Three-time NASCAR Cup champion Joey Logano is riding high after clinching his third title in a career-defining 2024 season. Team Penske’s No. 22 driver has etched his name among the sport’s elite, but when asked about his greatest treasure in NASCAR, Logano didn’t point to his trophies or accolades—instead, he spoke from the heart about the relationships he’s built over the years.
“The True Treasure in NASCAR”
In a candid interview with Kenny Wallace, Logano explained that the camaraderie within the garage, especially with his longtime crew, means far more to him than any championship victory.
“At the end of the day, what are you going to have? People. That’s all you’ve got. It’s those relationships that you’ve built. I guess I cherish those things more than the trophies because the trophies are great, but at the end of the day, it’s just a piece of metal.”
Logano’s sentiments were on full display after his third championship win when he rewarded his No. 22 crew with a $200,000 bonus, distributing the money in dramatic style by dumping a duffle bag of cash on the table. This crew, many of whom have been with Logano for nearly a decade, received the gesture as a testament to the bonds forged over years of shared triumphs and challenges.
“Clapping Back at the Haters”
However, Logano’s championship win wasn’t without its critics. Some fans have downplayed his title, arguing that his regular-season performance didn’t reflect dominance. But Logano had a pointed response for those detractors:
“We still had the opportunity to win the championship even though we didn’t have a great regular season. But we got hot when it mattered; we won the races that mattered, and we won the championship because of that. And if you don’t like that, you can kiss my a**.”
His fiery comments underscore his frustration with the criticism and reflect his confidence in his and his team’s ability to capitalize on NASCAR’s playoff system, which rewards peak performance at the right moments.
“A Legacy Built on Relationships and Resolve”
For Logano, the 2024 season was the epitome of what NASCAR is all about: perseverance, teamwork, and clutch performances. While the accolades speak volumes, it’s the bonds he’s built with his team and the lessons learned along the way that resonate most with the 34-year-old.
“It’s awesome to celebrate with everybody. Everyone had that together. Those are the moments that are so cool.”
As Logano basks in the glory of another championship, he continues to solidify his place not just as one of NASCAR’s best drivers, but as a true leader in the garage—valuing people and relationships above all else. Whether his detractors come around or not, one thing is clear: Logano is racing on his terms, and he’s not looking back.