Joey Logano, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has opened up about his ethnicity for the first time. The Connecticut-born racer currently competes in the NASCAR Cup Series for Team Penske, driving the iconic No. 22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Logano is also a familiar face in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he drives the No. 15 Ford Mustang for AM Racing. Known for his speed and precision on the track, Logano secured his championships in 2018 and 2022, making him one of the most successful drivers in the sport.
In a recent video, Logano humorously addressed questions about himself, saying, “That’s the first thing people ask? Well, yes, I am left-handed. I turn left for a living, so it works out! I’m an Italian left-handed male. That’s who I am.” This lighthearted admission revealed his Italian heritage, which comes from his father’s side of the family. Last year, Logano embraced his roots even further by attempting to speak with an Italian accent to promote his sponsor, Hunt Brothers Pizza.
On the track, Logano’s Italian pride isn’t the only thing making headlines. His performance in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoff race in Atlanta was nothing short of impressive. With a victory in that race, he secured his place in the round of 12, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s top competitors.
Aside from his cultural revelations, Logano also shared his thoughts on the physical toughness of NASCAR’s Next-Gen cars. In recent interviews, he noted the increasing aggressiveness among drivers, which he believes is directly tied to the evolution of the cars themselves. Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Logano explained how the design of Next-Gen cars has changed the dynamics of racing, allowing for more contact on the track without as much risk of damage.
“The cars have changed,” Logano said. “They can take so much contact now. Leaning on each other is just part of the game. When you head into Turn 1, you know that these cars are tougher, with stronger bumpers. The switch from steel to carbon fiber has made the cars heavier, and they can absorb bigger hits without sustaining as much damage as before.”
Logano likened the new bumper strength to something you’d see at a go-kart track. “The bumpers now are like bulldozers,” he said. “It’s like when you go to a local go-kart track, and they have those big bumpers all around. What happens? You just end up clobbering each other. That’s what it feels like now with these cars—they’re built to withstand contact.”
His comparison paints a vivid picture of the changes that have come with the Next-Gen vehicles. These sturdier, more durable cars have given drivers more confidence to race aggressively, knowing they can endure the rough-and-tumble nature of NASCAR’s intense competition.
Joey Logano’s willingness to share more about his personal life has made him a relatable figure to fans around the world. His sense of humor, combined with his pride in his Italian heritage, showcases a different side of the NASCAR champion. At the same time, his insights into the technical side of racing reveal just how deeply he understands the sport and its evolving challenges.
Whether he’s breaking down the intricacies of Next-Gen cars or winning crucial playoff races, Logano continues to be a dominant force in NASCAR. His Italian roots are just one more layer to his already compelling story—a story that keeps fans tuning in race after race.
With his sharp instincts on the track, charismatic personality off it, and a growing collection of trophies, Joey Logano’s journey in NASCAR is far from over. As he continues to chase new milestones and championships, one thing is certain: he’ll keep making left turns, both on the track and in life, with the same passion and pride he’s always shown.
