DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Joey Logano’s ascent to becoming a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion is a story of perseverance forged in the crucible of early adversity. While many drivers navigate the challenges of the sport gradually, Logano experienced a stark wake-up call early in his career, a humbling experience that ultimately shaped him into the driver he is today. The Team Penske driver recently opened up about the period following his arrival in NASCAR’s top series, revealing a period of self-doubt and a near-exit from the sport.
Logano burst onto the racing scene as a prodigious talent, earning the nickname “Sliced Bread” for his seemingly effortless success. Beginning at age six, he quickly amassed a string of victories, including the National Bandolero Bandits crown in 1999, the Young Lions National Championship in 2002, and the Pro National Championship in Legends, becoming the youngest champion in that series’ history. He continued his dominance in the K&N Pro Series East in 2007, ARCA, Late Models, and even the Xfinity Series in 2008, building a reputation as a future star. However, the transition to the NASCAR Cup Series with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2009 proved far more challenging.
Reflecting on this period ahead of the 2026 Daytona 500, Logano described the pitfalls of early success. “It’s a tricky place for a young kid to grow up in, right, to have all that hype,” Logano said on First Things First. “It can affect you in a lot of different ways and, unfortunately, mainly bad ways. Due to the fact that I think you start to drink your own Kool-Aid, if you will. You start to believe in all the hype, and you start to just think you’re that great. And you don’t move to work like you’re supposed to. Or you start to acquire a little arrogant. At some point reality gonna slap you in the face.”
That “slice of humble pie,” as Logano called it, came swiftly. He struggled to find success at the Cup level, facing seasoned veterans and a significantly higher level of competition. “When I got to the cup level, the NASCAR top level here, I got my butt kicked for three years before I was able to get my head wrapped around things…” he admitted. The struggles ultimately led to the loss of his ride at Joe Gibbs Racing. “If I’m being honest, I failed at that. I lost my job. I was at a point that I was like, well, ‘Uh-oh, what am I going to do the rest of my life? I’m 21 years old, and I don’t know if I’m going to make it.”
A Lifeline from Penske
Joe Gibbs Racing found itself in a difficult position, scrambling to secure sponsorship for Logano. According to Logano, when Roger Penske inquired about his availability, prompted by a suggestion from Brad Keselowski, Gibbs requested a week to finalize sponsorship deals. With funding uncertain, JGR faced the prospect of either demoting Logano to the Xfinity Series or releasing him altogether. Fortunately, Roger Penske stepped in, offering Logano a lifeline and a fresh opportunity with Team Penske. This move proved pivotal, revitalizing the young driver’s career.
Logano has remained with Team Penske ever since, going on to win three NASCAR Cup Series championships in 2018, 2022, and 2024, as well as the 2015 Daytona 500. His career statistics include 37 wins, 301 top-ten finishes, and 33 pole awards in the Cup Series as of February 17, 2026.
The early struggles, however, left an indelible mark. Logano credits that difficult period with teaching him the importance of humility and hard work. “That tough period taught Logano how to lose before he could learn how to win again,” he reflected. He now approaches each race with a relentless work ethic, constantly striving to improve and avoid complacency. “To this day, Logano reminds himself not to coast, keeping that hunger alive and pushing to raise his game lap after lap.”
Looking Ahead
Logano’s story serves as a powerful reminder that even the most promising talents can face setbacks. His ability to overcome adversity and learn from his mistakes has been instrumental in his success. As he embarks on his 18th season overall and 14th year with Team Penske in 2026, Logano remains focused on adding to his already impressive legacy and contending for a fourth NASCAR Cup Series championship. The 2026 season promises to be another exciting chapter in the career of a driver who has truly earned his place among NASCAR’s greats.
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