Joey Logano, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, continues to impress beyond his racing skills. While he often sparks debate over issues such as the playoff format, his achievements on the track remain undeniable. Beginning his racing career at just six years old, Logano has lived by the principle of racing hard and striving to win. His third championship victory, however, carries a heartfelt meaning that goes well beyond the usual glory of racing.
His first championship triumph in 2018, at age 28, marked a major breakthrough, boosted by three wins, including a key victory at the Homestead-Miami season finale. More recently, his two titles within three years, especially the 2024 championship, were celebrations shared with close family and his Team Penske crew, whom Logano regards as family themselves.
On an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Logano explained the sentimental value of his latest title. He shared,
Honestly, the last one for me, that third one was really cool, all three of my kids were there. And that’s really like the memory you have of that is really what it’s all about.
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Driver
He reminisced about driving to the racetrack with his three children during the championship weekend, sharing jokes in the backseat and promising a victory lap celebration if he won. This celebration involved gathering the family to ride with him holding the checkered flag, marking a joyful moment that became reality.
While his daughter preferred to stay with his wife post-race, Logano took his sons on the victory lap. Reflecting on the experience, he remarked,
That was the coolest moment because you hit the pinnacle. Like that is the top of the top, winning the championship, and you got your kids in the race car with you, and you’re just kind of cruising around.
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Driver
How Family Life Strengthened Logano’s Approach to Racing Challenges
Balancing a demanding NASCAR career with family life is no easy feat, but Logano is among the few drivers who manages it well. To maintain this balance, he deliberately disconnects from work during family time, a boundary that has helped him recover from setbacks with renewed focus and positivity.
On The REKAP podcast, Logano discussed how becoming a husband and father to three children—Hudson, Jameson, and daughter Emilia—has shifted his perspective since his early career days, when racing was his sole ambition.
He explained,
“To me, it’s made everything better… When I was growing up, not being married, didn’t have kids… the only way I can win in life was just racing.”
He continued,
So everything pivoted off of Sundays, and that would determine my whole mood for the rest of the week. But now I have other opportunities to win. I can win in family, I could be a great dad, I can be a great husband, I can win all that,
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Driver
Current Season and Future Outlook with Team Penske
Logano carries one win in the current season and sits 11th in the driver standings, trailing leader Chase Elliott by 178 points. Despite this gap, he remains confident in Team Penske’s ability to peak as the season approaches its critical final stages. His steady mindset and family support continue to fuel his passion and determination to compete at the highest level.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Joey Logano have cerebral palsy?
A. Due to complications when he was born, Joey experienced bleeding in the brain, resulting in a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis. Consequently, he needs extensive physical therapy.
Q. What medical condition does Joey Logano have?
A. When Logano’s hair didn’t regrow, he visited the doctor and received his diagnosis. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that typically affects people before they turn 30.
Q. What illness does Joey Logano have?
A. The cause of the problem was a stomach virus. Despite this, Logano pushed through until the race ended.
He said, “I had the stomach virus, that Norovirus, and thought I was fine, but right before the race, I realized I wasn’t,” according to Steven Taranto from CBS Sports.
