Fresh Evidence Could Shake Up NASCAR

^{Nov 30, 2024 | Edition #104}

👋 Dear Motorheads,

Welcome back! From surprise wins to Joey Logano’s jaw-dropping championship run, the ‘even-year magic’ struck again! But let’s be honest—it didn’t feel real until that epic final lap in Vegas. While most frontrunners pitted under green, Logano gambled on fumes—and it paid off big!

Now, while Logano has a fiery response of his own for the haters (something we’ll dive into), this edition has something more. Today, the Lucky Dog is bringing you a heartfelt open letter to Chase Elliott, as the Golden Boy recently turned 28!

Today, We’ll Uncover the Following Stories From the NASCAR Universe:

👏 Joey Logano Claps Back at Critics

📺 Broadcasting Deal Has a New Twist

⚖️ MJ Has a New Injunction Request

💌 Lucky Dogs’s Letter to NASCAR’s Golden Boy

 🗣️ Talk of the NASCAR Town

Joey Logano Takes a Dig at Naysayers

As the checkered flag waved at Phoenix, many were quick to question Joey Logano's championship win. Some even said he’s ‘Not a true champion’. 

Sure, it was his third title, but the cheers didn’t seem as loud as they were in 2018 and 2022. After all, he had set a record for the lowest average finish (17.1) by a Cup Champion in the sport’s history.

But it didn’t just stop there. Critics even called for NASCAR to rethink the whole playoff format. Logano’s response? “Everyone complained about the old system.” Naturally, he’s a big fan of the current format, saying it’s “freaking awesome,” and describing it as “intense, pressure-packed, do or die.”

And honestly, he’s not wrong. He’s someone who’s mastered the playoff format. Since 2014, he’s made it to the final four six times, and half of those times he’s walked away with the championship. Call it ‘even-year magic,’ or whatever, but the guy knows how to get it done.

That said, the 2024 season was a bit different. Logano’s average finish didn’t even crack 13.5, and his top 5 finishes were in the single digits for the first time. Despite all that, he’s paying no attention to the critics. He doesn’t care if they call his win "undeserving" or "Mickey Mouse." His response is three words: "Kiss my a**." Here is the full clip where he took this cheeky dig at his naysayers.

The Penske driver believes he won when it counted, and it is hard to argue with that. Timing is everything in this format, and Logano hit the perfect stride in the playoffs (even when Alex Bowman got disqualified at Charlotte ROVAL).

It’s also worth mentioning that Joey Logano’s been on the other side of the playoff coin. Back in 2015, Logano had one of his best seasons: 6 wins, 22 top 5 finishes, 28 top 10s, and an average finish of 9.17. But who ended up with the championship that year? Kyle Busch.

Busch missed 11 races that season due to injury, and his title was questioned by some who argued, “You can’t win MVP as a part-time driver.” Sounds familiar now?

What this means is… unless the playoff system gets a serious overhaul, we’ll keep seeing these debates. For Logano, however, the title’s in the bag, and the critics can say whatever they want. He’s already proven he knows how to play the game.

Continue Reading: Joey Logano Draws Parallel With Tom Brady as He Justifies His Doubtful Championship in 2024

🏁 Lucky Dog’s Quick Poll 🏁

Last Poll’s Result: Telling us, ‘What’s Your Go-To Thanksgiving Meal?’, 49.82% of you said ‘Turkey’, and others shared some great dishes in the comments, like BBQ ribs and baked hams.

 🔎 The In-Depth View

FOX Loses a Crown Jewel Event

The big news coming out of the NASCAR world is about FOX Sports (or rather their big loss). As it turns out, one of NASCAR’s crown jewel races, the Coca-Cola 600, will no longer be there to broadcast. Instead, the Charlotte race is heading over to Amazon Prime. Yep, you heard that right—the streaming giant is making its move into NASCAR, and they're starting with a bang.

In case you didn’t know, the change comes as part of a massive new media deal worth a whopping $7.7 billion, starting next season. The seven-year agreement runs through 2031 and includes not only FOX and NBC but also Amazon Prime and TNT Sports. It's a big shake-up, and it’s sure to have some ripple effects. So, let’s break down why this is such a big deal.

But before that, if you are new to the 2025 media deal, here is a video that explains it in detail.

First off, FOX is losing on the Memorial Day weekend tradition, and it's been one of the top races in the NASCAR calendar for years. Last year, despite a rain-shortened race, it drew 3.1 million viewers. And, now that FOX has lost the important event rights, this would affect their revenue.

But that’s not all! FOX used to broadcast 18 races in a season. Now, that number has dropped to 14. So, while FOX will still have some big moments—like the return of Bowman Gray Stadium and, of course, the Daytona 500—they’ll still lose a big chunk of their views.

If you ask the Lucky Dog, this is a major win for Amazon and NASCAR. With its 200 million subscribers, Amazon is definitely hoping to reel in new fans. And for the existing fans, it shouldn’t be a big shift either because as per NASCAR President Steve Phelps, 70% of NASCAR fans already have Prime. Do you have it?

Continue Reading: Insider Reveals Fox Sports’ Urgency Sparking Viral ‘Meme’ Moment

🫶 The Pit Stop

The Offseason Is Here, It’s Time for You to Relax!

Are you sitting still? Just as your favorite drivers are taking a well-earned vacation, why not treat yourself to a getaway this holiday season as well?

With CruiseDirect, you can trade the off-season blues for sunny shores and relaxing cruises—at prices that seem unreal. Book a 4-night Bahamas cruise for just $197 or a 4-night Western Caribbean escape for only $249. Still dreaming of paradise? Black Friday is here! Starting at just $139—your next adventure awaits!

