As Joey Logano prepares to make his 600th NASCAR Cup Series start this weekend at Dover Motor Speedway, he is taking time to reflect on the people who have shaped his career. The three-time champion shared insights about his difficult early years and the mentor who helped turn his fortunes around during an interview with NASCAR.com.
What might seem like just another race start actually marks a significant milestone in a journey that nearly faltered. Logano made his Cup Series debut at just 19, heavily hyped as the next big thing in racing. However, after struggling to find success with Joe Gibbs Racing, he lost his seat and faced a critical turning point.
The Crucial Role of a Mentor and a New Team
Despite his success in the Xfinity Series, Logano’s early Cup Series career was marred by inconsistent results. His release from Joe Gibbs Racing in 2012, when Matt Kenseth replaced him, brought a stark moment of reckoning. That opportunity came through Team Penske, with Roger Penske’s leadership and Brad Keselowski’s recommendation prompting Logano’s return to top-tier competition.
More than just switching teams, the partnership with crew chief Todd Gordon was the key to Logano’s revival.
“Todd acted as a father figure in a lot of ways and helped guide me along.”
—Joey Logano
“That’s what helped put us in a good position,”
—Joey Logano
This support translated immediately into better performance. Logano notched his first win with Team Penske at Michigan in 2013, reached the Championship 4 in 2014, and scored six victories in 2015.
His first championship arrived in 2018, famously described by Logano as the big three and me, when he triumphed against Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, and Martin Truex Jr. He added further titles in 2022 and 2024, solidifying his status at the top of the sport.
Current Season Status and Playoff Prospects
Approaching the 600th start, Logano is riding a wave of momentum following a win at Texas earlier this season. Although he faced setbacks with a 35th-place finish at Daytona and a disqualification at Talladega, his victory in Texas secured his place in the playoffs. He currently stands 11th in the overall points with five top-10 finishes.
Sharing Racing Roots on National Television
Logano appeared on the July 17 edition of Jimmy Kimmel Live, guest-hosted by country-rapper Jelly Roll, where he reflected on his early days in racing and shared personal family moments. When Jelly Roll asked how he started racing, Logano described beginning with go-karts, known as quarter-midgets.
“Well… They call them quarter-midgets because… I don’t know if I can say this. They race full-size midgets. But those are… That’s on dirt. But that’s a real thing…They’ve been called them for like 100 years. So I feel like that’s okay.”
—Joey Logano
A touching moment in the segment showed a childhood photo of Logano racing and then recreated it featuring his son, Hudson, highlighting the generational passion for the sport.
Reflecting on a Career Rescued and the Road Ahead
Joey Logano’s Team Penske journey demonstrates how crucial mentorship and the right team environment can be in reshaping an athlete’s path. Todd Gordon’s role as a guiding figure and the backing of Roger Penske’s organization have helped Logano transform early career struggles into championship success. As he nears his 600th Cup Series start, Logano’s resilience and growth underscore his ongoing competitiveness and potential for further achievements in NASCAR’s playoffs and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Joey Logano have cerebral palsy?
A. Due to complications at birth, Joey experienced bleeding in his brain and was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. This condition means he needs extensive physical therapy.
Q. What medical condition does Joey Logano have?
A. After noticing that his hair did not regrow, Logano visited the doctor and received a diagnosis. He learned he has alopecia areata. This condition is an autoimmune disease that mostly affects individuals under 30 years old.
Q. What illness does Joey Logano have?
A. The cause was a stomach virus. Despite this, Logano pushed through to finish the race. He told the media, “I had the Norovirus and felt fine, but just before the race, I realized I wasn’t okay.”
Q. What disease does Joey Logano have?
A. Joey Logano, the defending champion of the NASCAR Cup Series, mentioned he needed medical attention after the last race due to norovirus. He visited the infield care center at Darlington Raceway for treatment. Despite feeling sick all week, he competed in the 400-mile race, which took place in unusually warm 89-degree weather.