The Playoffs elimination system has been in place for a decade now, and it’s produced a unique style of racing that favors individual races over season-long consistency. Since the elimination-style championship system was implemented, several NASCAR Ford drivers have stood head and shoulders above the rest, proving that they’re the best of the best in the national series.
Three Blue Oval racers made the cut in a list of the top Cup Series drivers in the Playoff elimination era on NASCAR.com. Unsurprisingly, 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney was named as one of the 10 racers on the list, slotting in eighth. Blaney, who drives the No. 12 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Penske Racing, knows how to make his performance count in the Playoffs.
“Ryan Blaney has made the most out of his Playoff appearances, whether it is his shocking win in the inaugural race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course or his walkoff win at Martinsville that propelled him to his first championship,” says NASCAR. “It seems the 2023 Cup Series Champion is coming into his own in the elimination era.”
Kevin Harvick, now retired, landed in third place. Before switching to commentating, Harvick drove the No. 4 Mustang, boasting the most Championship 4 appearances in the modern era. He was also the first driver to win a championship under the elimination format, earning the 2014 title.
Finally, the other NASCAR Ford driver on the list is Joey Logano, who slotted in second. Logano has piloted the No. 22 Mustang to two championships in the Playoffs (2018 and 2022), and has five appearances in the Championship 4 throughout his career. Clearly, he’s dialed into the format, and his performance at individual tracks makes him a consistent title threat. Who knows – he could do it again in 2024.
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They must not use the 10r80 10 speed transmission in these fords, otherwise they wouldn’t finish the race… ford would say, did you try resetting the computer ?