Logano Supports Hamlin: Joey Logano has publicly supported Denny Hamlin’s pointed criticisms concerning the track’s surface treatments, specifically the outdated resin applications that have raised substantial safety concerns among drivers. This unified stance from two of NASCAR’s prominent figures not only emphasizes the urgency for updated and safer track conditions but also highlights a broader issue affecting the integrity of competitive racing.
Key Takeaways
- Joey Logano supports Denny Hamlin’s critique of poor track surfaces at Speedway Motorsports Inc. venues.
- Both drivers emphasize safety concerns due to inconsistent grip levels.
- Logano highlights specific issues with the resin track treatment at Texas Motor Speedway.
- They argue that track conditions compromise competitive fairness and driver safety.
- Urgent calls for modernization of track maintenance to enhance consistency and safety.
Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano Agree on Track Surfaces
Historically fierce rivals Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano have surprisingly found common ground in their critique of the track surfaces at NASCAR race venues. This convergence of opinions is particularly remarkable, given their storied past of intense competition and personal disagreements.
The unity between Hamlin and Logano on this issue highlights a broader concern among professional drivers regarding the variability and maintenance of racing surfaces. Track conditions can greatly impact vehicle performance and race strategy, not to mention the increased risk of accidents due to unpredictable surface characteristics.
Denny Hamlin’s Critique of Speedway Motorsports Inc.’s Track Surfaces
Denny Hamlin’s recent criticism of Speedway Motorsports Inc.’s track surfaces has spotlighted significant issues concerning track quality and safety. The debate unfolded after Hamlin directly addressed Marcus Smith highlighting concerns that transcend mere competitive banter and touch on the integral aspects of driver safety and race integrity.
Hamlin’s critique, while pointed, raises important questions about the standards of track maintenance and preparation at Speedway Motorsports Inc.-owned facilities, including Texas Motor Speedway. This particular venue, notorious for its challenging surface, became a focal point of discussion.
The condition of a racetrack plays a critical role in the performance of racecars and the safety of drivers. It influences tire wear, car handling, and overall speed. Suboptimal track conditions can lead to higher instances of tire failures and crashes, which are significant concerns for participants and organizers alike.
🗯️ "I wish there was a way to take that stuff off […] I don't know how to do that, but I think the racing would be better."
🗣️ @joeylogano weighs in on the residual traction compound that has been baked into the surface of @TXMotorSpeedway.
More → https://t.co/keYsFmuVzu pic.twitter.com/yUVTYcSrT8
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) April 16, 2024
Joey Logano Echoes Hamlin’s Concerns
In a recent interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Joey Logano voiced his agreement with Denny Hamlin’s concerns regarding the persistent issues with track surfaces, particularly criticizing the outdated resin PJ1 treatment used at Speedway Motorsports Inc. owned tracks. Logano’s support adds significant weight to the ongoing debate about the safety and competitiveness of the track conditions in major NASCAR events.
“The resin PJ1 stuff that they sprayed down years ago, races ago, is still on the race track. I don’t know if it collects dust on top of it. It’s still sticky, you can feel it, its sticky. When you’re not on it under caution, the sticky [surface] catches the dust of the cars, the brake dust, rubber dust, garbage in the air. The first few laps you go up there, it is complete ice. So it prevents cars from going up there sooner.”-(Logano)
“Somebody’s gotta be the person that’s brave enough to clean it off. Enough cars have to make mistakes and get too high to clean it off, before it gets really fast. I wish there was a way to take that stuff off. I don’t know how to do that, but I think the racing would be better if you didn’t have that crap up there.”-(logano)
- Highlight: The PJ1 track treatment, intended to enhance tire grip, has become a contentious issue due to its longevity on the track surface. Over time, this sticky compound accumulates debris, which can alter racing conditions unpredictably.
