Joey Logano issues FIERY statement to NASCAR critics over…read more
Joey Logano, the newly crowned 2024 NASCAR Cup Series champion, has responded forcefully to critics questioning his path to the title. The Team Penske driver clinched his third championship at Phoenix Raceway, a feat many did not foresee during the regular season. Despite not being a top contender earlier in the year, Logano’s strategic brilliance and strong playoff performance silenced doubters when it mattered most.
Logano’s pivotal moment came at the South Point 400, where he executed a masterful fuel-saving strategy to secure a victory that propelled him into the Championship 4. However, his triumph has drawn criticism, particularly from fellow driver Denny Hamlin, who argued that NASCAR’s playoff system fails to consistently reward the most deserving competitor. Hamlin and others believe the current format prioritizes short-term performance over season-long excellence.
In response to these critiques, Logano defended his championship in an interview with Kenny Wallace on YouTube. He emphasized that NASCAR’s playoff format rewards adaptability and performance under pressure, dismissing criticisms as unwarranted.
“We still had the opportunity to win the championship even though we didn’t have a great regular season,” Logano explained. “But we got hot when it mattered, we won the races that mattered, and we won the championship because of that. If you don’t like it, you can kiss my a**. That’s how I feel about it.”
Logano highlighted the challenges he overcame to secure his title, noting the advantage other contenders had in playoff points. He pointed to drivers like Tyler Reddick (No. 45), Kyle Larson (No. 5), and Hamlin (No. 11), who entered the playoffs with significant point cushions.
“All of that matters because there’s a three-race series,” he continued. “Those guys showed up with like 30 more points than me in every round. We had to overcome that. We started behind all of them.”
Logano argued that the playoff points system benefitted his rivals but ultimately exposed their inconsistencies in the postseason. He pointed to Reddick’s near elimination at the Roval, asserting that without his accumulated playoff points, Reddick would not have advanced to the Round of 8.
The 2024 champion’s fiery remarks reflect his confidence in the current format and his belief that his team’s performance when it counted most validates their success. Logano’s third championship adds to his legacy as one of NASCAR’s most formidable competitors, regardless of external criticism.
