Joey Logano claimed the pole position at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, sparking an uncommon wave of cheers from the local crowd at his home track. This positive reception stood out because NASCAR fans rarely show such enthusiasm toward Logano, making the reaction both notable and somewhat unexpected.
Logano went out late in the qualifying session and only realized he had secured the top spot after returning to the pit area, prompting a triumphant moment that was met with loud applause. The strong connection with New Hampshire fans added a special element to the achievement, as Logano expressed his appreciation for the rare fan support in this particular setting.
Logano’s Reaction to the Crowd’s Support and Pole Win
Reflecting on the victory in his post-qualifying press conference, Logano highlighted the intense emotions involved with winning the pole at New Hampshire and acknowledged the difficulty of achieving success in a tightly packed NASCAR field.
“Well, I like winning. That part hasn’t changed over the years,”
Logano said when asked about his motivation.
“You know, I think it’s just, I mean, it’s hard. It’s honestly become harder over the years just because the field is so close. I think part of the emotion is it’s New Hampshire, for me. It means a lot. I think the other part is, you know, I just got out of the car. You know, it’s one thing if you, you know, if you’re like Josh [Berry], right? He had to sit there the whole time and watch, it’s more of like a relief when you win the pole.”
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
“It’s because you sat there and your adrenaline is gone, you’re just kinda chilling, and you’re just watching, nervous the whole time. This is like I just got out of the car, I’m still shaking. Like, I haven’t calmed down yet. So, yeah. And like, the other piece of it, like it’s New Hampshire, but the fans cheer for me. That’s freaking cool. Like, that doesn’t happen everywhere. It’s like, just here. So, I love that. So, it’s a little bit more exciting when you’re able to win the pole when the whole grandstands is happy for you. That’s kinda neat.”
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
Joey Logano’s Recent Form and Playoff Prospects
In recent races, Logano has demonstrated strong performance in the NASCAR Playoffs, carrying momentum into New Hampshire with consecutive fifth-place finishes and now a pole position. His team’s ability to execute during the upcoming race will be crucial if he aims to capitalize on this promising starting spot.
Logano’s connection to New Hampshire and Atlanta is deeply personal, as he views these tracks as key to his growth and success as a driver. His consistent efforts at these venues often elevate his competitiveness, aligning with the emotions and focus he applies in significant moments.
The Implications of a Potential Win at New Hampshire
A victory at New Hampshire could position Logano and crew chief Paul Wolfe to prepare extensively for Las Vegas, a track where Logano has excelled since the introduction of the Next Gen cars. Winning early in the playoff rounds allows the team to focus on upcoming challenges, a strategy that has proven effective in previous seasons.
Given the typically limited passing opportunities at New Hampshire, a flawless performance by Logano’s team could largely determine whether he extends his playoff run. Avoiding mistakes while capitalizing on his pole position puts Logano in a strong place to contend for the win and move closer to the Championship 4.
