Joey Logano began his NASCAR journey as a promising young talent, first gaining attention at just 15 years old during a 2005 awards dinner at New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Already a racing prodigy in the Northeast, Logano’s early promise was recognized by legends like Mark Martin, who confidently stated,
I am absolutely, 100-percent positive, without a doubt that he can be one of the greatest that ever raced in NASCAR. I’m positive. There’s no doubt in my mind.
Less than three years later, Logano made his NASCAR Cup Series debut, quickly establishing himself as one of the sport’s standout drivers. By 2018, he secured his first Cup Series championship, followed by additional titles in 2022 and the most recent season, marking him as a top competitor in NASCAR history.
Setting New Milestones: Logano’s 600 NASCAR Cup Starts
This Sunday at Dover Motor Speedway, Joey Logano will make his 600th NASCAR Cup Series start at 35 years old, becoming the youngest driver ever to reach this milestone. He surpasses Richard Petty, known as “The King,” who made his 600th start at 35 years, 7 months, and 23 days in 1973. Known as “Sliced Bread,” a nickname given by former Busch Series champion Randy LaJoie, Logano achieved this milestone at just 35 years, 1 month, and 26 days.
Logano has previously set records as the youngest winner in both the Xfinity and Cup Series, claiming his first Xfinity race win at 18 years, 21 days and his first Cup victory at 19 years, 35 days. Even though he currently ranks 11th in the Cup standings, NASCAR’s playoff structure allows drivers far below the top seed to contend for the championship. With 37 career wins and at least one victory in 14 of 16 seasons, Logano remains a strong contender to add a fourth championship to his resume this year.
Endurance and Consistency: The Quest to Become NASCAR’s Next Iron Man
Logano’s durability is a significant factor in his success. Since starting his full-time Cup season in 2009, he has not missed a single race, approaching 597 consecutive starts as of the upcoming Dover event. The current Iron Man record holder in NASCAR is Jeff Gordon, with 797 consecutive starts, surpassing Ricky Rudd’s record of 788 starts during his celebrated career.
If Logano maintains his health and form, he has a genuine opportunity to challenge Gordon’s Iron Man streak. Assuming NASCAR continues its 36-race schedule and Logano races into his 40s, he could break this record around the 2031 season’s third race, still relatively young in his racing career at 40 years old. Projecting further, if Logano races for another decade and continues his average of more than two wins per season, he could retire with nearly 60 wins, solidifying his place in NASCAR’s Hall of Fame.
Two Legendary Team Owners Shaping Logano’s Career
An important aspect of Logano’s career has been his alliance with just two team owners—both highly respected in NASCAR history: Joe Gibbs and Roger Penske. During his time with Gibbs Racing, Logano earned two Cup wins before his contract was not renewed after the 2012 season. However, joining Penske Racing in 2013 marked the turning point in his career, leading to 35 Cup wins and three championships under Penske’s leadership.
The decision to part ways with Logano remains a notable moment in Joe Gibbs Racing’s history. It would not be surprising if Gibbs himself quietly reflects on the move, as reflected by the quote,
What were you thinking when you let that Sliced Bread kid go?
The Significance of Logano’s Milestones for NASCAR’s Future
Joey Logano’s NASCAR career milestones highlight not only his longevity but also his sustained excellence in one of motorsport’s most competitive arenas. Breaking Richard Petty’s age-related record for 600 starts shows how Logano is redefining success for younger drivers, while his pursuit of the consecutive starts record points to an unmatched level of consistency and resilience.
With three Cup championships already under his belt and the chance to secure a historic fourth this season, Logano’s achievements inspire upcoming racers and fans alike. His career path exemplifies the impact of dedication, endurance, and strategic partnerships, illustrating why he stands among NASCAR’s all-time greats and continues to shape the sport’s future.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Joey Logano have cerebral palsy?
A. Due to complications during birth, Joey experienced a brain bleed, resulting in Cerebral Palsy. Consequently, Joey requires extensive physical therapy.
Q. What medical condition does Joey Logano have?
A. After his hair didn’t regrow, Logano visited the doctor and received his diagnosis. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition often affecting individuals under 30.
Q. What illness does Joey Logano have?
A. Logano was dealing with a stomach bug, specifically Norovirus. Despite this, he managed to complete the race. “I thought I was fine, but just before the race began, I realized I wasn’t,” Logano shared with reporters, according to Steven Taranto from CBS Sports.
Q. What disease does Joey Logano have?
A. Reigning NASCAR Cup Series winner Joey Logano needed medical help for norovirus at the Darlington Raceway infield care center after last week’s race. The Team Penske driver mentioned he was feeling sick all week before the 400-mile race, which took place in unusually hot 89-degree temperatures.
