Ryan Blaney recently opened up on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast about the impressive playoff performances of his teammate Joey Logano, emphasizing how Logano consistently delivers when it matters most. Blaney acknowledged the methodical way Logano approaches racing, dismissing doubts about the No. 22 team’s abilities. In his own words,
“It’s not a big surprise to me anymore. I’ve been teammates with Joey for long enough that I know and how good he is and how kind of methodical he goes about things,”
showing how Logano’s careful strategy underpins his success.
Logano has turned average regular seasons into championship triumphs three times—in 2018, 2022, and most recently in 2024—where even a last-minute win secured his playoff spot. Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed amazement at the transformation Logano and Team Penske display during playoff time and how they elevate their game when it counts. He remarked,
“Man, when the playoffs come, y’all get better as an organization, but there is something about… they are so smart at knowing everything to do outside of the car to sort of put themselves in the best position.”
Blaney highlighted how strategic moves like the July Goodyear test at Loudon gave Team Penske critical data that enabled Logano to secure the pole position in that race. As Blaney explained,
“Yeah, they knew Loudon was going to be in the playoffs. And they were early able to take advantage of it,”
a clear example of turning preparation into an edge during playoff battles.
The Strategic Partnership Between Logano and Crew Chief Paul Wolfe
Central to Logano’s achievements is the close collaboration with his crew chief, Paul Wolfe, which has led to 14 wins since 2020 and three championships. Their quick adaptability and smart decisions have become a hallmark. Blaney praised this synergy by stating,
Image of: Ryan Blaney
“I know how great Paul Wolf is, of how he goes about things and how they kind of pick and choose, like, ‘Hey, yeah, we’re going to go do this tire test.’”
Despite skepticism from some in the racing community, Blaney remains confident about Logano and Wolfe’s abilities. He refuted outsiders’ doubts, saying,
“It blows my mind, honestly, of people who like the outside world that doubts that duo of like, nah, no, I write them off. Now they’re going to be there, and they’re going to be really, really good.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared that frustration, noting how Logano’s team frequently defies predictions by thinking differently and excelling under pressure.
Diverging Opinions on Logano’s Chances for Another Championship
As Logano holds sixth place in the standings with a sufficient cushion above the playoff cut line, experts remain divided over his prospects for a fourth Cup title. NASCAR analyst Jordan Bianchi is skeptical, seeing inconsistencies in Logano’s performance despite his known ability to rise in crucial moments. Bianchi said,
“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 teams; 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.”
Conversely, Jeff Gluck of The Athletic points to Logano’s strong showing, especially at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS), where he led a race-high 147 laps—the most since his 2022 championship race. Gluck commented,
“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.”
He added that Logano’s form at Phoenix could be “really scary for everybody,” underscoring the threat posed by Logano’s playoff determination despite a so-so regular season.
Logano’s Polarizing Status and Playoff Path Forward
The split views on Logano reveal his unique position as both an underdog and a formidable competitor entering the Round of 12 and the upcoming Kansas race, where he has secured three victories before. Gluck summed up the intrigue, saying,
“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.”
With just a two-race gap in this playoff round, Logano’s path remains open, and his ability to perform under pressure could define the remainder of the championship fight. The dynamic between him, Blaney, and Team Penske continues to be one of the most compelling storylines in the NASCAR playoffs.
