Joey Logano cemented his place among NASCAR’s all-time greats by clinching his third Cup Series title in 2024. But beyond his undeniable skill lies a trait that sets him apart on race day: unapologetic selfishness. According to Logano, this mindset isn’t just part of his strategy—it’s his entire racing identity.
Speaking candidly on Kenny Wallace’s YouTube show, Logano embraced his reputation as one of the most ruthless competitors on the grid. He explained that success in NASCAR demands a laser focus on winning, even if it means testing the boundaries of sportsmanship.
“Being a race car driver gives you the opportunity to be someone completely different… It’s actually celebrated, right? Like you can put your helmet on and be the biggest selfish b****hole you’ve ever met. And it’s what you’re supposed to do! That’s what the job is—to be selfish and go out there and win.”
A “Two-Faced” Champion
While Logano’s on-track persona is all about taking risks and pushing limits, he admitted to having a “two-faced” nature. Once the checkered flag falls, the aggressive, win-at-all-costs mentality stays in the car. Off the track, Logano prides himself on being the opposite—a supportive teammate, a family man, and a loyal friend.
“If you lived your life that way when you got out of the car… you’d not be that good of a person, and you probably wouldn’t have any friends. You’d live by yourself.”
This duality, Logano suggested, is what enables him to thrive both as a competitor and a person. By compartmentalizing his competitive streak, he can dominate races without sacrificing meaningful relationships outside the sport.
The Price—and Reward—of Selfishness
Logano’s self-described selfish streak has often drawn criticism, especially when his aggressive tactics lead to clashes with other drivers. But for the Penske star, the rewards far outweigh the risks. His ability to prioritize his own goals on race day has propelled him to the top of NASCAR, proving that selfishness—when channeled correctly—can be a powerful asset.
“The selfish trait, as Logano suggested, is something every driver and every athlete sometimes needs to thrive. Though the same attitude sometimes causes issues for them in life, at the end of the day it’s worth taking those risks, as the reward is often huge.”
Legacy of a “Dangerous” Driver
With three championships under his belt, Logano’s aggressive style and relentless pursuit of victory have solidified his legacy. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that his unapologetic selfishness has made him one of the most formidable drivers in the sport. As NASCAR heads into the 2025 season, fans and rivals alike will undoubtedly be watching to see how much further this “selfish” approach can take him.
