Table of Contents
Joey Logano cemented his legacy as one of NASCAR’s all-time greats by taking his third NASCAR Cup Series championship in spectacular fashion at Phoenix Raceway. The driver of the No. 22 Team Penske Ford gave it his all when it mattered most, overcoming an inconsistent regular season to peak under the pressure of the playoffs—something that has become his trademark.
Now, 2014 Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick has commented on what makes Logano so dangerous when the stakes are highest. Speaking on his podcast, Harvick praised Logano’s ability to thrive in high-pressure environments and broke down the characteristics that separate him from his competitors.
The “Special Gift” of Balancing Pressure
Harvick described Logano’s incredible ability to stay grounded and composed under the great weight of playoff competition.
“He has a special talent, a special gift to be able to balance all of that. The balance he has in his life—with his family, his team and who he is as a person—is incredible. He is very confident. He’s dangerous, and when they give him a chance to get back into the championship race, he capitalizes on every single moment.”
According to Harvick, it’s this poise and confidence that allows Logano to not only handle pressure, but thrive in it. Whether it’s taking advantage of the opportunities given to him or creating them himself, Logano’s mental toughness makes him a force to be reckoned with.
Thriving under Playoff Pressure
Harvick noted that Logano seems to elevate his game during the NASCAR playoffs, a period that many drivers describe as the most mentally exhausting stretch of the season. For Logano, however, pressure isn’t a burden: it’s fuel.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than being able to succeed in those moments, and Joey just thrives in them. He finds a way to take it to a different level, even by his own admission, than he does in the regular season. When the playoffs start, he’s a completely different driver.”
Harvick compared Logano’s mastery in the playoffs to that of drivers like Denny Hamlinwho, despite incredible success in the regular season, have yet to win a championship. Harvick suggested that if Hamlin had the same composure as Logano under pressure, he could already be a multiple-time champion.
An Evolving Legacy
Logano’s ability to perform when it counts has become the hallmark of his career in NASCAR’s playoff era. Your three Cup Series championships (2018, 2022, 2024) place him among the sport’s best, and Harvick believes Logano’s reign is far from over.
“Joey will remain a championship contender for a couple of years yet. He has shown he can adapt, survive pressure and capitalize on every opportunity. He will be remembered as one of the best ever.”
The Key to Success
Whether it’s his confidence, the support of his team or his ability to stay grounded, Logano’s approach to racing is a model for championship success. As Harvick said, “They allowed him to get back into the championship race, and now they are paying the consequences.”
With three titles under his belt and no signs of slowing down, Joey Logano has cemented his reputation as the ultimate playoff driver—a man who not only embraces pressure, but thrives on it.
How many races has Joey Logano won in 2024?
In 2024, Logano’s performance was strong, with four wins and a series of top finishes against formidable competition in the Championship 4. During the final race at Phoenix, Logano fended off drivers like Ryan Blaney, William Byron, and Tyler Reddick to secure his title. 1. As a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Joey Logano’s success in the playoffs has been undeniable. What do you think sets him apart from other drivers in terms of his ability to perform under pressure?
2. In your opinion, what role does teamwork play in Joey Logano’s achievements, and how has his team contributed to his success in the playoffs?
3. Do you believe that Joey Logano’s approach to balancing pressure and confidently embracing challenges could be applied to other areas of life beyond racing? If so, how might it benefit people in their personal or professional lives?
4. Compared to other drivers like Denny Hamlin, who have excelled in the regular season but not in the playoffs, what changes could they make to emulate Joey Logano’s success?
5. How has Joey Logano’s mental toughness helped him evolve as a driver and cement his legacy in the sport of NASCAR?
