NASCAR introduced its new Driver Ambassador Program for the 2025 season, with Team Penske’s Joey Logano emerging as the top driver. The initial phase concluded following last Sunday’s The Great American Getaway 400 held at Pocono Raceway. This initiative aims to promote the sport by encouraging Cup Series drivers to engage fans through media appearances and autograph sessions.
The program was carefully crafted by the Stock Car Racing Association during the off-season, offering drivers financial incentives tied to their promotional efforts. NASCAR revealed the top five drivers in the 2025 Driver Ambassador Program through the Sports Business Journal.
Joey Logano claimed first place and was awarded a $1 million bonus for his commitment during the program’s first stage. The list also included 2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson in second, followed by Ryan Blaney—Logano’s Team Penske teammate—in third. Ross Chastain from Trackhouse Racing secured fourth place, with Daniel Suarez rounding out the top five.
Recognition from Industry Insiders and Analysts
Stock car racing journalist Steve Taranto confirmed the rankings and the prize through a report:
“Sports Business Journal reports that the Top 5 of the first period of the Driver Ambassador Program are as follows: 1. Joey Logano 2. Kyle Larson 3. Ryan Blaney 4. Ross Chastain 5. Daniel Suarez Logano will receive a $1M bonus from NASCAR”
NASCAR analyst Adam Stern also acknowledged Logano’s success in the program, emphasizing the promotional goals behind the initiative:
“@JoeyLogano took the checkered flag in the first term of @NASCAR’s new Driver Ambassador Program, finishing in the top spot in the system designed to raise the promotional level of the sport, according to people familiar with the scoring.”
Joey Logano is poised to make his 597th career start at the upcoming Challenge Round 1 race, the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway scheduled for June 28, 2025. The live broadcast will be available via TNT Sports, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 at 7 pm ET, covering the 260-mile event.
Joey Logano’s Support for the Current Playoff System Amid Debate
Earlier in June, Joey Logano publicly shared his views about NASCAR’s current playoff format during an interview on the Zach Gelb Show. Despite criticism from various pundits, he defended the system, crediting it for enhancing competitiveness throughout the regular season.
The #22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse driver secured his spot in the playoffs after winning the Wurth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway in May, joining his teammate Austin Cindric. Ryan Blaney, also from Team Penske, clinched the final playoff berth by winning the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 1, 2025.
Reflecting on the playoff structure, Logano explained:
“I like it, what we have now. And we gotta remember, we changed it for a reason, right? We went from where it was just 36 races, score all the points, no playoff system at all and the champion would be crowned with three races to go at the end of the year. Well, that’s kind of boring, and nobody wanted to see that.”
“Our playoff system rewards consistency through the regular season. It rewards winning through the regular season to seed you better, but at the same time, there’s always the underdog story that can get hot at the right time, figure everything out, and go win the championship,” he added.
Current Standings and Implications for the Championship
Joey Logano currently positions himself comfortably within the top ten of the Cup Series points standings. Holding 436 points, the defending champion has already recorded one win, four top-ten finishes, and two top-five finishes this season, placing him tenth as the competition intensifies.
The Driver Ambassador Program highlights the importance NASCAR places on fan engagement and sport promotion, rewarding drivers who contribute beyond just on-track performance. Logano’s leading role in this campaign, combined with his steady performance in the playoff race, underscores his influence within the sport.
Looking ahead, Logano’s continued participation in upcoming playoff rounds, including the Quaker State 400, will offer opportunities to bolster his championship campaign while maintaining his standing as a prominent NASCAR ambassador.