NASCAR’s governing body has made its stance clear: any attempt to manipulate the outcome of its highly anticipated Championship Race will come with severe consequences. According to 2018 and 2022 Cup Series champion Joey Logano, drivers were warned that interfering with the integrity of Sunday’s race at Phoenix Raceway could result in suspensions from the 2025 Daytona 500, the sport’s most prestigious event.
Logano revealed the stern warning during a discussion with retiring NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick, adding a layer of intrigue and tension to the season finale.
NASCAR’s Zero-Tolerance Approach
“NASCAR laid down the law,” Logano said. “They made it very clear to all of us that if anyone was caught manipulating the race—whether it was helping a teammate or trying to mess with a championship contender—they wouldn’t hesitate to suspend drivers, even from the Daytona 500.”
The directive comes as NASCAR continues to prioritize fairness in its playoff system, which crowns a champion based on the outcome of the final race. The race featured title contenders Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and William Byron vying for the championship, with the rest of the field competing under strict instructions to avoid influencing the outcome.
A History of Controversy
This isn’t the first time NASCAR has addressed race manipulation. Instances of team orders and intentional incidents have plagued the sport in the past, most notably in the 2013 “Spin Gate” controversy at Richmond Raceway, where Clint Bowyer’s deliberate spin altered the playoff field.
While NASCAR has taken steps in recent years to clamp down on such behavior, the stakes of the Championship Race—and the prestige of the Daytona 500—make the latest warning particularly significant.
Drivers React
Logano’s disclosure has sparked conversations about how such warnings affect drivers’ strategies and mindsets. While most drivers are focused on their own performance, team alliances and rivalries often play a role in shaping the dynamics of a race.
Harvick, who was competing in his final Cup Series race, acknowledged the pressure and intensity of the situation. “You don’t want to be the guy who crosses the line, but at the same time, you’re out there trying to race hard and end your season—or career—on a high note,” he said.
Ensuring a Clean Fight
By threatening suspensions from the Daytona 500, NASCAR has shown that it’s willing to take bold action to preserve the integrity of its championship format. The Daytona 500’s significance as the sport’s premier event ensures that such a penalty would have a lasting impact on both drivers and teams.
“NASCAR wanted to make sure this race wasn’t clouded by controversy,” Logano said. “They wanted the championship to be decided by the four guys in the hunt, and that’s the way it should be.”
The Bigger Picture
The move reflects NASCAR’s ongoing effort to build trust with fans and ensure that the results of its most important races are earned on the track. With the Championship Race now in the books, the attention turns to the offseason and preparations for 2025.
For drivers and teams, the message is clear: when it comes to the integrity of the sport, NASCAR is willing to draw the line.
