Joey Logano, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s most accomplished drivers. With his latest title in 2024, Logano has embraced the dual responsibilities of being a winner on the track and a leader off it.
Logano understands that being a champion comes with opportunities to shape the sport’s future. “I guess I’m more comfortable in the position and understand the opportunity that’s ahead of us as the champion,” he shared. His mature perspective shows a deep appreciation for the platform his success provides, both to grow NASCAR and contribute to its long-term success.
The Champion’s Duty to Shape NASCAR
For Logano, his title represents more than just personal success—it’s a platform to influence NASCAR’s growth. Beyond defending his championship, he’s committed to engaging with fans, sponsors, and the media to build momentum for the sport.
“There’s a lot of opportunity to take advantage of, whether it’s with the media, growing our sport, [or] growing our race team,” Logano said. His vision extends beyond race victories, focusing instead on being an effective ambassador for NASCAR, particularly during this transformative time.
Facing the Pressure of the Championship
Logano is keenly aware of how rare his achievements are, and he doesn’t take them for granted. “You don’t want to just waste the opportunity because you don’t know if you’ll ever have it again, right? And they’re really hard to come by,” he remarked.
With championships in 2018, 2022, and now 2024, Logano has experienced the highs of being a NASCAR champion. His approach reflects a balance between enjoying the moment and leveraging his position to impact the sport positively.
Thoughts on NASCAR’s Demanding Schedule
The NASCAR Cup Series features 36 points-paying races and two exhibition events—a demanding calendar that has sparked debate. Some advocate for shortening the season, but Logano opposes this idea.
“I think it kills the momentum of the sport for one; I think that’s not really good,” Logano explained. He also highlighted the economic impact of reducing races, saying, “If you shorten the season, well, everyone—you’ve got to justify everybody’s salary somehow.”
Logano’s perspective emphasizes the financial and cultural importance of NASCAR’s current schedule. While it may be demanding, he sees it as vital to maintaining the sport’s rhythm and stability.
A Visionary Champion
As the reigning champion, Logano is focused on using his title to leave a lasting impact on NASCAR. From building stronger connections with fans to ensuring the sport’s financial health, his approach reflects both ambition and responsibility.
Whether NASCAR chooses to adjust its format or not, Logano’s leadership underscores the responsibilities that come with being a champion. His dedication to the sport, on and off the track, ensures that his influence will be felt long after the checkered flag.
