Joey Logano recently clinched his third NASCAR Cup Series championship with Team Penske.
Logano’s championship journey involved intense competition, narrowly avoiding elimination from the Round of 12 due to Alex Bowman’s disqualification, before advancing to the Round of 8. This remarkable season was capped off with crucial wins in Nashville, Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.
As Logano celebrates his latest achievement, rumors about his future plans beyond NASCAR have emerged. Addressing these speculations on the RubbinisRacing podcast, Logano confirmed his unwavering commitment to NASCAR, dispelling any ideas of moving to another racing series.
“I love NASCAR racing,” Logano declared. “I’m a person like a creature of habit. I mean like I find something I like, that’s what I’m gonna do… I love NASCAR racing. That was my dream; that’s what I set on. That’s the only thing I want to do.”
Team Penske, led by crew chief Paul Wolfe, has been integral in Logano’s achievements, illustrating a well-orchestrated team dynamic. Despite their win, some fans and critics have raised questions about the current playoff format in NASCAR, critiquing it for potentially allowing less consistent drivers to emerge as champions. Logano’s average finish for the season was 17.1, with four wins, in contrast to some drivers with better overall records that did not make it to the Championship 4.
Nevertheless, Logano’s peers in the racing community have rallied to support his victory. Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing said the following on the legitimacy of Logano’s championship:
“You can make a lot of arguments but at the end of the day, the No. 22 team did what they needed to do to get there. They put on an insane performance on Sunday. You can’t take it away from them.”
The championship win has stirred broader discussions about the NASCAR playoff system. Critics suggest it might need to change to ensure sustained consistency is rewarded alongside championship victories. Historically, NASCAR has seen various formats, from the Latford System to the current playoff setup, each influencing the trajectory of champions like Logano compared to legends such as Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. These conversations point to a possibility for tweaks by NASCAR, as Logano himself suggested the need for changes to prevent future complaints.
In 2024, Logano’s performance was strong, with four wins and a series of top finishes against formidable competition in the Championship 4. During the final race at Phoenix, Logano fended off drivers like Ryan Blaney, William Byron, and Tyler Reddick to secure his title. While statistical comparisons might favor other drivers, Logano’s ability to capitalize when it mattered secured him the win.
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