Joey Logano recently opened up about his closing laps strategy at Coca-Cola 600, highlighting how critical race management can be during NASCAR’s longest event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which took place on Sunday, May 25. Logano’s experienced perspective, despite finishing 17th, sheds light on the intense decisions top drivers face when every lap counts and the risk of falling a lap down could jeopardize race outcomes.
The Coca-Cola 600 marked the 13th race of the current NASCAR Cup Series season, a key fixture known for its reputation as one of motorsports’ most challenging contests. The event was ultimately won by Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing., who managed a dramatic charge from 40th on the starting grid to claim victory.
Strategies and Challenges During the Final Laps
Joey Logano, the Team Penske driver and reigning Cup Series champion, spoke candidly with Mike Bagley and Pete Pistone of SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, discussing the complicated dynamics that come into play during the late stages of a marathon race like the Coca-Cola 600. Past experiences have granted Logano unique insights, including his first Charlotte win at the Bank of America 500 in 2015, when he led 227 of 334 laps and defended against Kevin Harvick in a dominant performance.
When discussing the risks of going a lap down, Logano explained,
“You go down a lap, it’s over, right? You’re gonna finish where you are. Then you get the lucky dog, and you’re starting at the tail end of the whole field, you’re not gonna gain anything. You’re just gonna be where you’re at. So I was wondering what to do, too.”
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
He went on to reflect on the mental challenges faced by drivers as the race nears its conclusion,
“I’m sitting in there and like, ‘ah I need those kind of run, as fast as I can, like Get out of here, and I was kinda wanna get away, and call me back up, and then it’s just like well I’m just here at this point, you’re in a spot, it’s hard to know what to do in those positions to be honest with you,”
he added. (0:58-1:30)
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Joey Logano’s Reflections Following the Race
Although his result this year fell short of expectations, as he crossed the finish line in 17th place, Logano expressed gratitude and maintained perspective in a post-race statement shared on social media,
“Finished 17th in yesterday’s #CocaCola600 at @CLTMotorSpdwy . Not the final result we wanted, but at the end of the night, we remember how thankful we are to do what we love, because of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to those who are currently sacrificing so much to help protect this country. Thank You to all those who have and currently serve.”
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Logano’s race started in the 16th position, but early setbacks in Stage 1 saw him fall back to 28th. His struggles continued through Stage 2 with a 32nd-place stage finish. He clawed back some ground in Stage 3 to reach 25th, and ultimately managed a 17th place finish after the final laps.
The Impact of Experience and the Quest for Better Results
Despite not adding to his past glories at Charlotte Motor Speedway this year, Logano’s insights into the strategic perils of the closing laps at the Coca-Cola 600 underline how slim the margins are for contenders in NASCAR’s high-stakes races. While his win in the 2015 Bank of America 500 demonstrated his ability to manage both pace and pressure, the challenges faced in 2024 highlight a dynamic field where drivers like Ross Chastain can surge to unexpected victory and established names like William Byron push hard for the win.
As the season progresses, Joey Logano and Team Penske will look to apply these lessons to future outings, aiming for stronger showings and another shot at triumph on one of NASCAR’s biggest stages.
