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Joey Logano’s Third Cup Championship: A Tale of Brilliance and Uncanny Parallels

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
January 1, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Joey Logano’s Third Cup Championship: A Tale of Brilliance and Uncanny Parallels

Nov 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano (22) celebrates his championship victory following the Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded in dramatic fashion, with Joey Logano claiming his third Cup Series title in a year defined by resilience, improbable comebacks, and more than a little controversy. While Logano’s determination and savvy on the track were undeniable, his triumph has sparked a flurry of comparisons to another NASCAR great—Jimmie Johnson—highlighting a web of eerie similarities between their third championship runs.


The Cinderella Season

Logano’s path to the championship was anything but straightforward. He barely scraped into the playoffs, qualifying 15th in points after a dramatic fuel-mileage win in a quintuple-overtime Nashville race. Later, he was knocked out of the Round of 8, only to be reinstated after Alex Bowman’s penalty. Despite this rollercoaster ride, Logano’s title run solidified him as the first driver to win three championships in the elimination playoff era, joining an elite club of drivers who have clinched three titles before turning 35.


Parallels with Jimmie Johnson’s 2008 Season

The NASCAR community, particularly its avid Reddit sleuths, has uncovered a series of jaw-dropping connections between Logano’s 2024 championship and Johnson’s 2008 title run. These parallels transcend mere coincidence, leaving fans to wonder if history somehow repeats itself in unexpected ways.

  1. Daytona 500 Pole Connection: Both Johnson in 2008 and Logano in 2024 started their championship seasons by winning the Daytona 500 pole. This marked a significant similarity, as Logano became the first driver since Johnson to achieve this feat and go on to win the championship in the same year.
  2. Team Dynamics: In 2008, Hendrick Motorsports celebrated their third consecutive championship, mirroring Team Penske’s identical achievement in 2024.
  3. Daytona 500 1-2 Finishes: In a peculiar twist, the 2008 Daytona 500 saw Penske teammates Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch finish 1-2 while Johnson sat on the pole. Fast forward to 2024, and Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron and Alex Bowman replicated the 1-2 finish, with Logano (a Penske driver) on the pole.
  4. “Michael” Connection: Standing beside Johnson and Logano in their Daytona pole photos are Michael Waltrip (2008) and Michael McDowell (2024), both of whom won their first Daytona 500s in years ending with “1” (2001 and 2021, respectively). Both Michaels were also in their mid-to-late 30s at the time of their maiden wins, adding another eerie layer to the parallels.

A Legacy of Resilience

Beyond the cosmic connections, Logano’s performance this season was a testament to his grit and adaptability. Much like Johnson, Logano showcased an ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain composure under pressure. Reflecting on his career, Logano echoed the resilience that defines great champions:

“It’s been my whole career, like from the very beginning. It’s just what it is. I’ve got thick skin. Bring it on.”

Logano also joined Johnson in another tradition—the Champions Journal, a ritual Johnson started in 2016. As a two-time contributor, Logano holds a unique place in this tradition, underscoring the growing parallels between the two drivers’ careers.


Is It Fate or Just Racing Brilliance?

While some fans ponder if cosmic forces aligned to grant Logano his third title, others see these coincidences as a testament to the sport’s cyclical nature. The parallels to Johnson’s 2008 season, the peculiar “Michael” connections, and Logano’s uncanny knack for rising in even-numbered years may all seem supernatural. But at the heart of it lies the remarkable skill and determination of a driver who has proven time and again why he belongs among NASCAR’s elite.

Whether fate or sheer brilliance, Logano’s 2024 season will be remembered as one of resilience, redemption, and perhaps, a touch of NASCAR magic.

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