^{Promoted Poll}

Q: Which destination would you prefer this holiday season?

Simply click on the destination that you would like to explore, and you’ll be redirected to Cruse Direct Page.

 🌪️ Cause for Controversy

Michael Jordan Files For Injunction, Again!

If you remember, a few editions back, the Lucky Dog talked about how 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports pulled their request for a preliminary injunction. This was part of them fighting an anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR, accusing the racing organization of “monopolistic practices.”

As they had been fighting for weeks, it was a bit of a shocker when both teams explained that "circumstances have changed" in the case. While we are still unsure of those circumstances, it looks like NASCAR waived a clause that used to block ‘open teams’ from filing anti-trust lawsuits. With that hurdle out of the way, the teams felt they didn’t need the injunction anymore and were ready to focus on 2025. But now, things have taken another twist.

Bob Jenkins and Michael Jordan have re-filed their request for that preliminary injunction. With this, they’re asking the court to grant them "charter status" while they fight the lawsuit. Why this change of heart, you may ask? Well, a charter status would guarantee the teams a spot in every points race and give them a bigger cut of the race purse. But what gave both teams the confidence?

It seems there’s fresh evidence (the details of which are not yet known), and the teams are ready to take another shot. What’s also different this time around is that they must prove how missing that injunction would cause them “irreparable harm.” 

Now, if they do manage to get the injunction, they could move forward with their plans to buy a charter from Tony Stewart’s former team, Stewart-Haas Racing.

Speaking of which, even Stewart made his stance clear on the lawsuit, calling it a "joke." And it’s not just Stewart who’s frustrated. Jeff Gordon also mentioned that Hendrick Motorsports hasn’t made a profit in the last decade. Still, Rick Hendrick signed the new charter deal.

If you feel that is confusing, let us tell you the cryptic message that Stewart gave, “If people aren’t smart enough to read between the lines and figure out what that means, then you’re all missing the whole big picture all by itself.“

While he echoes 23XI Racing’s thoughts, we think it just might be the reason why Tony Stewart himself exited the NASCAR picture.

Continue Reading: Tony Stewart Divulges Why He Left NASCAR While Announcing $1.3 Million Endeavor

🫡 The Lucky Dog Salutes

Our Open Letter to Chase Elliott!

Dear Chase,

Belated birthday wishes from the Lucky Dog! We hope your day was filled with joy, laughter, and a slice (or two) of your favorite “Grandma’s fruit salad.” Seeing your girlfriend, Ashley’s Instagram story featuring that delicious turkey and cake was a treat for all your fans—just like you’ve been for NASCAR over the years.

It’s truly awe-inspiring to look back on your journey, Elliott. From a young boy walking in the footsteps of his father, the legendary Bill Elliott, to becoming one of NASCAR’s brightest stars, you have carved out a legacy that’s uniquely yours. Sliding behind the wheel of the iconic No. 24 Chevrolet—a ride once graced by Jeff Gordon—was no small feat. While the weight of expectations was immense, you rose to the occasion, proving that greatness wasn’t just in your DNA, it was also in your drive.

The pinnacle, of course, came in 2020, when you etched your name in history as the Cup Series Champion at just 24 years old. It wasn’t just a win for you; it was a moment of pride for the Elliott family, your team, and millions of fans. And with 19 wins already under your belt at 28, you seem far from done making history.

But beyond the trophies, what truly sets you apart is your persona. It’s no wonder you’ve claimed seven consecutive Most Popular Driver awards—fans don’t just admire your skill, they love the person behind the wheel. A simple wave, a selfie, or even just your presence lights up their day.

The journey hasn’t been without its bumps. Back-to-back 4th-place finishes since 2020 showcased your consistency, while 2022 reminded everyone of your brilliance with five unforgettable wins. Even the challenges of 2023 couldn’t dim the love your fans hold for you. And in 2024, you bounced back stronger—securing another victory and delivering electrifying performances like the one at Martinsville that had us all on the edge of our seats.

While you turn a year older, there’s no doubt your story is far from over. As a racer, a son, a fan favorite, and an inspiration—you embody everything that makes NASCAR special. Here’s to more milestones, more checkered flags, and more moments that leave us all in awe. Happy belated birthday, Chase! The Lucky Dog family is cheering you on every lap of the way.

With admiration,
The Lucky Dog

Continue Reading: Chase Elliott’s Girlfriend Has a New Nickname for Him on His Birthday

📰 Lucky Dog's Recommended Reads

1. Kevin Harvick Left in Disbelief With Dale Jr Mocking NASCAR's Ridiculous Tactics - Full Story

2. NASCAR’s Victoria’s Secret Driver Can Do Better Than Hailie Deegan - Full Story

3. “Just Ran Over Somebody”- Richard Petty’s Grandchildren Reveals the King’s Driving Test Tradition - Full Story

4. Ex-NASCAR Driver Exposes Denny Hamlin’s ‘Lies’ Hurting MJ's Lawsuit - Full Story

5. Mark Martin Brings Out Receipts to Rubbish ‘Championship-Less’ Tag - Full Story

✨ Featured Comment

Turkey, with all the fixings, was a popular pick among the Thanksgiving food, but the comment that really stood out came from Super Fan - Faye Friedrich. And honestly, the off-season blues are hitting the Lucky Dog just as hard!

Lucky Dog's Take: While good food is a must, what really stands out on Thanksgiving is the homecoming of those who’ve been away for work, studies, and other responsibilities. So, this festive season, we hope you all have an amazing family time and a lot of your favorite food!

If you have any such comments, let us know in the polls. You can also write back to us. With this, the next Lucky Dog on Track 'Featured Comment' could be yours.

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