Joey Logano, a native of Middletown, Connecticut, finds his closest NASCAR Cup Series track at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, less than three hours from where he grew up. After securing the pole at NHMS on Saturday, Logano enjoyed strong fan support, a contrast to the divided opinions that often surround him in the NASCAR community.
The Complex Relationship Between Joey Logano and NASCAR Fans
Since joining NASCAR’s top tier in 2009, Joey Logano has been a polarizing figure among NASCAR enthusiasts. Like legends Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Earnhardt before him, Logano faces criticism partly because of his frequent victories. His aggressive driving style and sustained success have sparked a number of on-track feuds with fellow Cup Series drivers such as Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and former stars including Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, and Ryan Newman.
Despite the animosity from some corners, Logano remains aware and reflective about his reception. Unlike Hamlin and Busch, who often embrace their controversial reputations, Logano wishes for a broader understanding from fans about who he really is. Speaking after his pole-winning performance, he expressed confusion over the negativity aimed at him:
“I don’t understand it, because I don’t know why,”
Joey Logano said at NHMS.
“I wish I understood why a little bit more.”
Logano elaborated on the disconnect he feels between fan perception and his true character:
“I feel like I’m misunderstood a lot of times,”
he admitted.
“I think the industry knows me really well and the kind of person I am.”
For Logano, understanding his nature as a competitor and as an individual seems lost on a significant portion of fans. He reflected on this gap:
“I don’t know if all the fans understand the kind of person I am or don’t understand how you can race one way and be happy all the other times,”
he said. “It doesn’t add up.”
Balancing the Voices: Supporters and Critics of Logano
Though some fans are critical of Logano, he also counts many supporters, particularly evident during his appearances at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The close proximity to Logano’s Connecticut roots enhances the connection between him and local fans.
After claiming the pole for Sunday’s race, he acknowledged his loyal followers despite widespread focus on detractors:
“There is a lot of 22 fans out there,”
Logano noted, referring to his car number and its fanbase.
“As a society, we focus too much on the haters. We just do that in general. And a lot of times it’s just louder than cheers. But when you look at whatever it is — sales in the merch haulers or if you just look in the grandstands — there’s a lot of yellow stuff out there. There’s a lot of Shell/Pennzoil stuff out there.”
“Although we do talk about about the haters too much, there’s a lot of 22 fans out there. And I’m happy to have every one of them.”
At New Hampshire, where Logano has longstanding ties, the encouragement from hometown fans stands out. He remarked on representing the local community and the pride that it brings:
“It is neat when I do come to Loudon, because I am representing, I feel like, everyone who lives around here,”
Logano shared.
“I feel like you’ve got to root for the hometown guy. You’ve got to do that. And it’s fun to enjoy that piece of it.”
Logano humorously compared his experience in Loudon to that of Dale Earnhardt Jr., who was widely beloved during his career. Although Earnhardt Jr. retired from full-time racing in 2017, Logano feels a similar hometown warmth at New Hampshire:
“It’s the only time I ever feel a little bit like Dale Jr.,”
he said.
“Just a little bit.”
“It’s super-cool. It’s really neat to be Dale Jr., I’ve learned.”
What Joey Logano’s Perspective Means for His Career and Fans
Joey Logano’s openness about being misunderstood reveals the complex relationship between a competitive athlete and a passionate fan base. While some NASCAR fans see him as a controversial figure due to his aggressive driving and on-track rivalries, many others clearly support him, especially near his hometown region.
The positive reception Logano received at New Hampshire reflects the potential for greater fan connection when proximity and personal ties strengthen the bond. However, with only one Cup Series race each year at NHMS, such moments are rare and cherished.
Going forward, Logano’s candid reflections suggest he hopes to bridge the divide in perception, allowing more fans to appreciate not just his racing success but also the person behind the wheel. His experiences also highlight the challenge athletes face in managing public opinion amid intense competition and high expectations.
Starting P1 at @NHMS | #NASCARPlayoffs @Team_Penske @ShellStationsUS @Pennzoil @FordRacing @CocaColaRacing #CokePartner @MaxxSunglasses @PlanetFitness @hbpRacing pic.twitter.com/7csM0AMH8U
— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) September 20, 2025
New England boy gets the New England pole.@joeylogano starts off the Round of 12 on a high note at @NHMS. pic.twitter.com/h4U3KpgSVG
— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) September 20, 2025
