Joey Logano, currently 13th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 583 points after 24 races, remains focused despite swirling rumors about the 2026 schedule changes. The two-time champion, who has earned one win at Texas Motor Speedway this season alongside two top-five finishes, addressed ongoing speculation about North Wilkesboro Speedway’s potential removal from the All-Star Race lineup in 2026, emphasizing his concentration on his racing performance.
North Wilkesboro’s Role in NASCAR’s Changing Landscape
Speculation is mounting that Dover Motor Speedway might replace North Wilkesboro Speedway for the 2026 <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR All-Star Race, ending North Wilkesboro’s streak since hosting the event in 2023. This would significantly alter the traditional schedule, especially since North Wilkesboro’s last official Cup points race was in 1996, won by Jeff Gordon. The possibility of this change is supported by the fact that both tracks are owned by Speedway Motorsports, making a venue swap more feasible.
Logano’s Measured Response to Venue Change Rumors
In an interview, Logano confronted the rumors directly, commenting,
“As far as I know, it’s just a rumor at the moment, so you know, I’m just speculating; I don’t know.”
He acknowledged North Wilkesboro’s unique position in NASCAR history, noting,
“On one hand, I’d say Wilkesboro deserves a points race, and on the other hand, Wilkesboro’s been pretty cool doing what they’re doing.”
This balanced view highlights the track’s deep roots in motorsports, tracing back to its days linked to moonshine running and grassroots racing tradition.
North Wilkesboro’s Revival and Fan Enthusiasm
Far from fading into obscurity, North Wilkesboro Speedway symbolizes a revival of grassroots racing culture in America. After ceasing operations amid disputes in 1996, the track was revived largely through efforts by Marcus Smith and community support, leading to its triumphant return to NASCAR events in 2022. The 2023 All-Star Race attracted large crowds, confirming strong fan enthusiasm for classic speedways and traditional race formats.
Logano’s Thoughts on Possible All-Star Race Venue Shift
Despite the possible relocation of the All-Star Race to Dover, Logano remains ambivalent but appreciative of North Wilkesboro’s efforts. He remarked,
“The All-Star race team has been pretty cool, so I kind of like that part, so I guess I don’t really have an opinion.”
When discussing his personal preferences, he added,
“I’ve always liked it under the lights… Obviously, if it goes to Dover, it won’t be. But big deal, right? Who cares?”
This nonchalant attitude reveals his primary concentration on racing rather than logistical issues.
Season Challenges Amplified by Richmond Raceway Incident
Beyond speculation about the future, Logano’s season has been riddled with difficulties, including a crash during practice at Richmond Raceway for the Cook Out 400 caused by a right front tire failure. This mishap intensified the pressure on his team as consistency this season has been hard to maintain. Addressing the challenge ahead, Logano stated,
“We have some catching up to do, even when the playoffs reset, but we also know as long as you’re still in it, you’ve got a chance, right?”
His determination shines even as the team works to recover from setbacks ahead of qualifying rounds.
Optimism and Championship Goals Remain Strong
Despite his current standing and challenges, Logano holds confidence in his team’s ability to rebound. He expressed,
“As long as you’re still breathing, there’s an opportunity to win the championship, and I believe in this team so much that we can do that because we’ve done it multiple times.”
His trust in the team’s experience under pressure gives him optimism even as the competition intensifies later this season.
The Road Ahead for NASCAR and North Wilkesboro
As NASCAR’s schedule continues to evolve, with possible shifts that could reshape its future, Logano remains prepared to face whatever changes come. The speculation surrounding North Wilkesboro Speedway’s future spotlights the tension between preserving historical venues and adapting to new market demands. Whether North Wilkesboro reclaims greater prominence or Dover takes center stage, the season promises high drama and intense competition, keeping fans deeply invested in NASCAR’s evolving story.
