An average finish of 17.1. Fifteenth in regular season points. These stats hardly scream “champion.” Yet, Joey Logano defied expectations by winning the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Championship—his third in a 16-year career.
While some might attribute his victory to post-season luck, succeeding in NASCAR’s grueling Playoff format is no small feat. Having mastered the system three times, Logano’s strategy and timing were anything but accidental. As he shared during the Rubbin’ is Racing podcast, his remarkable journey hinged on a pivotal moment at Las Vegas during the Round of 8.
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How Las Vegas Sparked Logano’s Championship Push
For much of the 2024 NASCAR season, Joey Logano struggled to look like a serious contender. By late June, he had only two top-5 finishes. However, a strong showing at the Ally 400 in Nashville turned the tide, marking him as one to watch in the Playoffs.
Logano entered the postseason as the ninth-seeded driver and secured an early victory in Atlanta during the Round of 16, earning an automatic transfer to the next stage. But his journey nearly ended in the Round of 12 after he fell below the cutline following the Charlotte ROVAL. A stroke of fortune came when Alex Bowman’s car failed post-race inspection, disqualifying Bowman and granting Logano the final transfer spot.
Facing the Round of 8 opener in Las Vegas, Logano sat last in the standings and needed a miracle to reach the Championship 4. Against the odds, he delivered a flawless performance, clinching victory and securing his place in Phoenix.
The Impact of Winning in Vegas
Winning in Las Vegas gave Logano a critical edge—two extra weeks to prepare for the championship race. This advantage allowed the #22 team to focus exclusively on Phoenix while competitors scrambled to advance. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Logano told Rubbin’ is Racing:
“Would we have made the Championship 4 if we didn’t win Vegas? It’s hard to say because the effort that went into Miami and Martinsville was zero. Our focus was on Phoenix, because that was the advantage we earned.”
Logano emphasized how the team maximized this advantage by investing hours in simulation runs and fine-tuning their strategy. “We spent four hours at the simulator doing nothing but pit road runs,” he explained. “Just rolling pit road, trying to maximize that.”
The extra preparation paid off as Logano dominated in Phoenix, demonstrating that his Vegas win was more than luck—it was a calculated step in a masterful championship campaign.
The Role of Paul Wolfe in Logano’s Success
While Joey Logano deserves credit for his on-track brilliance, his championship win also highlighted the expertise of crew chief Paul Wolfe. A key figure in Roger Penske’s NASCAR operations since 2010, Wolfe has guided drivers to three Cup Series championships, including two with Logano.
Wolfe’s meticulous approach was evident throughout the season. Speaking with Kelly Crandall of RACER.com, Wolfe shared his philosophy:
“You just have to go to work every day and prove yourself like it’s your first day on the job. That’s kind of how I’ve approached it.”
Wolfe’s strategies were pivotal, from managing fuel-mileage battles in Nashville to executing flawless pit stops in Atlanta and Phoenix. His ability to adapt and innovate has made him one of the most successful crew chiefs in NASCAR, boasting 42 career wins.
Joey Logano and Paul Wolfe: NASCAR’s Winning Duo
Logano and Wolfe have built a partnership reminiscent of legendary driver-crew chief duos. With three championships and over a decade of collaboration, their chemistry continues to set them apart.
While comparisons to icons like Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus may feel premature, Logano and Wolfe’s success signals a bright future. As the only active three-time Cup Series champion, Logano is solidifying his legacy as one of NASCAR’s greats.
Can Logano and Wolfe Sustain Their Dominance?
With their combined expertise, Logano and Wolfe have the tools to remain competitive for years to come. However, achieving seven championships—a feat accomplished only by NASCAR legends Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jimmie Johnson—might be an unrealistic goal in today’s competitive landscape.
Still, if 2024 proved anything, it’s that Joey Logano and Paul Wolfe can never be counted out. Their ability to capitalize on opportunities and deliver under pressure remains unparalleled.
FAQ
1. How many NASCAR championships has Joey Logano won?
Joey Logano has won three NASCAR Cup Series championships: in 2018, 2022, and 2024.
2. What role did Las Vegas play in Logano’s 2024 championship?
Logano’s win at Las Vegas during the Round of 8 secured his spot in the Championship 4, giving him a critical preparation advantage for the Phoenix finale.
3. Who is Paul Wolfe, and why is he significant to Logano’s success?
Paul Wolfe is Joey Logano’s crew chief and a key strategist. Wolfe has won three championships with Team Penske and is known for his innovative approach.
4. What is the NASCAR Playoff format, and how does it work?
The NASCAR Playoff format features four elimination rounds, with drivers advancing based on points or race wins. The Championship 4 compete in a winner-takes-all finale.
5. Can Logano and Wolfe achieve seven championships like Jimmie Johnson?
While possible, achieving seven championships would require exceptional consistency in a highly competitive field.
