In a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney addressed the ongoing Joey Logano chemistry debate surrounding his teammate and defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano’s relationship with crew chief Paul Wolfe. Blaney emphasized that their strong partnership has consistently evolved through innovation and resilience, highlighting why people should not be surprised by their success.
The #12 Ford Mustang Dark Horse driver shared his perspective on how Logano and Wolfe maintain high performance despite any doubts during the regular season. Blaney noted that they constantly experiment with new strategies to improve and achieve better results. This viewpoint came during an exchange with Dale Earnhardt Jr., who joked about Logano’s unexpected moves during last year’s championship race, remarking on the difficulty of predicting favorites in NASCAR.
Ryan Blaney Defends Logano and Wolfe’s Consistent Strength
When asked about the skepticism from outsiders regarding Logano and Wolfe, Blaney strongly refuted those doubts. He expressed amazement at the persistent disbelief in the duo’s abilities and underscored their undeniable talent and competitiveness. Since he competed against Logano in championship battles that involved the same competition meetings, Blaney highlighted the consistency and challenge Logano poses as a formidable rival.
“It blows my mind, honestly, with both the outside world that doubts that duo, like, yeah, write them off right now. They’re going to be there, and they’re going to be really, really good. It’s just they’re very—that’s a very talented team. Joey and I raced for the championship last year, same comp meetings. Nothing changed. You know, that’s your competition. But we’re trying to figure out, how do we run one-two in this deal?”
— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Blaney also shared that team owner Roger Penske has explicitly instructed both drivers to avoid collisions as they compete for the championship, illustrating the intensity and significance of their rivalry this season. Fans will next see their battle unfold at the Hollywood Casino 400, Round 12 of the Cup Series, scheduled for September 28 at Kansas Speedway.
Background on Blaney’s Recent Career and Notable Wins
Earlier in the season, Ryan Blaney gained attention not only for his competitive edge but also for his celebration style after a win at Daytona International Speedway. Driving the black Advance Auto Parts paint scheme on his #12 Ford Mustang during the 250-mile race, he broke a perceived “curse” that had previously hampered his performances in that specific paint scheme.
Following the Coke Zero Sugar 400 victory, Blaney marked the occasion with unexpected burnouts and donuts, partly dedicated to the paint scheme’s long-standing struggles. He described his celebration motivation and shared the encouragement he received from Shane O’Kelly, the CEO of Advance Auto Parts, who suggested that they had “paid their dues” with that scheme at speedways.
“Also, I mainly did it for Advance Auto Parts because that paint scheme at speedways has been cursed. I’ve gotten right hooked with that scheme more times than I can count. The CEO, Shane (O’Kelly), told me, ‘I think we’ve paid our dues with that paint scheme at speedways.'”
— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Blaney’s performance this season has been stellar, leading the Cup Series points after his win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. With three wins, 17 top-10 finishes, 13 top-five results, two pole positions, and a total of 3,084 points in 30 starts, he is considered a top contender in the championship race.
Upcoming Races and What to Watch For
As the season progresses toward critical playoff races, the rivalry between Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano continues to intensify under the watchful eye of Roger Penske’s leadership. Their battle is expected to shape the championship narrative as they push for top positions while maintaining respect on the track. The Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway will be a highly anticipated event for NASCAR fans eager to see how the chemistry between drivers and their teams influences race outcomes.
Blaney’s insights on the Joey Logano chemistry debate highlight the depth of competition and strategic thinking required at the highest levels of NASCAR, reminding enthusiasts that strong partnerships like Logano and Wolfe’s are pivotal to sustained success.
It blows @Blaney's mind when people write Joey Logano & Paul Wolfe off. 🤯 @DaleJr | @Tjmajors pic.twitter.com/M3dwdBo6I8
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) September 24, 2025
