Joey Logano discusses beating talented rivals like Kyle Larson, describing the immense challenge of racing against a driver whose natural ability puts him at the top of NASCAR. Speaking candidly, Logano shared insights during a recent podcast on how he’s managed to find opportunities to overcome such gifted competitors.
Logano Highlights Kyle Larson’s Unmatched Skill
Since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, Kyle Larson has rapidly established himself as a dominant force in NASCAR, gathering nearly thirty wins and clinching a championship in his debut season. His rise in popularity now surpasses even his teammate Chase Elliott, with many inside the sport, including reigning Cup champion Joey Logano, acknowledging Larson’s unique abilities. Facing competition at this level, Logano openly admits that Larson’s natural driving talent puts him ahead of most in the field.
Discussing Larson’s competitive edge on Corey LaJoie’s Stacking Pennies podcast, Logano explained how the No. 5 Chevrolet consistently presses the limits of racing performance. The Penske driver pointed out that raw speed alone isn’t enough to surpass the star racer.
“He’s got a ridiculous amount of natural talent though. He will drive that vehicle as fast as it can go. He’s really good at that. Yeah, right. And so, I have to beat him on other things to beat him because if not, he’s just going to go faster than me.”
—Joey Logano, Stacking Pennies podcast
Logano elaborated that his only route to victory involves strategies beyond simply matching Larson on the racetrack. While Larson’s in-car finesse is well known, outperforming him calls for attention to factors outside pure speed.
Beating Larson by Focusing on Details
The three-time Cup champion described how he concentrates on the smaller aspects of preparation that often go unnoticed or under-practiced due to Larson’s tightly packed racing agenda. Logano acknowledged that his best chances lie in focusing on meticulous preparation and taking advantage of margins his rival may not have the resources to exploit.
“I gotta beat him on details. I got to beat him on the little stuff, the stuff that he won’t have the time to prep on. I that’s my only chance.”
—Joey Logano, Stacking Pennies podcast
This approach speaks to Logano’s disciplined and persistent mindset—a strategy of excelling in the technical and tactical corners where extra effort can yield results against even the most naturally skilled competition. As Logano puts it, Larson can appear nearly unbeatable under ideal circumstances, so the focus must shift to the aspects of racing that require planning, adaptability, and thoroughness, rather than pure speed alone.
Navigating Talent Gaps—Drawing Lessons from the NBA
Referring to parallels with basketball, Logano likened his own NASCAR journey to NBA players who contend with extraordinary talents in their league. He reflected on how, just as in other elite sports, some athletes rely on their innate gifts while others fight to close the gap with relentless effort and preparation.
“Like I there’s NBA players that have a crap ton of natural talent and they can show and go and they’re great. And then there’s players that have to overcome some of that. I think I’m one of those players that I have to overcome some things. I’m okay with that. I’ve accepted that.”
—Joey Logano
Logano suggested that consistency, process, and outworking more gifted opponents on the basics are keys to challenging those at the very top. He’s applied this philosophy in his own career, building championship-caliber results through relentless focus and commitment to improvement, much like basketball players who master fundamentals to compete at the highest level.
A Career Built on Determination
Throughout his NASCAR tenure, Joey Logano has often placed himself in the role of underdog or challenger, but his competitive mindset and adaptability have propelled him into the status of a future Hall of Famer. His open comparisons to star drivers like Kyle Larson, and willingness to learn from athletes in other sports such as NBA players, reflect a respect for natural ability—while maintaining an unrelenting drive to succeed through total preparation and hard work.
As the racing season unfolds, all eyes turn to how often Logano can overcome the odds and notch victories against rivals like Larson, continuing his legacy as one of the most determined and resourceful drivers currently on the track. The ongoing rivalry highlights not only the differences in style and background between the two but also the varied paths that lead to sustained success in motorsports.
