Joey Logano interacted with former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo during the launch of Ford’s 2026 racing season, where Ricciardo attended as a brand ambassador. The occasion highlighted Logano’s involvement in the upcoming season as a representative for Team Penske and featured Ricciardo’s collaboration with Ford through his lifestyle brand, Enchanté.
Ricciardo and Ford recently revealed a partnership that includes an exclusive clothing line under Enchanté. Meanwhile, Logano continued his preparation by testing the increased horsepower on the North Wilkesboro Speedway track ahead of the new season. During the event, Logano shared a moment with Ricciardo on social media, marking the intersection of their motorsport and brand commitments.
“Talking Cars & Racing with @danielricciardo at the 2026 @FordRacing Season Launch,” Logano wrote.
Recap of Ford’s 2025 Performance and Upcoming Challenges
The 2025 racing campaign ended with Joey Logano trailing his Ford teammate Ryan Blaney in the rankings. Both drivers underperformed at Phoenix, allowing Chevrolet and Toyota teams to dominate the field. This season was notable for Ford missing the title chase for the first time during the Next Gen Era, a significant shift after years of strong presence by Logano and Blaney.
Chevrolet’s introduction of a new body style along with changes to the championship format are expected to alter team dynamics significantly. Focus now turns towards the Daytona 500, the season opener where Logano last triumphed back in 2015, signaling high anticipation for his return to contention.
Joey Logano’s Perspective on the Revised Championship Format
Following his test session at North Wilkesboro Speedway, where drivers from various teams tested new setups and camber restrictions, Logano addressed the media about the freshly revamped playoff system. He expressed cautious views about the upcoming challenges the format presents to competitors.
“Personally, I was one of the rare people that liked the old one just from a fan perspective. I enjoyed it, but if the majority doesn’t like that, then, sure, we’ll change it and we’ll go race another way and that’s OK with me, too.”
“The things that stand out to me immediately are the bad days are gonna be harder to recover,” Joey Logano added, “Consistency is gonna pay off more. Looking at it, I think if you’re 12th or so going into the playoffs, I don’t think you can win it from that far back. You’re gonna be 70-plus points back without knowing the real numbers, and you’re gonna have to make that up against the best cars in 10 weeks. Boy, that’s gonna be tough.”
Logano’s 2024 championship was influenced heavily by the elimination-style playoff rules, exemplified when he was reinstated into contention after Alex Bowman’s disqualification. This past success contrasts with his wariness about the current playoff changes, indicating a more challenging path ahead.
What the 2026 Season May Hold for Joey Logano and Ford
The developments revealed at the Ford 2026 launch event and Logano’s reflections on the evolving competition format suggest a season filled with uncertainty and heightened difficulty in securing victories. Ford’s engagement with both emerging and established motorsport figures such as Daniel Ricciardo may bolster its brand presence as the team strives to regain its top-tier status in NASCAR.
With new technical regulations and the altered championship structure, the coming season will test drivers’ ability to maintain consistent performance. Fans and teams alike will watch closely how Logano and his Ford teammates adjust to these changes, starting with the Daytona 500, which remains a key milestone in their efforts to reclaim championship momentum.
Talking Cars & Racing with @danielricciardo at the 2026 @FordRacing Season Launch #FRSeasonLaunch2026 pic.twitter.com/2iCguIz4Sh
— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) January 15, 2026
