Updated May 20