NASCAR’s Defending Champion Joey Logano Faces Major Struggles at Bristol – “Absolutely Awful!”
In a shocking display of frustration, reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano is reeling after a dismal start in the Round of 16 elimination race at the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway. The driver of the #22 Team Penske Ford found himself in a precarious position, falling behind the pack and expressing his discontent with the car’s performance, labeling it as “absolutely awful.”
Starting from the 22nd position, Logano was clearly at a disadvantage compared to his Team Penske teammates, Ryan Blaney and Austin Cindric, who qualified second and third respectively. Despite this rocky beginning, the 35-year-old driver still maintains a 21-point buffer above the cutline, sitting in 10th place, which provides him some breathing room against competitors like Ross Chastain and Cindric.
The atmosphere turned tense early in the race, with NASCAR insider Dustin Long reporting Logano’s plunge to 34th place by lap 19 of the grueling 500-lap event. In a candid exchange with his team, Logano voiced his exasperation, stating, “Absolutely awful. Sideways into the corners.” This stark admission highlights the struggles he faced on the notoriously challenging 0.533-mile track.
As the race unfolded, it became clear that Kaulig Racing’s AJ Allmendinger would lead the charge, having earned the pole position, edging out the formidable Team Penske duo. Ty Gibbs and last year’s dominant driver Kyle Larson, who led an astounding 462 laps in the previous Bristol race, rounded out the top positions, leaving Logano’s team in a precarious situation.
Looking ahead, Logano’s future in the playoffs hangs in the balance. If he manages to advance, he will return to the Round of 12—a stage notorious for its high-stakes drama. Last season, Logano found himself eliminated at the Charlotte Roval, only to be reinstated following a disqualification of Alex Bowman’s #48 Hendrick Motorsports entry. Seizing the moment, he rode the wave of momentum straight to his third championship title, solidifying his status as a force in NASCAR.
Logano, a seasoned veteran with three championships under his belt, reveals that he thrives under pressure, despite the discomfort it brings. He candidly stated, “No, I’m an anxious person in general. I’d say I’m just always thinking about stuff. You know, I’m fine with it. I’ve learned to love that.” His ability to channel that anxiety has proven beneficial, although he acknowledges that “to say it’s comfortable, that would be a lie.”
The driver, who made his full-time NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2009 with Joe Gibbs Racing, has transformed his career since joining Team Penske in 2013. With 37 career victories—placing him third among active drivers—Logano’s latest triumph came earlier this year at Texas Motor Speedway, further underscoring his competitive edge.
As the playoff drama unfolds at Bristol, all eyes will be on Joey Logano. Will he reclaim his footing or falter under the mounting pressure? The stakes have never been higher, and the racing world is watching closely.
