Two NASCAR commentators recently debated the prospects of Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano as the playoffs advance, focusing on Joey Logano championship hopes. On The Teardown podcast, Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck of The Athletic shared differing opinions about which driver is positioned best to claim the NASCAR Cup Series title this season.
Comparing Performances of Blaney and Logano During the Season
Jordan Bianchi emphasized the dominance of Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 team, highlighting their consistent speed in long green-flag conditions as a key strength. He noted that Blaney’s group has been one of the fastest, winning races at tracks like New Hampshire, Martinsville, and Phoenix.
The 12 team (Ryan Blaney) this year has been one of the fastest, if not the fastest,
Bianchi said after Blaney’s New Hampshire victory.
“What makes them so good at a racetrack like New Hampshire and Martinsville, and Phoenix is long green flag speed. They did it again today (Sunday). It’s one of the reasons they won this race. Consistently this year, they have had the fastest car.”
– Jordan Bianchi, NASCAR Insider
In contrast, Bianchi expressed less confidence in Joey Logano’s No. 22 team, despite acknowledging their ability to perform well under pressure and rise to important occasions. He recognized Logano’s talent but placed greater trust in Blaney’s team for ongoing success in the playoffs.
I can’t say the same thing about the 22 (Logano). Yes, the 22 figures out how to get things done. They rise to the occasion, I know all of that. But I look at the 12 team, they are doing it, they have done it, and I think they’re going to continue to do it. I just don’t have the same level of confidence right now in the 22 team as I do the 12 team.
– Jordan Bianchi, NASCAR Insider
Jeff Gluck’s Optimism for Joey Logano’s Title Prospects
Jeff Gluck offered a different viewpoint, suggesting that while Blaney’s team is strong, Joey Logano remains a formidable contender, especially if he advances to the final four in the playoffs. Gluck grouped all Team Penske drivers together, pointing out the depth of talent built within the Penske shop.
I’m putting all Penske in a group here,
Gluck remarked.
“You had Josh Berry, obviously built in the Penske shop, extremely fast, was right there challenging for the race win.”
– Jeff Gluck, NASCAR Commentator
Gluck pointed out that Logano’s recent performance demonstrated great strength, underscoring the potential threat he poses to other drivers if he continues to compete at a high level late in the playoffs.
Recent Race Results and Championship Standings
On Sunday, Ryan Blaney secured victory at the New Hampshire race while Joey Logano finished in fourth place. Currently, Blaney leads the playoff standings and has locked in a spot in the Round of 8. Logano holds sixth place, maintaining a 24-point buffer above the elimination cutoff, keeping his championship hopes alive.
Joey Logano led a race-high 147 laps today. That is the most laps he’s led in a single race, I believe, since the 2022 championship race. I just think in general, they just hit on it and looked really, really good. I respect why you’re saying the 12-team because they’re more likely to make a deep playoff run, but if Joey Logano was at Phoenix still alive? Whoa, that’s really scary for everybody.
– Jeff Gluck, NASCAR Commentator
Logano has won two of the past three NASCAR Cup Series championships, claiming titles in 2022 and 2024. Blaney captured the championship in 2023, marking a recent streak of success for Team Penske drivers in NASCAR’s highest level.
Implications for the Playoff Race Ahead
The ongoing playoff battle highlights the strength and depth of Team Penske, fielding two championship-caliber drivers with contrasting styles. While Blaney’s team demonstrates consistent speed and control, Logano’s proven ability to deliver under pressure keeps his title chances very much intact. As the playoffs progress toward the final rounds, the competition between these teammates could be decisive for the overall championship outcome.
With Blaney having already secured a spot in the Round of 8 and Logano fighting to remain above the cutoff line, the next few races will be critical in shaping who advances. Their performances not only affect their own championship hopes but also set the tone for how Penske’s dominance in recent years may continue or be challenged by rivals.
