Joey Logano, now a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, is embracing the unique responsibilities and opportunities that come with his championship status. After clinching his third title in 2024, Logano solidified his legacy as one of NASCAR’s most accomplished active drivers. With this success, the Team Penske star understands the weight of being a champion both on and off the track.
Champion’s Role in Shaping the Sport
Logano sees his role as more than just defending his title. For him, being a champion is about seizing the opportunity to grow the sport and contribute to the success of his team and NASCAR as a whole.
“I guess I’m more comfortable in the position and understand the opportunity that’s ahead of us as the champion,” Logano shared. “There’s a lot of opportunity to take advantage of, whether it’s with the media, growing our sport, [or] growing our race team.”
For Logano, the title offers a platform to engage more deeply with fans, sponsors, and the media, ensuring that NASCAR’s momentum continues to build. His focus is not just on winning races but also on becoming an ambassador for the sport during this critical time.
The Pressure of Making It Count
Logano doesn’t take his success lightly. He knows how rare it is to reach the pinnacle of NASCAR and is determined not to waste the opportunity to make a difference.
“But you don’t want to just waste the opportunity because you don’t know if you’ll ever have it again, right? And they’re really hard to come by,” he explained. “So being the current champion comes with a lot of responsibility, and you don’t want to waste that.”
Having won championships in 2018, 2022, and now 2024, Logano has experienced both the highs and the challenges of being the face of NASCAR. His remarks highlight the delicate balance between relishing success and leveraging it for long-term impact.
Thoughts on NASCAR’s Schedule
The NASCAR Cup Series currently features 36 official points-paying races and two exhibition events—a grueling schedule that some feel could benefit from trimming. Logano, however, believes the current format is vital for maintaining the sport’s momentum and financial ecosystem.
“I think it kills the momentum of the sport for one; I think that’s not really good,” Logano stated when asked about potentially shortening the season. “I think if you shorten the season, well, everyone—you’ve got to justify everybody’s salary somehow.”
Logano’s argument underscores the economic and cultural importance of NASCAR’s extensive calendar. A shorter season could disrupt the rhythm of the sport and impose financial challenges on teams, drivers, and support staff.
A Champion’s Vision
As NASCAR’s reigning champion, Logano is focused on making his mark both as a driver and as a representative of the sport. His thoughtful approach to his role reflects his understanding of the broader responsibilities that come with being a champion. From engaging with fans and media to contributing to the sport’s growth, Logano is determined to maximize the impact of his title run.
Whether NASCAR decides to adjust its format or not, Logano’s words remind us that the responsibilities of a champion extend far beyond the checkered flag. As he looks ahead to 2025, Logano is poised to continue shaping the sport, both on and off the track.