In a recent interview with The Athletic, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano kicked off the 17th season of their popular “12 Questions” series. Logano, who now holds the pole position for the eighth consecutive season, shared insights about his personality, career, and experiences in the world of racing.
Logano is unapologetically punctual, arriving early to engagements to show respect for others and alleviate his own stress about being late. He admitted that being late bothers him deeply, as he views it as disrespectful, stating, “I’d rather inconvenience myself than somebody else.”
During the race weekends, Logano expressed frustrations with traffic patterns leaving the track, wishing for better routes to ease the flow of departing fans and teams. When it comes to the NASCAR playoffs, he humorously noted that he no longer feels the need to defend them, as he has grown comfortable with their format.
Reflecting on his journey, Logano maintains a positive outlook, feeling content with his experiences rather than wishing to change past decisions. He explained that even the mistakes he made have shaped him into the person he is today.
He candidly described the experience of debriefing after a poor race, acknowledging the collective disappointment of the team. “It’s no fun… you’ve got to do the dirty work,” he said, emphasizing the importance of confronting issues head-on to avoid repeating mistakes.
Logano also talked about his new look after shaving his head in the offseason, noting the surprising temperature difference and even sharing a lighthearted moment with his daughter who playfully blamed his baldness on not brushing his hair.
Looking back at his early career, he recalled an infamous incident with racing legend Tony Stewart, observing how racing techniques have evolved to the point where what might have once been controversial is now commonplace. He cited how aggressive racing strategies are now standard practice, indicating a significant shift in the sport.
Among nostalgic reflections, Logano expressed a desire to possess Mario Andretti’s helmet, calling him the “coolest race car driver in the world.” He also discussed the importance of having a support system during tough times, revealing that he prefers to be surrounded by people rather than alone.
Humor took center stage when Logano recounted an embarrassing moment from his teenage years involving a mishap with a pit car that left him fearing for his racing future. Yet, he can now laugh about it, marking it as a part of his growth as a driver.
In a nod to the past, he expressed a wish to compete in the mid-’90s and early 2000s NASCAR seasons, a time he fondly remembers as the peak of the sport. He mused about the thrill of racing against legends from that era.
As the conversation wrapped up, Logano posed a question for the next driver interviewed, inquiring about their ideal All-Star Race format and location, inviting continued dialogue about the sport’s future.
Logano’s reflections illustrate not only his journey as a racer but also reveal his character, shaping a narrative that resonates with fans and newcomers alike in the NASCAR community. His commitment to improvement and respect for others serves as a solid foundation as he continues to contribute to the sport.