- Safety Concerns: The inconsistent grip levels between treated and untreated sections of the track can lead to hazardous racing conditions. Drivers face a challenging environment where the grip can vary dramatically from one part of the track to another, potentially leading to accidents.
- Call for Modernization: Hamlin and Logano’s criticisms highlight a broader call from drivers for Speedway Motorsports Inc. to re-evaluate and modernize their approach to track treatment. This includes exploring new technologies or methods that provide a more consistent and safer racing surface.
Logano’s Analysis of the Texas Race
Joey Logano, reflecting on the recent Texas Cup race, highlighted the challenging nature of the track’s outside lane, noting its tendency to cause spins and wrecks. Despite the overall appeal of the race, Logano pointed out that the slipperiness of the outer lane presented a significant challenge for drivers navigating in that part of the circuit.
Logano’s analysis explores further into the intricacies of track conditions, suggesting that the danger of the outside lane wasn’t just a matter of surface texture but also of timing and race dynamics.
He explained that drivers attempting to advance positions by moving to the outside often found themselves at a disadvantage, as the slippery conditions could unexpectedly lead to loss of vehicle control.
Ford’s Struggles and Outlook for Talladega
While Joey Logano highlighted the challenges at Texas, Ford teams face their own set of difficulties as they head into the upcoming race at Talladega.
The 2024 NASCAR season has displayed the dominance of Chevrolet and Toyota, leaving Ford without a win in the last nine races. This trend emphasizes the obstacles Ford faces, especially when contrasted with the success of Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing.
- Aerodynamic Adjustments: Ford teams must optimize their cars for Talladega’s unique demands, focusing on aerodynamic efficiency to compete with the high speeds and drafting techniques critical at superspeedways.
- Team Strategy: Collaboration among Ford drivers could be pivotal. Working together in drafting packs can help Ford teams navigate the field more effectively and position themselves favorably during critical stages of the race.
- Technical Reliability: Ensuring the cars’ dependability will be paramount. The high-speed, environment of Talladega often leads to mechanical failures. Ford teams need to guarantee their vehicles are up to the task.
News in Brief: Logano Supports Hamlin
The agreement between Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano on the necessity for improved track surfaces at Texas Speedway highlights an essential concern in motorsports regarding safety and fairness.
Their shared criticism, especially in light of the challenges observed during the Texas Cup race, emphasizes the pressing need for Speedway Motorsports Inc. to re-evaluate and modernize track treatments.
Addressing these issues is vital for enhancing race dynamics, ensuring driver safety, and maintaining the integrity of competitive motorsport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Joey Logano sponsored by?
A. Joey Logano’s financial success extends beyond the racetrack. As the 2022 Cup Series champion, Logano boasts a portfolio of sponsorships and endorsements that significantly contribute to his wealth. Among the notable backers are industry giants such as Coca-Cola, Shell, Pennzoil, and Ford Performance, demonstrating the breadth and depth of his support network.
Q. Does Denny Hamlin drive for his own team?
A. Denny Hamlin finds himself in a unique position within the NASCAR Cup Series. Despite maintaining his role as a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, a team he’s been with throughout his career, Hamlin also wears the hat of a team owner alongside NBA icon Michael Jordan at 23XI Racing. Spearheaded by Hamlin and Jordan, the team fields drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, adding an intriguing dynamic to Hamlin’s racing endeavors.
Q. What car does Joey Logano drive for?
A. Joseph Thomas Logano, born on May 24, 1990, is an accomplished American stock car racing driver. He currently holds a full-time position in the NASCAR Cup Series, commanding the No. 22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse under Team Penske’s banner.
Q. Who is Denny Hamlin sponsor?
A. Today, Joe Gibbs Racing revealed an exciting partnership as Mavis Tires & Brakes takes the spotlight as the primary sponsor for Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota Camry XSE in eight NASCAR Cup Series races throughout 2024.
ALSO READ: Denny Hamlin Avoids Criticizing Texas Speedway: Inside His Silence
