NASCAR legend Mark Martin has voiced his agreement with the $50,000 fine imposed on Joey Logano by NASCAR following the controversial conclusion of the Richmond Cup race. Logano, who was wrecked out of contention for the win, expressed his frustration by performing a burnout on pit road near the No. 3 crew, creating a significant safety hazard.
Martin, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hall of Famer, has been a mentor to Logano throughout his career. Despite his close relationship with the Team Penske driver, Martin did not shy away from critiquing Logano’s actions during his recent appearance on the “Dale Jr. Reloaded” podcast. Martin acknowledged that while emotions can run high after a disappointing race, Logano’s decision to do a burnout in a crowded pit area was reckless and deserving of the severe penalty.
Martin emphasized that NASCAR’s hefty fine was necessary to send a clear message to all drivers about the importance of safety on pit road. He believes that the fine will serve as a strong deterrent, ensuring that such behavior is not repeated in the future.
Although the 2024 season has been challenging for Logano, the 2018 and 2022 NASCAR Cup Series champion remains optimistic about his chances of securing another title. Logano, known for his ability to peak during the playoffs, is hopeful that the No. 22 team is on the right track to regain its top form. With Team Penske fully committed to supporting its drivers, the race for the championship is far from over, and Logano’s determination could make him a formidable contender as the season progresses.
As the NASCAR season unfolds, all eyes will be on Logano to see if he can channel his frustration into a championship-winning drive, while also learning from the costly mistake at Richmond.
Photo from Joey Logano Instagram
