Joey Logano NASCAR comeback after losing JGR seat highlights a journey marked by early promise, unexpected setbacks, and eventual triumph. Once celebrated as NASCAR’s rising star, Logano faced immense pressure as expectations soared around his talent during his teenage years. However, the reality of competing at the highest level revealed challenges that nearly derailed his career.
Initially hailed as the sport’s next major talent, Logano experienced the dual burden of hype and the tough learning curve that accompanies professional racing. His early period included moments of disappointment that tested his resolve before he managed to secure a lasting place among NASCAR’s elite drivers.
How Career Setbacks Paved the Way for Long-Term Success
Logano’s path was far from straightforward. After quickly rising through the ranks and gaining national attention, he found himself without a secure ride just a few seasons into his professional career. This low point could have ended his aspirations, but instead became the catalyst for his comeback. Now a two-time Cup Series champion, Logano reflects on these moments as essential to his growth.
During a candid discussion on the Marty & McGee podcast, Logano acknowledged,
“I showed up with all the hype, and then just was like, ‘Eh.’ I didn’t really perform at the level I needed to, to the point where I lost my job.”
Some athletes enter the professional ranks with impossible expectations, yet they achieve and even exceed those expectations. LeBron James. Bryce Harper. Joey Logano. I asked him about that on Marty & McGee. Incredible answer. @joeylogano pic.twitter.com/mp4aXSyxnJ
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— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) May 17, 2025
He elaborated on how believing the hype as a very young driver affected his approach:
“That was the hardest point for me because I believed the hype. When you’re 18 years old or even younger and everyone’s telling you you’re the next best thing that’s going to come in the sport, you’re gonna win all these races and championships and you’re like, ‘Yeah, dang right I am, watch this.’”
Logano admitted that confidence turned into complacency.
“As much as it helped progress my career because of the opportunities I got, it also hurt me because I drank the Kool-Aid, you know what I mean? I believed it so much that I didn’t work at anything, just was like, ‘I’m good, I’m naturally talented, I’m fine.’ I needed a slice of humble pie,”
he said.
Turning Point and Resurgence with Team Penske
The moment Logano lost his seat at Joe Gibbs Racing marked a crucial turning point. In 2013, he joined Team Penske, which provided a fresh start and a framework for his transformation into a consistent championship contender. His experience taught him valuable lessons about humility and perseverance that reshaped his career trajectory.
Reflecting on what young drivers should learn from his story, Logano warned about the risks of early success.
“It can ruin somebody just as quickly as it gives them the opportunity to become something,”
he said, emphasizing the fine line between potential and pressure in NASCAR.
Today, Logano’s journey stands as a testament to how setbacks can fuel determination, leading to an impressive NASCAR comeback after losing JGR seat and eventually a rise to the top of the sport. His growth both on and off the track highlights the challenges that many athletes face when expectations do not immediately translate into results, making his story a compelling example of resilience within motorsports.
