Joey Logano, starting ninth at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, experienced a tense race day on Sunday that included contact with Austin Dillon before finishing 21st. The No. 22 Team Penske driver later revealed his cautious approach throughout the weekend and how it helped him avoid trouble during the event. Logano’s experience as a nervous traveler in Mexico race conditions shaped his behavior away from the track.
Race Day Challenges at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
During the race in Mexico City, Logano found himself involved in an on-track incident with Austin Dillon, who forced him off the pavement and into the grass early in the competition. Logano, however, managed to get some form of payback later in the event despite struggling to move up the field. The 35-year-old NASCAR Cup Series champion ultimately finished in 21st place, a result below his usual standards but reflective of the difficult circumstances that unfolded during the race.
Behind the Wheel: Logano Describes His Cautious Mexican Experience
On the Tuesday following the race weekend, Logano appeared on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio for his regular Behind the Wheel segment, where he gave an honest account of his feelings about being in Mexico City. He admitted to feeling anxious as an infrequent international traveler, worrying about losing his passport, falling ill, or worse.
“I’m like the nervous traveler if I’m being honest,”
Logano said.
“Like, I don’t leave the country very often, so when I do, I’m like, I’m nervous I’m gonna lose my passport. I’m nervous I’m gonna get sick. I’m nervous I’m gonna get kidnapped. Like I’m thinking of all the worst possible scenarios in the world, alright.”
Because of these anxieties, Logano decided to keep his activities limited to only what was necessary for the race weekend. He stayed close to the hotel, shuttling back and forth only between the hotel and racetrack, trusting the arrangements NASCAR put in place.
Sticking to Safety and Health Amid Race Weekend
Despite his worries, Logano shared that the trip went well overall. He explored several on-site dining options during his stay, all of which he enjoyed without falling ill. Reflecting on the health concerns surrounding the weekend, he noted several drivers were unwell on race day, but he remained unaffected.
“They had like three different restaurants in there. Tried them all. All of them were great. And I didn’t get sick. All I know is there was like five drivers on race day that were not feeling so hot. And I was like, I did the right thing. I’m still feeling okay. So it, it all worked out.”
—Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
Logano expressed relief at being back home in the United States after the event. He’s focused on preparing for the next race weekend at Pocono Raceway, a track known as the Tricky Triangle, with race coverage scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Prime.
