Joey Logano Unleashes the Truth About the Intense Grind of NASCAR Playoffs
As the tension escalates in the NASCAR playoffs, Joey Logano has pulled back the curtain on the relentless pressure that comes with the 10-week battle for supremacy. The Team Penske ace is not holding back, revealing just how grueling this playoff season has been as drivers jostle for a coveted spot in the final showdown in Phoenix.
Logano’s journey thus far has been anything but smooth. After a rocky start with a mid-pack finish at Darlington, he clawed his way back with three consecutive top-five finishes at Gateway, Bristol, and New Hampshire. But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the No. 22 driver. The last two playoff races have pushed him to the brink, with near-elimination moments that have left fans on the edge of their seats. At Kansas, Logano was saved from doom when Denny Hamlin’s late maneuver allowed Chase Elliott to snag the victory, thus sparing Logano from an early exit.
Then came the Charlotte Roval, where Logano found himself embroiled in a fierce battle with a faster Ross Chastain for the final transfer spot. Once again, fortune smiled upon him as Hamlin slowed Chastain on the final lap, ensuring Logano’s survival into the Round of 8—albeit with a significant points deficit and an uphill battle ahead.
Speaking candidly about the immense strain of the playoffs, Logano expressed, “I think there’s something to do with the stress level as well. Like, you have a moment to take a deep breath, right? Like, regain your thoughts again. The playoffs are tough, right? These 10 weeks are hard. It’s a grind on everybody.” He highlighted that while drivers are focused on Phoenix, the pressure and intensity make it challenging to maintain a clear mindset as they juggle multiple fronts. “I think that just narrows your focus when you’re able to do that. And it’s also tough,” he confessed.
As the South Point 400 approaches at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Logano is set to start in the ninth position, while his playoff teammate Ryan Blaney lags behind in 14th. In a bold statement regarding the competitive nature of the playoff field, Logano remarked, “I don’t see a clear favorite.” He acknowledged the level playing field, where any of the eight remaining teams could emerge victorious. “I think you’ve got the best eight teams going for it. It’s gonna be a battle right to the end. I don’t see a clear favorite or clear like this person is gonna kill them all.”
Interestingly, there hasn’t been a repeat winner in this year’s playoffs, adding to the unpredictability of the competition. While Joe Gibbs Racing dominated the first round, Team Penske showcased dominance on flatter tracks like New Hampshire, where Logano claimed the pole position.
Looking ahead, Logano’s past at Las Vegas adds an intriguing layer to his playoff narrative. He triumphed in the last playoff race at this very track, and with a track record of overcoming adversity—having narrowly escaped elimination last year due to a disqualification—Logano’s resilience could lead to another title run.
With the stakes higher than ever and the pressure intensifying, all eyes will be on Joey Logano as he navigates this tumultuous playoff landscape. Will he rise to the occasion and seize the championship, or will the grind prove too much? One thing is certain: the drama of the NASCAR playoffs is only just beginning.