Team Penske’s longest-serving NASCAR drivers have left a major mark on the sport. From championships to unforgettable race wins, these drivers helped build the team into a powerhouse. Rusty Wallace, Brad Keselowski, and Joey Logano each brought their own unique talents and contributed to Team Penske’s incredible success. But what made their time with the team so special?
Key Highlights
- Joey Logano, with Team Penske since 2013, won three NASCAR Cup Series championships in 2018, 2022, and 2024.
- Rusty Wallace served 14 seasons with Team Penske, achieving 37 Cup race wins and a 1989 NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
- Brad Keselowski, a Team Penske driver from 2009 to 2021, secured the 2012 Cup Series and 2010 Xfinity Series titles.
- Joey Logano has achieved 34 out of 36 career Cup Series victories with Team Penske, cementing his impact on the team.
- Rusty Wallace drove the iconic No. 2 car, winning 13 races with the “Midnight” car during the 1993-1994 seasons.
Team Penske’s Legacy in NASCAR
Team Penske’s legacy in NASCAR is marked by a series of impressive achievements and a storied history that highlights its prominence in the sport. Since its inception in the NASCAR Cup Series in 1972, the team has become one of the most successful racing teams, consistently competing at the highest level.
Based in Mooresville, North Carolina, Team Penske fields Ford Mustangs and has established a formidable presence in both the NASCAR Cup and NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Over the years, Team Penske has undergone several changes, including name modifications to Penske Racing South, Penske-Kranefuss Racing, and Penske-Jasper Racing. Despite these alterations, the team has maintained a strong competitive edge, securing a total of seven drivers’ championships. This feat emphasizes its ability to adapt and excel consistently in the dynamic NASCAR environment.
A notable indication of Team Penske’s excellence is its recent achievement of winning three consecutive Cup titles since 2022. This winning streak is a clear indication of the team’s tactical skill, technological innovation, and relentless pursuit of victory.
Moreover, with 230 race wins in both the NASCAR Cup and NASCAR Xfinity Series, Team Penske has showcased a consistent ability to dominate across different racing platforms. This impressive track record not only highlights the team’s talent and dedication but also cements its status as a pivotal player in the world of NASCAR racing.
Joey Logano’s Success at Team Penske
Building upon the legacy of excellence established by the organization, Joey Logano has become a pivotal figure in Team Penske‘s continued success in NASCAR. Joining the team in 2013 as a replacement for Sam Hornish Jr., Logano quickly made his mark in the racing world. In only his third season with Team Penske, he won five races, establishing himself as a formidable competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Logano’s achievements with Team Penske are nothing short of impressive. Of his 36 career Cup Series victories, 34 have been secured under the Penske banner. His skill and consistency have led him to win three NASCAR Cup Series championships in 2018, 2022, and 2024, making him the only active driver and one of just 10 in history to claim three or more titles.
At 34 years old, Logano’s career continues to thrive. He is set to initiate his 13th full-time season with Team Penske, further solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the team’s racing endeavors. His contributions have not only been instrumental in maintaining Team Penske’s competitive edge but also in enhancing its reputation as a powerhouse in NASCAR.
Logano’s success is a reflection of his dedication and the seamless collaboration with Team Penske. His tenure with the team highlights a period of sustained achievement and emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between driver and team, where talent meets opportunity, resulting in a distinguished racing career that continues to evolve and inspire.
Brad Keselowski’s Contributions to Team Penske
Brad Keselowski’s tenure with Team Penske was marked by considerable accomplishments that contributed to the team’s storied success in NASCAR. Joining the team in 2009, Keselowski quickly showcased his talent and determination. He began racing the No. 12 Dodge, and by 2010, he was competing full-time. His switch to the No. 2 Ford in 2012 was a pivotal moment, as he led the team to numerous victories, solidifying his reputation as a formidable driver. Keselowski’s crowning achievement came in 2012 when he clinched the Cup Series championship, a proof of his skill and dedication.
Keselowski’s impact extended beyond the Cup Series. In 2010, he secured the NASCAR Xfinity Series title, becoming one of only six drivers to earn championships in both the NASCAR Cup and NASCAR Xfinity Series. His success was not just personal but instrumental in elevating Team Penske’s status in NASCAR. Over his 11 full-time seasons with the team, Keselowski amassed over 60 wins, an impressive feat that highlights his consistency and ability on the track.
Brad Keselowski’s departure in 2022 to become a driver-owner at RFK Racing marked the end of an era for Team Penske. His legacy, however, remains indelible, as his contributions have left a lasting impact on the team’s history. Keselowski’s career with Team Penske exemplifies success, perseverance, and notable contributions to NASCAR.
Rusty Wallace’s Long Career with Team Penske
Rusty Wallace’s tenure with Team Penske consistently exemplified longevity and success, making him a pivotal figure in the team’s history. Spanning 14 full-time seasons from 1991 to 2005, Wallace’s career with Team Penske began with two initial starts in 1980 under team owner Roger Penske. His impressive track record includes winning 37 of his 55 career NASCAR Cup races while driving the iconic No. 2 car for the team. His achievements firmly establish him as one of the most successful drivers in Penske’s NASCAR history.
Wallace’s adaptability and skill were evident in his ability to shift between manufacturers seamlessly. In 1994, he switched from Pontiac to Ford, later moving to Dodge in 2002, showcasing his versatility and competitive edge.
Among his most notable achievements was his success with the black-and-gold “Midnight” car. This vehicle became legendary, winning 13 races and securing 30 top-five finishes in just 38 races between 1993 and 1994. Wallace attributed this success to the team’s engineering expertise, highlighting, “We built this amazing chassis that was 100-percent legal that just outperformed the rest.”
“The car always handled great, I was able to lead a s—load of laps and run up front all the time with that car. So much so that the car got famous among the race fans.” – Rusty Wallace
The pinnacle of Wallace’s career came in 1989 when he was crowned the NASCAR Cup Series Champion, a proof of his driving skill and determination.
His retirement after the 2005 season marked the end of an era for Team Penske, as Wallace left a lasting legacy of excellence and dedication. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the team, solidifying his place as a legendary figure in NASCAR history.
News in Brief: Team Penske’s Longest-Serving NASCAR Drivers
Team Penske has established a formidable legacy in NASCAR through the accomplishments of its longest-serving drivers. Joey Logano has achieved considerable success, particularly securing multiple race victories and a NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Brad Keselowski has made substantial contributions, including winning the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series championship and numerous races. Rusty Wallace’s lengthy tenure with the team resulted in numerous race wins and a lasting impact on the sport. Collectively, these drivers have greatly shaped Team Penske‘s enduring success in NASCAR.
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