Joey Logano has experienced a challenging season with Team Penske, heading into Saturday night’s second-to-last regular season NASCAR Cup race at Richmond. Despite securing a spot in the playoffs, Logano’s performance has been underwhelming, with just one win at Texas, two top-five finishes, and six top-10 appearances in 24 races. Currently 13th in the standings, he has accumulated only seven playoff points, leaving him in a difficult position as the postseason approaches.
Although his playoff berth is guaranteed, Logano must improve significantly to make a strong run in the postseason. This week, his crew chief Paul Wolfe discussed the situation on Motor Racing Network’s Crew Call with hosts Steve Post and Todd Gordon, addressing the challenges the driver and team have faced so far.
Paul Wolfe Remains Optimistic Despite Current Challenges
Wolfe expressed confidence that Logano and his team remain capable of turning things around once the playoffs begin. He emphasized their experience and competitiveness, noting that past seasons have shown Logano’s ability to elevate his performance when it matters most. Wolfe pointed to Logano’s three Cup championships, including last year’s title and two in the last three seasons, as evidence of his resilience.
I don’t think it changes our approach,
Wolfe said of the driver’s struggles this year.
We’re a strong enough team and company that obviously it’s gotten more and more competitive, but if we go out there and just not make mistakes, right, we typically have enough speed and enough experience to get through this (first) round.
This mindset underlines their belief that precision and consistency, rather than regular-season points alone, will be key in advancing through the playoffs.
Logano’s Past Playoff Performances Reflect Inconsistent Results
Historically, when Logano has had seasons with only one win, his playoff runs have varied, often ending earlier than hoped. In similar years—such as 2009, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2021, and even 2023—he finished outside the top tier, placing 20th, 17th, 8th, 17th, 8th, and 12th respectively. Despite these outcomes, Wolfe remains unphased, believing the team can avoid an early exit this time.
I like how the playoffs lay out for us,
Wolfe shared, noting that the schedule offers favorable tracks at key points.
I really see a good path for us to get to (the championship finale at) Phoenix, as you look at the strengths of some tracks in each round for us. Playoff points, there’s not many there. And we’ve tried, we’ve worked to try to build some more there when we can, but unfortunately, we just haven’t done it in the regular season.
But with that being said, I don’t know that it’s out of the norm for us to go into the playoffs with few (points), and it doesn’t by no means discourage us from thinking we have a shot at it. We’ll just need to be on our game and limit our mistakes.
Wolfe’s comments suggest that while the low playoff points are a hurdle, they do not define their potential success as the postseason unfolds.
The Path Forward: Precision and Momentum Are Essential
As the NASCAR Cup playoffs near, Joey Logano’s outlook remains uncertain but not without hope. The limited playoff points stand as a challenge, yet the experience and strength of both driver and team provide a foundation for a potential comeback. Success will depend on minimizing errors and capitalizing on key track advantages, particularly in rounds leading to the championship finale in Phoenix.
Logano’s campaign underscores the unpredictable and tense nature of the NASCAR season, where past championships do not guarantee smooth sailing but showcase the capability to overcome adversity. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the playoffs unfold, to see if Logano can convert potential into performance when it counts the most.
