In a recent discussion, NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick shared his perspective on Joey Logano‘s bold strategy during the All-Star race, giving a detailed analysis of Logano’s approach against Christopher Bell. This examination of the Kevin Harvick analysis of Joey Logano’s All-Star race strategy sheds light on the tough choices made at North Wilkesboro Speedway and how competitiveness played a defining role in the outcome.
Late-Race Decisions Spark Intense Showdown at North Wilkesboro
During the final stage of the 250-lap event at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Joey Logano, behind the wheel of the #22 ford/”>Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Team Penske, led the field until a caution was brought out by Michael Waltrip. In the aftermath, Logano opted to stay out on track, while Christopher Bell of JGR made the call to pit for a fresh set of tires. This strategic move set the stage for a dramatic finish, as Bell used his fresher tires to overtake Logano with an assertive maneuver in the closing laps and secure the million-dollar prize.
Reflecting on the intensity of the finish, Kevin Harvick offered candid insight into Logano’s mindset and competitive instincts:
“He said it in our Victory Lap interview this week:
“I knew that I was either going to be first or just somebody else in the field,”
and he knew he was going to have to get aggressive to make it happen. You see him make the move right here, and Logano blocks him. To me, when you block, it’s game on at that point.” —Kevin Harvick, NASCAR veteran
Harvick continued by underscoring what he believed Logano himself would have done if the roles were reversed, stating:
“He slid up the hill right there. Joey not happy afterward, but I think if the roles were reversed, Joey does the exact same thing to try to win a million dollars,”
he added.
As the All-Star race concluded, Christopher Bell took home the victory, with Joey Logano securing the runner-up position. Ross Chastain, Alex Bowman, and Chase Elliott completed the top five. The conclusion highlighted not only Bell’s calculated risk but also the highly competitive environment among NASCAR’s top drivers.
Joey Logano Discusses Penske’s Approach and Overcoming Adversity
After the high-stakes event, Joey Logano appeared on Kevin Harvick’s ‘Happy Hour’ podcast to delve into Team Penske’s philosophy for handling setbacks in the 2025 season. Logano, who captured his first win of the season at Texas Motor Speedway, faced various hurdles including a penalty at Talladega Superspeedway that temporarily placed him at the bottom of the standings after a missing spoiler bolt was discovered on his car.
Describing how Team Penske addresses challenges, Logano shared:
“I think the clear answer to me is that we’re a process-driven organization. Meaning that when there is an issue, there is a process of figuring it out, and then we will start a new process of, like, okay, ‘How do we make sure this doesn’t happen again’?”
—Joey Logano, Defending NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Logano, who currently ranks ninth in the Cup Series standings with 318 points, has recorded one win, three top-ten finishes, and one top-five across twelve starts in the ongoing season. Alongside teammate Cindric, who has also logged a win, Logano has already clinched a spot in the playoffs, demonstrating the team’s resilience despite the roadblocks they have faced.
What This Means for the Season Ahead
Kevin Harvick’s analysis of Logano’s tactics provides a window into the mindset required to compete at the top level of NASCAR, where split-second decisions and aggressive maneuvers can define careers and championships. The insight into Team Penske’s “process-driven” culture, echoed by Logano’s remarks, suggests a continued focus on adaptability and learning, which will likely influence their strategy as the season progresses. With fierce competition from drivers like Christopher Bell, Ross Chastain, Alex Bowman, and Chase Elliott, the battle for the Cup Series remains as intense as ever.
