NASCAR President Steve Phelps found himself on the defensive as the final weekend of the season approaches, addressing the media in Avondale, Arizona on Friday. At the forefront of the controversy are concerns surrounding the four drivers competing for the Cup Series championship, as some claim that other drivers boasted superior statistics, yet failed to make the cut.
Despite these criticisms, Phelps stood firm in his defense of the four finalists, emphasizing the competitive nature of the sport and the thrilling conclusion that the championship is poised to deliver. In a bold move, Phelps doubled down on the merits of the NASCAR playoff system, a format that has drawn ire from some in the racing community.
However, Phelps acknowledged that no system is perfect, saying, 'There are always going to be those who feel they were unjustly denied a spot in the championship.' Nonetheless, the president argued that the current format is the best way to determine the season's top driver. Phelps also acknowledged the statistical disparities, stating, 'There are a multitude of factors that contribute to success in NASCAR.'
Ultimately, Phelps expressed his confidence that the season's conclusion would be an exciting one, with a deserving champion emerging. The NASCAR president may be on the defensive, but he's not backing down from his stance – a move that may either placate fans or only serve to fuel the fire of discontent.