Joey Logano’s recent NASCAR Cup Series championship win has sparked an unusual controversy. As Logano clinched his third championship for Team Penske Racing behind the wheel of his Ford Mustang, not everyone was ready to celebrate. Instead, fans have questioned the legitimacy of his win.
Logano’s success came after a tense final lap where he edged past drivers Ryan Blaney and William Byron through a strong performance in the last restart. However, critics found reasons to downplay Logano’s achievement with some arguing as to whether he deserves it compared to other champions.
Taking a stand against this wave of criticism is Kyle Petty, a former NASCAR driver turned commentator. Petty is not one for mincing words, and his impassioned defense of Logano shines a light on what he sees as a double standard among sports fans.
“Now, this is something I don’t understand, I don’t understand why, as I see on Twitter and X, whatever you call it now, why so many people are complaining and saying he doesn’t deserve it,” said Petty. Drawing a parallel with the NCAA Tournament, he likened Logano’s story to that of a Cinderella team whose underdog triumphs are initially celebrated, only to be dismissed when they defy expectations on the grandest stage.
Alex Slitz/Getty Images
“It’s America, people! They make it to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament. We take a guy, that you guys, or the fans perceive, doesn’t belong there and he wins the championship and we say, ‘He doesn’t deserve it, he doesn’t deserve it,” Petty continued.
Joey Logano is no stranger to a little pushback. Since beginning his NASCAR career in 2008, Logano has cultivated a reputation for resilience. As a driver for Team Penske, he has managed to claim the NASCAR Cup Series title thrice now, with prior wins in 2015 and 2018. The team, a powerhouse in various motorsports, has long been known for its strong performance, a trait Logano utilized during the most recent championship.
Adding his voice to the defense of Logano’s achievements is veteran NASCAR journalist Jordan Bianchi.
“We need to give Logano all the credit in the world. He and crew chief Paul Wolfe know how to rise to the occasion,” Bianchi said. As he sees it, Logano’s ability to navigate these tough situations speaks to his capability rather than a simple twist of luck.
“I will say this until I am blue in the face, this is a system that requires teams to do tough — it puts them in tough situations, and you have to fight your way out of it sometimes. Even when you’re not your best, you’ve got to find a way. This is what they did.”
Unlike traditional points systems, NASCAR’s playoff format requires drivers to perform when it matters most, creating a competitive field where being the best might not mean having the highest season statistics but instead performing at the right time.
Will this episode lead to calls for reform, or will it reinforce the legitimacy of the current format?