Challenges Faced by Joey Logano: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Joey Logano's life and career.

Joey Logano, an American professional stock car racing driver, currently competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, piloting the No. 22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Team Penske. His racing career includes participation in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and the ARCA Menards Series and its East and West divisions.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2003: Intense Last Lap Battle at Auto Club Speedway

At Auto Club Speedway in 2003, Joey Logano was involved in an intense last-lap battle with Denny Hamlin, resulting in a wreck that allowed Kyle Busch to win. Tony Stewart confronted Logano after the race. Hamlin fractured his vertebra in the crash.

January 2008: Toyota All-Star Showdown Disqualification

In January 2008, Joey Logano attempted to defend his Toyota All-Star Showdown title but was disqualified for crashing into Peyton Sellers on the final lap.

2009: Youngest Daytona 500 Starter and First Top-Ten Finish

In 2009, Joey Logano finished fourth in his first Gatorade Duel, becoming the youngest driver to start the Daytona 500, though he crashed midway through and finished last. He also achieved his first top-ten finish at Talladega, finishing ninth.

2011: Struggles and Career-Worst Finish

During the 2011 season, Joey Logano struggled, achieving just four top-fives, six top-tens, and two pole positions, resulting in a career-worst 24th place finish in the final points standings.

2011: TV Show Appearances and Food Challenge

In 2011, Joey Logano appeared in the A&E series The Glades along with Carl Edwards and other NASCAR drivers. He also participated in Man v. Food Nation, taking on the Atomic Bomb Challenge at Sticky Lips BBQ in Rochester, New York, which he did not win.

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2012: Missing Playoffs Since 2012

After a series of bad races in 2017, Joey Logano missed the playoffs for the first time since his last year with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2012.

May 2014: End of Winning Streak at Dover

In May 2014, Joey Logano's four-race winning streak at Dover ended when Kyle Busch won. Logano finished third. At Michigan, he suffered a blown tire while leading with four laps to go, finishing 16th.

2016: Sprint Cup All-Star Race Win and Struggles

In 2016, Joey Logano had a rocky start compared to 2015. He won his first Sprint Cup All-Star Race after passing Kyle Larson. He also won the FireKeepers Casino 400 from the pole. He finished third at Sonoma and fourth at Daytona.

2017: Turbulent Season with Encumbered Win

Joey Logano had a miserable year in 2017, despite winning the Advance Auto Parts Clash and his second career race at Richmond. His Richmond win was declared an "encumbered" win due to a rear suspension issue, preventing him from automatically locking a spot into the playoffs.

September 2019: Alopecia areata Diagnosis

In September 2019, Joey Logano was diagnosed with Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder. This condition leads to hair thinning or baldness but does not pose any health risks.

2019: 2019 Season

In 2019, Joey Logano made the playoffs with two wins. He advanced to the Round of 12 after finishing tenth at the Charlotte Roval, overcoming a collision. At Dover, Logano faced issues with his rear axle. A conflict with Denny Hamlin at Martinsville led to a physical altercation. Despite being eliminated in the Round of 8, Logano finished fifth at Homestead and ran at the finish in every race of 2019.

2020: 2020 Season

In 2020, Joey Logano began the season with a win at Duel 1 of the Bluegreen Vacations Duels. He later won at Las Vegas and Phoenix, securing a spot in the 2020 Playoffs. Despite a crash at Bristol, Logano locked himself in the Championship 4 after beating Kevin Harvick at Kansas. He finished third in the championship race at Phoenix Raceway, ending up third in the Championship 4.

2021: 2021 Season

During the 2021 Daytona 500, Logano led until a last-lap crash resulted in a twelfth-place finish. Later in 2021, Logano won the inaugural Bristol Dirt race.

2023: 2023 Season

In 2023, Joey Logano began the season with a second-place finish at the Daytona 500 and secured a win at Atlanta, passing Brad Keselowski. During the playoffs, Logano was eliminated at Bristol. He finished twelfth in points for the year 2023.

2024: 2024 Season

In 2024, Joey Logano started the season with a pole at the Daytona 500, followed by a DNF. He served a penalty at the Atlanta race and was fined. He won the NASCAR All-Star Race and a million US dollars. Logano secured a points-paying win at Nashville in 2024. He was later fined for spinning tires near Austin Dillon's pit box. At the end of the regular season Logano was seeded ninth in the playoffs.