Roger Penske slams Martin Truex Jr. after his controversial comment on Joey Logano’s victory at the 2018 Martinsville Speedway race. The harsh words sparked a fiery debate within the NASCAR community, as Truex Jr. questioned Joey Logano’s tactics. While Roger Penske stood by his driver, defending Joey Logano’s skill, Martin Truex Jr.’s remarks added extra tension to the already intense racing season. What did this controversy mean for the championship race?
Key Highlights
- Roger Penske criticized Martin Truex Jr. for his post-race comments following Joey Logano’s victory at Martinsville Speedway in 2018.
- Martin Truex Jr. expressed dissatisfaction with Logano’s aggressive tactics, suggesting he might not win the championship.
- Penske found Martin Truex Jr.’s remarks inappropriate for a defending champion and emphasized sportsmanship.
- Joey Logano’s performance was praised by Penske, highlighting his strategic skills and teamwork.
- Despite the controversy, Logano went on to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship that year.
Roger Penske’s Reaction to Martin Truex Jr.’s Comment
Roger Penske, a stalwart in the world of motorsports and owner of Team Penske, expressed his displeasure with Martin Truex Jr.’s remarks following the Martinsville Speedway race in 2018.
Penske viewed Truex Jr.’s comments as unwarranted, particularly in consideration of Joey Logano’s performance. Logano, driving the #22 car, highlighted exceptional racing skill by advancing from 11th on the grid to win the race. His tactical maneuvers in the First Data 500 allowed him to take the lead in stage 2 and maintain it until the finish.
Penske, known for his commitment to excellence, found the criticism of his driver incongruent with the competitive nature of the sport. The Martinsville win was a proof of Logano’s skill and Team Penske’s tactical expertise.
Penske’s reaction emphasized his belief in sportsmanship, stressing that post-race comments should reflect the respect and integrity inherent in motorsport competition.
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Martin Truex Jr.’s Post-Race Comment That Upset Roger Penske
Martin Truex Jr.’s post-race comments following the Martinsville Speedway event in 2018 sparked a notable reaction from the motorsport community, particularly catching the attention of Roger Penske.
Truex Jr., the defending NASCAR Cup Series champion at the time, expressed dissatisfaction with Joey Logano’s aggressive racing tactics. In his remarks, Truex Jr. suggested that while Logano might have clinched the race, he hadn’t secured the championship, comparing the situation to a war scenario.
“He’s a racer and should know better than to say that.”
“That was as clean a shot as you can have in a race like this. I didn’t hear Kyle Busch or (Kyle Larson) have any kind of that conversation after that (Chicagoland) race. To me, I’m really looking forward. We want to go to Miami.” – Roger Penske
This comment resonated sharply with Roger Penske, owner of Team Penske. Penske, known for his tactical and competitive nature, criticized Truex Jr.’s statement, deeming it inappropriate for someone of his racing caliber.
Penske pointed out that other drivers, such as Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson, had refrained from making similar complaints in past races. Penske emphasized the importance of focusing on future competitions, particularly the upcoming championship race in Miami.
Roger Penske Lauds Joey Logano for His Performance
Amid the controversy following Martin Truex Jr.’s remarks, Roger Penske took a firm stand in praising Joey Logano’s exceptional performance at the Martinsville Speedway.
Penske highlighted Logano’s tactical skill and the team’s effective execution on pit road, key elements that led to Logano’s 20th Cup Series victory. Penske asserted, “Joey ran a great race,” emphasizing that the team’s success was a collective effort, orchestrated by crew chief Todd Gordon and the entire crew.
Penske dismissed Truex Jr.’s comments as unfounded and maintained that Logano’s ability to lead numerous laps emphasized the superiority of their car and plan.
With a calm yet assertive tone, he reiterated his confidence in Logano’s capabilities, stating, “We’ll race him day after day.”
“Joey ran a great race. As far as I’m concerned, that’s just a comment that I don’t think we deserve. We’ll race him day after day. (That’s just) stirring some controversy that he’s trying to spread. From my perspective, Joey drove a great race. The team won on pit road. You can see that, how many times he got out front. Leading the number of laps shows the kind of car we had and the job that Todd (Gordon, crew chief) and the team did. That’s my position.” – Roger Penske
Penske’s steadfast support for Logano and the team reinforced his belief that the victory was well-deserved, a confirmation of their dedication and skill on the racetrack.
Martin Truex Jr.’s Comment That Upset Roger Penske
Following Roger Penske’s commendation of Joey Logano’s outstanding performance, attention shifted to the remarks made by Martin Truex Jr. that fueled an unexpected tension.
After the 2018 Martinsville race, Truex Jr., visibly displeased with the aggressive racing, remarked, “He may have won the battle but he ain’t winning the d**n war!” This statement, a clear jab at Logano’s tactics, did not sit well with team owner Roger Penske.
Truex Jr.’s comment implied a temporary victory for Logano, questioning his capability to sustain success. However, Logano defended his approach, emphasizing his philosophy of hard racing without causing crashes.
“Hey, I expect to get raced the way I race people.”
“I’m a hard racer. I expect to get raced hard. I said it before, we didn’t crash each other. I didn’t crash him. I moved him up enough to have a drag race.” – Martin Truex Jr.
Truex Jr.’s words, however, did not alter the path of the season. Logano succeeded, clinching the NASCAR Cup Series Championship that year, solidifying Penske’s faith in his driver’s methods.
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News in Brief: Roger Penske Slams Martin Truex Jr.
Roger Penske was visibly upset by Martin Truex Jr.’s controversial comment following Joey Logano’s victory, highlighting the tension within the racing community. Penske’s reaction showcased his steadfast support for Logano, whose performance he praised as outstanding.
Martin Truex Jr.’s remarks were seen as disrespectful, sparking debate over sportsmanship and competition integrity. This incident illuminated the intense emotions and rivalries that define the sport, accentuating the elevated stakes and passion inherent in professional racing.
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