On February 24 in Columbia, Joey Logano reflected on a memorable moment during his rookie NASCAR season while promoting the upcoming Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. The three-time champion shared a unique experience with the late Cale Yarborough that continues to influence his approach to racing at the iconic South Carolina track.
The Goodyear 400, scheduled for March 22 at the 1.366-mile Darlington oval, is rapidly approaching and remains one of NASCAR’s most anticipated events. Logano, who won the spring race at Darlington in 2022, was a central figure at the promotional event alongside Darlington Raceway president Josh Harris and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, highlighting the significance of the race weekend.
Logano Recalls a Defining Ride with Cale Yarborough
Recounting his initial visit to Darlington in 2009, Logano described a remarkable experience riding with NASCAR legend Cale Yarborough in a two-seater race car at the track.
“The first time I went around there was with Cale Yarborough, and that’s probably one of the coolest moments of my life. There’s a two-seater race car down there and we’re promoting the race, much like we are today. And Cale was there and he gave me a ride,” he said at the event (1:08 onwards).
“I remember just sitting in the passenger seat watching Cale Yarborough drive me around Darlington, thinking this is the most surreal moment and the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. It’s just fun doing that, that day and getting to know him a little bit,” he continued.
At that time, Logano was establishing himself as a rookie with Joe Gibbs Racing in the Cup Series. His laps with Yarborough were far from symbolic; this connection left a deep impression on him and shaped how he navigates Darlington’s challenging layout to this day.
Understanding the Challenge of Darlington Raceway
Darlington Raceway carries a reputation as one of NASCAR’s toughest tracks, earning nicknames like The Track Too Tough To Tame and The Lady in Black. These monikers reflect the track’s demanding nature, which tests drivers’ skill in tire management and precision.
“I was thinking about earlier about Darlington and all the nicknames it has, and I started thinking about like your friends that have a lot of nicknames are usually characters, right? There’s usually a lot of different things about them that make them stand out. And when you think of Darlington, a Track Too Tough To Tame, The Lady in Black, it’s tough, right?”
“It’s hard to do that to get around that place and whether it’s the Southern 500 or the Goodyear 400. It’s one of those racetracks that every driver wants to say they’ve won at… it’s definitely one that sits on the top of our list to try to get a victory at,” Logano added (0:26 onwards).
Despite his 2022 spring win at Darlington, Logano has recorded only one top-10 finish at the track during NASCAR’s Next Gen car era. Driving the No. 22 car for Team Penske, he looks to improve his performance at the upcoming Goodyear 400 on March 22, with the race airing at 3:00 p.m. ET on FS1.
Throwback Weekend Becomes Optional, Logano Honors Legacy
NASCAR’s throwback weekend, which started in 2015 and later shifted from the Southern 500 to the spring Goodyear 400, has recently become voluntary following teams’ concerns over expenses. Logano notably embraced the tradition last year by running a paint scheme in tribute to Cale Yarborough’s car, celebrating both their shared championship success and Yarborough’s legacy.
“Last year, we ran a throwback scheme to Cale’s car. I thought that was just something special, it being home for him there, and we just won our 3rd championship. He’s a 3-time champion. I want to pay respect to that,” he said at the same event (1:35 onwards).
Looking Ahead to Circuit of the Americas and Beyond
As Darlington draws near, Logano’s attention turns to his next challenge at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) this Sunday. Over five starts at COTA, he has maintained an average finish of 19.4 and earned one top-five placement. Building momentum on this demanding road course may set the tone for his return to Darlington, where precise driving and strategic acumen remain crucial.
Joey Logano’s reflections on Darlington, alongside his heartfelt tribute to Cale Yarborough, underscore the importance of history and respect within NASCAR. As the Goodyear 400 approaches, the anticipation rises for what promises to be another intense weekend at a track known for testing the very best drivers in the sport.
