Joey Logano and Team Penske have traditionally excelled when the NASCAR playoffs begin, a pattern that contributed to Logano’s 2022 and 2024 championship wins. However, veteran commentator Kyle Petty has raised concerns about Logano’s playoff form this year, suggesting that his performance may not reach previous heights despite past success. This looming uncertainty centers on Logano’s ability to generate the speed and consistency required to contend for another title.
Historically, Penske drivers appear slower during the regular season but dramatically improve in the postseason, with Ryan Blaney capturing the 2023 Cup Championship following this trend. Last year, Logano finished the regular season with four top-five finishes and eight top-10s, then surged in the playoffs with three victories en route to the championship. Currently, Logano’s numbers stand at three top-fives and seven top-10s, a slight decline that has prompted scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Ryan Blaney’s strong regular-season success—with nine top-fives and 13 top-10s—highlights a widening gap between the two teammates’ momentum heading into the playoffs. Petty discussed these differences candidly on Go PRN Live, focusing on the apparent contrast between Blaney’s consistent speed and Logano’s struggles.
That is the one thing that concerns me about the #22 car. And the inconsistency of (Austin) Cindric when you look at him, but when you look at the #22 car of Joey Logano, they’ve just not.
—Kyle Petty
They’ve been 28th, 29th-place cars. When they’ve been in competition and able to run up front, they’ve not had enough to get the W. They’ve had enough to finish second, enough to finish in the top five, but not enough to get it. So, it doesn’t feel that way this year like it, like maybe it has in the past.
—Kyle Petty
Team Penske’s Playoff Position and Upcoming Challenges
Despite Petty’s doubts, Team Penske remains dominant heading into the playoffs, as all of its drivers, including Austin Cindric, have secured wins and playoff spots. This achievement keeps the team in strong contention as they prepare for the concluding regular-season race at Daytona International Speedway. The upcoming 10-race playoff segment will reveal if Penske’s drivers can reignite the competitive edge that has previously earned them titles.
The uncertainty surrounding Joey Logano’s speed and ability to deliver victories in critical moments puts additional pressure on him during this crucial phase. With Austin Cindric showing inconsistency and Ryan Blaney maintaining his strong form, the dynamics within Team Penske’s driver lineup could influence the overall success of the team in this year’s postseason.
As the season finale approaches, all eyes will be on Logano and his capacity to overcome these concerns and reaffirm his status as a championship contender. The results in the immediate races will set the tone for whether Logano’s playoff performance concerns will prove valid or if the former champion can once again find the winning formula.