Joey Logano has taken the spotlight in the newly introduced Joey Logano NASCAR Driver Ambassador program, exceeding his peers in promoting the sport and earning a notable $1 million prize. The announcement comes after NASCAR concluded the first phase of the program following last Sunday’s The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway, highlighting a fresh approach to driver engagement and fan outreach as the sport looks ahead to the 2025 season.
The Inception and Structure of the NASCAR Driver Ambassador Program
The Stock Car Racing Association, aiming to boost NASCAR’s profile during the off-season, developed the initiative to reward drivers for activities that enhance the sport’s popularity. This includes participation in media events, autograph signings, and various promotional appearances. With increased focus on drivers’ involvement beyond the track, the program incentivizes those efforts with tangible rewards, aligning with NASCAR’s broader goals to grow its fan base and media presence.
NASCAR shared the initial list of top performers in partnership with Sports Business Journal, revealing the drivers who best fulfilled the program’s objectives so far. Logano was declared the leader, with past Cup Series champion Kyle Larson securing the second spot. Logano’s Team Penske colleague Ryan Blaney ranked third. The top five concluded with both Trackhouse Racing drivers: Ross Chastain placed fourth and Daniel Suarez finished in fifth position.
Stock car racing journalist Steve Taranto detailed the standings, confirming:
“Sports Business Journal reports that the Top 5 of the first period of the Driver Ambassador Program are as follows: 1. Joey Logano 2. Kyle Larson 3. Ryan Blaney 4. Ross Chastain 5. Daniel Suarez Logano will receive a $1M bonus from NASCAR”
—Steve Taranto, Journalist
NASCAR analyst Adam Stern also commented on Logano’s achievement within the context of the scheme’s promotional goals:
“@JoeyLogano took the checkered flag in the first term of @NASCAR’s new Driver Ambassador Program, finishing in the top spot in the system designed to raise the promotional level of the sport, according to people familiar with the scoring.”
—Adam Stern, NASCAR Analyst
Upcoming Races and Milestones for Joey Logano
Logano is preparing for his 597th Cup Series start at the opening round of the Challenge at the Quaker State 400, which is sponsored by Walmart and will take place at EchoPark Speedway on June 28, 2025. The 260-mile event will begin at 7 p.m. ET, with live broadcasts provided by TNT Sports, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90.
Perspective on the Current Playoff Format
Earlier in the month, Logano shared his thoughts on the current playoff structure during an appearance on the Zach Gelb Show. While the format has been a point of debate among pundits, Logano expressed support for its emphasis on consistent performance throughout the regular season. He said the changes to the system have injected excitement and unpredictability that were previously lacking.
“I like it, what we have now. And we gotta remember, we changed it for a reason, right? We went from where it was just 36 races, score all the points, no playoff system at all and the champion would be crowned with three races to go at the end of the year. Well, that’s kind of boring, and nobody wanted to see that.”
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Driver
“Our playoff system rewards consistency through the regular season. It rewards winning through the regular season to seed you better, but at the same time, there’s always the underdog story that can get hot at the right time, figure everything out, and go win the championship,” he added.
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Driver
This perspective arrives after Logano secured his playoff spot by winning the Wurth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway in May, joining teammate Austin Cindric. Meanwhile, Ryan Blaney, also of Team Penske, secured his position for the playoffs by capturing the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 1, 2025.
Current Standings and Implications for the 2025 Season
Logano, known for driving the #22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, is currently among the top ten in the Cup Series points standings. With 436 points, one win, four top-ten finishes, and two top-five results, the defending champion holds the tenth position, indicating consistent competitiveness as the season progresses.
This new program’s introduction, and the recognition of drivers like Logano, signal NASCAR’s commitment to evolving beyond the racetrack and building deeper fan connections. It also places a renewed emphasis on drivers’ public roles, suggesting a future where performance both on and off the track will be top priorities as Cup Series stars like Kyle Larson, Ross Chastain, and Daniel Suarez continue to challenge for the spotlight.
