Joey Logano’s disappointment was evident after a challenging race day at Kansas Speedway. Known for his candid demeanor, the Team Penske driver couldn’t hide his frustration following two pit stops for a loose wheel. Entering the race, Logano, a seasoned 34-year-old competitor, had high hopes of clinching victory in the Round of 12, similar to his win in Atlanta earlier in the playoffs. However, despite a promising start, he finished a disappointing 14th in the 2024 Hollywood Casino 400.
As the NASCAR season heads into its final stretch with only six races left, Logano’s window for improvement is narrowing. He currently sits just four points below the elimination cutline for the Round of 8, amplifying the pressure to perform and stay in the championship race. Although it’s a tough climb, the driver of the No. 22 Ford Mustang is no stranger to overcoming hurdles.
### A Promising Start Turns Sour
Logano’s day at Kansas began on a high note. After qualifying in fifth, he positioned himself ahead of strong contenders like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and teammate Ryan Blaney. By the end of Stage 1, Logano was making a strong case for victory, finishing second after the initial 80 laps. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly in Stage 2.
On Lap 161, a loose lug nut was discovered on his left rear wheel, forcing an unplanned pit stop during a caution period. This setback required two pit stops, severely damaging his chances of a top-10 finish. What started as a promising race crumbled due to an avoidable mistake, leaving Logano visibly frustrated with the outcome.
NASCAR YouTuber Eric Estepp voiced concerns about Logano’s prospects in the upcoming races, particularly with Talladega Superspeedway and Charlotte Roval on the horizon. “He’s fantastic at Talladega,” Estepp noted. “He led laps and was in contention at Daytona not long ago before getting wrecked. However, at Talladega, so much is out of your control. You need to capitalize on opportunities, and today they didn’t. I’m genuinely worried about Logano heading into Talladega and the Roval. He hasn’t finished in the top 10 on a road course this year, so fans of the No. 22 better keep their fingers crossed.”
Estepp’s concerns hold weight, especially since all three Team Penske drivers faced similar wheel issues at Kansas. If Logano hopes to succeed at Talladega, where a flawless race is essential, the pit crew must dramatically improve.
### Talladega and Charlotte Roval: Challenges Ahead
Talladega Superspeedway is known as a wild card in the NASCAR Cup Series, characterized by high speeds and tightly packed racing, making it unpredictable and challenging to navigate. The chaos of Talladega doesn’t just stem from speed; drivers often find themselves involved in crashes that are out of their control.
After Talladega, Logano will face the Charlotte Roval, which presents another unique challenge. This hybrid track combines road course features with oval racing, making it one of the most complex circuits on the schedule. Unfortunately for Logano, he hasn’t enjoyed much success on road courses this season, increasing the pressure. If he struggles again at the Roval, his playoff hopes could slip away.
Despite these daunting challenges, Logano has the experience needed to overcome them. As a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, he is well-acquainted with high-pressure situations. However, with only a few races left in the season, the urgency for results is greater than ever.
As NASCAR prepares for the 2024 YellaWood 500 at Talladega, there’s also a heightened focus on the safety of the Next-Gen cars at high-speed tracks. Following several alarming crashes this season—most notably Corey LaJoie’s crash at Michigan and Josh Berry’s flip at Daytona—NASCAR is working on safety improvements to prevent cars from becoming airborne. One proposed enhancement involves adding an air deflector to the right side of the windshield to help stabilize cars at speeds of up to 180 miles per hour.
When asked about these proposed changes, Logano shared mixed feelings. “There are a couple of different options,” he told NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass. “One of them, I don’t think is a great option… it does help keep the car on the ground when it’s sideways, which is positive, but it’s not the best.” Logano refrained from providing further details, likely adhering to NASCAR’s preference for discretion at this stage.
### Struggles at Talladega: The Need for a Turnaround
In recent years, Talladega hasn’t favored Logano. In his last five races there, he has not finished in the top 15—a surprising statistic for a driver of his caliber. His last victory at Talladega came in 2018, prior to the introduction of the Next-Gen car. This weekend presents an opportunity for Logano to break that trend and secure a much-needed win.
If his team can avoid the mistakes that plagued them at Kansas, Logano stands a chance to reclaim his position in the championship race. With determination and experience on his side, he must rise to the occasion and turn his season around at Talladega.
“Joey Logano Struggling to Keep Momentum Going Into Kansas, With More Challenges Ahead
