Joey Logano has once again cemented his reputation as a formidable contender in the NASCAR playoffs, demonstrating remarkable resilience during the 2025 playoffs Round of 12 at the Roval. His last-lap pass on Ross Chastain, capitalizing on a bold strategy and a bit of fortune, propelled him into the Round of 8. This recent performance solidifies the growing belief that Logano is the most significant Joey Logano playoff threat entering the championship’s critical stages, a view strongly endorsed by veteran racer Kevin Harvick.
Kevin Harvick Highlights Logano’s Strategic Edge in Playoffs
Speaking on the Happy Hour podcast, 2014 Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick underscored how dangerous Logano has become as the playoffs progress. With three championships earned throughout his career, Harvick acknowledged the strength of Logano’s team, led by crew chief Paul Wolfe, whose savvy decisions have repeatedly influenced the competitive landscape. Harvick emphasized that Logano’s team doesn’t simply rely on raw speed but thrives by executing carefully calculated strategies, especially when the stakes are highest.
In particular, Harvick praised a gutsy decision made during the Roval race, where Wolfe called Logano into the pits at a pivotal moment. This move, which followed an earlier pit stop by the No. 20 car, forced other competitors to respond and ultimately benefited Logano’s position in the race.
“I still believe that the (threat) with the No. 22 car — with Joey Logano — is exactly what happened this week. You’ve got Paul Wolfe sitting up on the pit box, and he made an absolutely gutsy call to bring that car to pit road. The whole strategy was their’s, right? You saw the No. 20 come to pit road before the No. 22 car, put tires on it, and it forced everybody else to follow.” Kevin Harvick said via Happy Hour podcast.
Mastering the Playoffs: The No. 22 Team’s Approach
The No. 22 team, spearheaded by Logano and Wolfe, has honed their playoff performance through years of experience, regularly peaking at crucial moments to stay front and center in championship discussions. While they may not always possess the outright pace to dominate strong fields, their historical strength at tracks like Las Vegas, Martinsville, and Talladega keeps them firmly in contention.
Harvick pointed out that the team’s success often hinges on making the right moves during restarts and critical strategic calls, which Logano executes with precision. Their ability to grind through the field and capitalize on situations has become a defining feature of their playoff races.
“The 22 team is the same way — they grind it out on restarts, they make the right calls at the right time. You look back at Kansas — that two-tire call put them in position, and that’s just what Paul Wolfe does. And Joey Logano executes it well to maximize what they do…I don’t believe they have the speed they need — Vegas, Martinsville, Talladega, those are good tracks for them…” Kevin Harvick added.
Comparison with Teammate Ryan Blaney’s Approach
Harvick contrasted Logano’s method to that of his teammate Ryan Blaney, highlighting their differing strengths. Blaney tends to shine when he has dominant vehicle speed, while Logano’s edge lies in his flawless execution under pressure, particularly during restarts. This tactical execution, combined with a competitive Team Penske Ford Mustang and Wolfe’s leadership, makes Logano a formidable driver in the playoff hunt.
“But I don’t think they have the outright pace of the No. 12. What they do have is the ability to put themselves in front of faster cars by executing on restarts. They’re dangerous from that standpoint. Like I said, I don’t think they have the speed, but they have the ability to make the right calls and make things happen better than just about anyone else.” Kevin Harvick asserted.
Paul Wolfe’s Crucial Role in Logano’s Playoff Threat
Kevin Harvick also devoted attention to crew chief Paul Wolfe, who he believes plays an instrumental role in the No. 22 team’s success. Wolfe’s experience, insight, and bold decision-making under pressure provide a critical advantage. Harvick likened Wolfe and the No. 22 team’s approach to that of the No. 11 team helmed by Denny Hamlin, who is currently one of the leading contenders for the 2025 championship.
Harvick’s respect for Wolfe’s decisiveness was clear, describing his willingness to take risks that pay dividends in high-stakes situations. This strategic thinking not only positions Logano for success but can disrupt the plans of rival teams, creating opportunities to capitalize.
“But Paul Wolfe — guts. He has the guts, the knowledge, the brains to just do something that — Big Ball Paul. He made the call, and it put them in position for everything that happened after. It also put the No. 1 in a bad spot because they didn’t match the pit call… The No. 22 team is that they just race better than most everybody else. When they execute, they’re a lot like the No. 11.” Kevin Harvick said.
Team Penske’s Prospects Moving Forward
Harvick’s insights suggest that Team Penske Racing currently holds a powerful combination of strategy, skill, and execution to continue its championship pursuit in this NASCAR season. With Logano demonstrating his relentless playoff grind and Blaney bringing speed to the table, the Ford Mustang team is well-positioned to maintain its dominance.
The playoff rounds ahead will serve as a critical test to determine whether Logano’s strategic prowess and Wolfe’s leadership can carry them through to the final battles for the title, and how they will stack up against strong competitors like Denny Hamlin.
