Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano is gearing up for a determined push in 2026 to secure his fourth championship, amid ongoing criticism of his team’s inconsistent regular season performances. Although the No. 22 team has delivered when it counted in the Playoffs, claiming two of the past four titles, Logano aims to prove his critics wrong during NASCAR’s revamped format.
Starting in 2026, NASCAR is replacing the Playoffs with The Chase, which emphasizes consistent point gains throughout the entire regular season. The regular-season champion will receive a significant 25-point advantage going into The Chase beginning at Darlington Raceway in September, while the following 14 positions will be separated by five-point increments. This puts an elevated emphasis on scoring points in every race rather than focusing solely on late-season performances.
Challenges in Regular Season Performance and the New Points System
Logano has failed to reach the top 10 in regular season standings for the past three years, including a 15th-place finish in his most recent championship attempt in 2024. His best recent regular-season ranking was a runner-up finish to Chase Elliott in 2022, falling 130 points short but eventually capturing his second championship. This inconsistency during the regular season remains a concern as he prepares for the tougher, more points-focused Chase format.
Logano has expressed mixed feelings about NASCAR’s new system, preferring the pressure-cooker environment of the old Playoffs where must-win races intensified the competition. He recognizes that this year’s format demands sustained excellence all season long, which would make winning a fourth championship even more noteworthy.
Determined to Shut Down Critics with a New Title
Speaking candidly at Daytona 500 Media Day, Logano admitted his motivation goes beyond the trophy.
I told [my team] this would be the sweetest moment to go get this one,
he said.
All of them have been great, don’t get me wrong. All of the championships are special, but just to shut the haters up would be great. I’m just sick of hearing it all, so that’s all I need to hear and if we can get this one, that would definitely mean a little bit more.
This determination highlights his focus on proving detractors wrong and recapturing the form that won him championships in the past.
Addressing the Need for Greater Speed and Consistency on Track
To contend consistently at the front, Logano acknowledges that raw speed is essential, especially given the evolving points emphasis on stage finishes. His recent seasons have included seven top-five finishes and thirteen top-10s, tied for his lowest totals since joining Team Penske 13 years ago.
Reflecting on his 2025 campaign, Logano explained the shift in strategy demanded by the new format.
I think if you look at us like we usually were able to come up with something by the end of the race and you finish well, that’s kind of the old-school way of doing it,
he said.
You’ve got to score stage points, and the only way you score stage points is to just be fast. You’ve got to qualify up front. You’ve got to run up front. That’s where the stage points really come into play. At the end of the race things happen – attrition or strategy – things play out different and you can manufacture something, but stages are all about speed and that’s what we’ve got to continue to work on.
This focus on qualifying and stage performance will be central to his team’s approach throughout the 2026 season.
A New Look Reflecting Personal Challenges and Resilience
During the offseason, Logano made a notable change to his appearance by shaving his head completely after another flare-up of alopecia, an autoimmune disorder causing hair loss, which he publicly revealed in 2019. This fresh look came from a candid moment at home, where he entrusted his oldest son with the clippers.
It’s very refreshing, I will say. You can do this haircut at home,
Logano remarked with a chuckle.
I gave my son the clippers and said, ‘Have at it’ because I figured he would have fun doing that, my oldest. I just said, ‘Here, have fun.’ And then my wife came home and she’s like, ‘What happened.’ And I’m like, ‘I had to cut my hair.’ My wife said I needed to do that. She said I needed to and I said, ‘Whatever you want is what I do.’
He mentioned feeling the airflow over his helmet more noticeably while racing shifter karts with his family, which could have a subtle advantage during races.
Unless it’s been as cold as it’s been lately, so it’s not quite as nice,
Logano added.
It’s a big difference. My beanie game has definitely come up. That’s a thing now.
Strong Start and Outlook for the 2026 Season
Logano’s 2026 season began with promising speed as he posted the 11th quickest qualifying time for the Daytona 500. He is set to start sixth in the opening America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona, positioning him well to contend early. With the combination of renewed motivation, a commitment to speed, and a tougher points system in place, his championship push is one to watch closely throughout the upcoming season.
