In December 2005, at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, 15-year-old Joey Logano quietly attended an awards dinner honoring NASCAR Busch, Truck, and regional series champions. Although seated almost anonymously, Logano’s presence was notable given his early start in racing at age six and his emerging reputation as a teen sensation from the Northeast.
Shortly before the event, NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin had praised Logano, stating,
I am absolutely, 100-percent positive, without a doubt that he can be one of the greatest that ever raced in NASCAR. I’m positive. There’s no doubt in my mind.
Mark Martin’s endorsement highlighted the early belief in Logano’s potential to excel at the highest level. As Logano listened to seasoned drivers’ stories, he appeared both wide-eyed and humble, internally questioning,
Gosh, how did I get here? Will I ever be in their shoes and be a big champion like them?
Joey Logano: A Rapid Rise to NASCAR Stardom
Less than three years following that pivotal night, Logano made his NASCAR Cup Series debut, quickly transitioning from a promising youngster to one of the sport’s top competitors. By 2018, just ten years after his debut, he secured his first Cup Series championship, a title he would add to twice more in 2022 and again last season, completing a remarkable three-championship run.
Now at 35, Logano is on the verge of reaching a historic milestone that only a handful of drivers have approached. This Sunday at Dover Motor Speedway, he is set to make his 600th career start in the NASCAR Cup Series, making him the youngest driver ever to reach this benchmark. His achievement will surpass that of Richard Petty, the legendary “King” of NASCAR, who reached his 600th start in 1973 at 35 years, 7 months, and 23 days old. Logano, nicknamed “sliced bread”—a nod from former Busch Series champion Randy LaJoie who called him the best thing since sliced bread—will hit this mark at 35 years, 1 month, and 26 days.
Logano’s record-breaking pace isn’t new; he previously claimed the titles of youngest Xfinity Series race winner at 18 years and 21 days and youngest Cup Series race winner at 19 years and 35 days. Entering Sunday’s race ranked 11th in the Cup standings, Logano remains a viable contender for a fourth Cup championship, aided by NASCAR’s playoff system that allows drivers outside the top seeds a shot at the title. With 37 career wins and at least one victory in 14 of his first 16 seasons, including a 2025 win already, his competitive streak remains strong.
Exceptional Consistency and the Pursuit of NASCAR’s Iron Man Legacy
One of Joey Logano’s most impressive attributes is his remarkable longevity. Since his first full-time Cup season in 2009, he has started every race consecutively, reaching 597 straight starts by the upcoming Dover event. This streak places him firmly among NASCAR’s toughest and most reliable drivers.
The current Iron Man record for consecutive starts belongs to four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon—who now serves as executive vice president at Hendrick Motorsports—with 797 consecutive starts. Before Gordon, Ricky Rudd held the record with 788 consecutive starts during his Hall of Fame career. If Logano maintains his health and avoids injury, he stands a genuine chance of surpassing Gordon and becoming NASCAR’s new Iron Man.
Assuming NASCAR continues its 36-race annual schedule, Logano could achieve this in the early part of the 2031 season, when he would still be only 40 years old. Should he choose to race until around 45, maintaining his average of over two wins per season, Logano could retire with close to 60 victories, solidifying his status as a NASCAR Hall of Famer.
Racing for Two Iconic Team Owners
Throughout his Cup career, Joey Logano has driven for only two team owners, both highly respected figures in NASCAR: Joe Gibbs and Roger Penske. Early on, Gibbs’ team gave Logano two Cup wins but chose not to renew his contract after the 2012 season.
Since joining Roger Penske’s organization in 2013, Logano’s career took off, accumulating 35 wins and three championships under Penske’s ownership. The contrast between these tenures highlights the impact of team dynamics on Logano’s success. Behind closed doors, it would not be surprising if Joe Gibbs occasionally reflected on his decision, perhaps wondering aloud,
What were you thinking when you let that Sliced Bread kid go?
Looking Ahead: Logano’s Place in NASCAR History
As Joey Logano nears his 600th Cup start at such a young age, his career milestones already place him among NASCAR’s elite. Surpassing Richard Petty’s record for youngest driver to 600 starts, contending for a fourth championship, and chasing the consecutive starts record shows that Logano’s legacy continues to grow. His steady performance and competitive drive suggest he will remain a key player in NASCAR for years to come, with the potential to rewrite record books and further cement his place in the sport’s storied history.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Joey Logano have cerebral palsy?
A. After a difficult birth, Joey experienced bleeding in the brain, resulting in him being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Consequently, he needs frequent physical therapy sessions.
Q. What medical condition does Joey Logano have?
A. When his hair did not regrow, Logano visited the doctor and learned his condition. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease, often impacts individuals younger than 30 years old.
Q. What illness does Joey Logano have?
A. The issue was a stomach virus. Despite this, Logano completed the race. He told the media that it was Norovirus. “I thought I was fine, but realized just before the race that I wasn’t,” Logano shared, according to Steven Taranto from CBS Sports.
Q. What disease does Joey Logano have?
A. Reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano mentioned that norovirus led him to get medical care at the Darlington Raceway after last week’s race. He shared that he had been feeling unwell all week before the 400-mile race, which happened in unusually warm 89-degree temperatures.