CONCORD, N.C. — Joey Logano, a three-time NASCAR Cup champion, is battling to maintain his standing in the ongoing playoff season as he contests the crucial elimination race at the Charlotte Roval. Since the playoff system started in 2014, Logano has qualified for the final championship race six times, a record, but his memories of losing the crown in his first title attempt that year still linger. With the intensity of this season’s competition, the importance of keeping his Cup title hopes alive weighs heavily, especially as he leads just barely in the final transfer position heading into today’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Logano’s Career and Playoff Record Reflect Championship Ambitions
At 35 years old and in his 17th Cup season, Joey Logano has spent nearly half his life in NASCAR’s highest tier, showing remarkable consistency in the playoffs. Forty percent of his Cup wins have come during playoff races, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Nevertheless, he acknowledges the uncertainty of racing, from mechanical performance to personal health, making each opportunity precious.
“That might have been my only chance to win a championship. That’s how I felt, and I don’t think I’d feel any different today,”
Logano said to NBC Sports.
If we lost last year, I might say that might have been my last chance to win a championship. Maybe so.
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
Despite the challenges, his focus remains steadfastly on the present, not the uncertain future. Currently, he holds a slim 13-point edge over Ross Chastain for the final Round of 8 transfer spot, while competitors Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Austin Cindric chase closely behind.
Reflecting on Last Year’s Setback and Life Beyond Racing
After failing to advance past the Charlotte elimination race last season, Logano confronted the harsh reality of missing the championship fight: a moment he nearly accepted as an end to his title chase.
“I was kind of starting to move on. I also knew that I was still in the owner’s championship at that point, so I had a lot to race for. I kind of accepted the fact that we didn’t do enough. We had a good day that day … but it wasn’t enough,”
he shared.
He expressed how heartbreak comes with racing dreams but emphasized maintaining perspective on life’s broader picture which helps him handle the pressures of competing at the highest level.
“But you have keep some perspective on life, which is hard to do when you’re in the middle of (the playoffs). That’s hard to do, but you kind of have to. You’ve got to have some other things going on. Sometimes it helps offset some losses in other ways, which you can also win in some other areas. It kind of keeps you flowing.”
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
Family Life as a Vital Support During Intense Competition
Outside the racetrack, Logano finds balance and strength in his family. Together with his wife Brittany and their three children, Hudson, Jameson, and Emilia, family remains his cornerstone amid the chaos of NASCAR’s season.
“That’s even more important because you only have a little bit of that before it’s gone, before they grow up,”
Logano said.
That’s always like God, family and work. It’s got to be in that order. That’s how I see it.
He credited his wife for helping reduce home stress during demanding weeks so that he can focus fully on both racing and enjoying quality moments with his children.
“My wife is awesome. My wife understands that these 10 weeks are a little harder than the rest of the year and she does a good job of relieving any kind of stress that would be at home to where when I’m at home, I can enjoy time with the kids.”
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
Insights into His Children’s Personalities and Family Dynamics
Logano shared a glimpse into the unique personalities of his children, highlighting his oldest son Hudson’s competitive spirit, which mirrors his own passion for racing, while noting how different and surprising each child’s interests and behaviors are.
“They couldn’t be more different from each other. My oldest (Hudson), I can relate to the most. He’s the most like me when it comes to just wanting to drive, over-competitive, has a fit when he loses. He’s me at my rawest form.
“My middle child (Jameson). He’s a complete opposite in a lot of ways but in some ways pretty similar. His interests are a lot different. … And my daughter (Emilia) is just perfect. She’s awesome. She’s the sweetest thing in world. Sassy little thing but she’s sweet, too.”
“I don’t think it’s any different than any other home. … They want to play. We try to keep them outside as much as we can. Jameson is out looking for turtles and snakes and frogs all day long. That’s what he wants to do. I’m not touching then, but that’s fine, I’ll go with you.”
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
Motivation to Win for Team Penske and Its Owner
Beyond personal ambition, Logano races with a deep commitment to his team and especially to car owner Roger Penske. After being let go from Joe Gibbs Racing to make way for Matt Kenseth in 2013, Penske gave Logano a crucial second chance. Since then, Logano has thrived under Penske’s guidance, aiming to add further championship glory to the organization’s legacy.
“I want to (win a title) for him because he’s done a lot for me. There was nobody else looking to pick me up (for the 2013 season). He’s helped me out in a lot of different ways. He cares in ways that you wouldn’t think that somebody of that caliber, that level, just being that busy and stuff going on, that would even think about the little things that are going on in somebody’s life.
“That’s why I want to win for him. That’s why I want to continue the legacy of what has been built here. … Someone helps you out, what do you want to do?
“If your parents have done a lot for you, what do you want your parents to be? Proud of you. You want them to be proud of what you become and what you’re doing. I just want him to be proud of me.”
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
The Stakes of Today’s Race and What Lies Ahead
The elimination event at the Charlotte Roval will determine if Logano continues toward defending his title and competing for another championship. With narrow points margins separating the final few playoff contenders, every lap and strategy will be critical. For Logano, succeeding means not only personal fulfillment but also reinforcing Team Penske’s dominance in NASCAR’s premier series.
As Logano advances through the playoffs, the challenges ahead remain daunting but ripe with possibility. This race, like many in his career, could be another defining moment in his legacy and an affirmation of his resilience and determination on the track.
