Joey Logano Celebrates 600 Starts in NASCAR Cup Series

Joey Logano is on the verge of a significant milestone in his racing career as he approaches his 600th start in the NASCAR Cup Series. While this achievement may not be the occasion for a grand celebration, Logano acknowledges the importance of the number and what it represents. Over a remarkable journey spanning 16 years and counting, Logano has competed under the banners of only two team owners: Joe Gibbs and Roger Penske. His primary sponsor, Shell, has stood by him for an impressive 13 years, which highlights the significance of durability in professional relationships.

A Testament to Longevity

Reflecting on his career, Logano emphasizes the rarity of maintaining a lengthy presence in the competitive world of professional sports. “Anyone who can make a career out of professional sports and stay at a top tier for 16 years is quite remarkable,” he remarked at Dover Motor Speedway. This sentiment resonates deeply with him, and he takes pride in the consistency and commitment that have defined his time in NASCAR.

Logano’s journey in the NASCAR Cup Series began at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the fall of 2008. He made a couple of additional appearances before officially joining the series the following year as Tony Stewart’s replacement at Joe Gibbs Racing. Since 2009, Logano has been a full-time participant in NASCAR’s elite series, consistently showing up for every race without a break. “I intend to keep going,” he chuckled while reflecting on his unbroken streak. “There have been some weekends when I probably should have taken a break, but I didn’t.”

Life’s timing has often aligned favorably for Logano, with major events such as the birth of his children occurring without disrupting his racing schedule. “I’ve always found myself in a position where I could manage both my career and family life effectively up until now,” he shared, expressing pride in his ability to balance these aspects.

The Significance of 600 Starts

As Logano approaches the milestone of 600 starts, he finds a unique joy in being recognized as the youngest driver to achieve this feat. “It’s kind of cool to do it as the youngest,” he mentioned with a playful grin. He noted that this record might be the only one he could surpass from the legendary Richard Petty, adding a touch of humor to the conversation. “It’s nice to say I beat Richard Petty at something,” he joked, clearly aware of the legacy Petty represents in the sport.

However, Logano’s lighthearted comments were accompanied by an understanding of the respect he holds for Petty’s contributions to NASCAR. His remarks were delivered with a smile, reflecting his awareness of his position in the sport’s history and the achievements of those who came before him.

In recognition of this milestone, Shell and Team Penske are honoring Logano with a special graphic displayed on his rear bumper during the race. As he aims for his second win of the season, Logano and the No. 22 team are focused on preparing for the postseason, where they will look to defend their championship title for 2024.

Achievements with Team Penske

Logano’s career has flourished since joining Team Penske, where he has secured three championships. Penske provided Logano with a second chance at Cup Series racing after his initial stint with Joe Gibbs was brief and challenging. Notably, all of Logano’s championships and 35 of his 37 wins have come during his time with Penske. His victories include a prestigious win at the Daytona 500 in 2015 and two wins in the All-Star Race in 2016 and 2024.

“I have mixed feelings about my career so far,” Logano admitted, expressing the duality of his emotions regarding his accomplishments. “On one hand, competing at a high level for 16 years is almost unheard of in professional sports. I take pride in that. On the other hand, I have 30-something wins, and I can’t help but think about all the races I didn’t win. The number 37 out of 600 doesn’t sound as impressive when you look at it that way.” This internal conflict highlights the complexity of Logano’s journey and his desire to balance pride in his achievements with the reality of competition.

Looking Ahead in His Career

As Logano continues his journey in the NASCAR Cup Series, he remains determined to keep pushing forward. With every race, he faces new challenges and opportunities to enhance his legacy in the sport. The upcoming milestone of 600 starts serves as a reminder of his dedication and hard work, while also fueling his ambition for future successes.

Logano’s focus is clear as he prepares for the next chapter in his racing career. With a strong support system in place and a competitive spirit that drives him, he is well-equipped to tackle whatever lies ahead. The road may have its ups and downs, but his commitment to excellence and passion for racing will undoubtedly guide him through the challenges of the sport.

In summary, Logano’s 600 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series illustrate the significance of longevity, commitment, and competitive spirit in the world of professional racing. As he reflects on his journey and looks forward to what’s next, his story continues to inspire fans and aspiring drivers alike.