Joey Logano is set to mark a landmark achievement as he prepares for his 600th NASCAR Cup Series start this weekend at Dover Motor Speedway, highlighting his remarkable consistency and endurance in the sport. The Joey Logano 600th NASCAR Cup start comes during a challenging season for the Penske driver, who remains determined to compete at the highest level while reflecting on his racing journey.
Significant Milestone for a Consistent Contender
Since joining NASCAR’s premier series in 2009 with Joe Gibbs Racing, Logano has cemented himself as a regular contender among racing’s elite. After several seasons with Joe Gibbs Racing, his transition to Team Penske in 2013 proved pivotal, elevating his performance and ultimately leading to three championship wins by 2024. Despite the challenges and competition, Logano has demonstrated remarkable staying power, becoming an integral part of both Team Penske and the broader NASCAR community.
This season, Logano’s record at victory lane has been modest, with only a single win in the first 20 races. Nevertheless, the Connecticut native approaches the weekend with optimism, celebrating not just the milestone but the memories and experiences gained over more than fifteen years behind the wheel.
Reflecting on this week, Logano expressed his excitement about the significance of reaching 600 career starts at the Monster Mile at Dover. As he put it,
Iconic weekend with being able to hit that 600th start,
—Joey Logano, Driver. In his own words, the milestone brings added energy to a busy schedule:
That’s a pretty special one as well, so it’s a busy week for sure – a short one because we’ll be traveling a lot, but it’s all good.
—Joey Logano, Driver.
Looking Back: The Road to 600
Logano’s reflections on reaching this rare milestone are marked by appreciation for longevity and competitiveness. He admitted that the number initially seemed like just another statistic, but with time, he has grown to appreciate the significance of such sustained excellence. He noted that competing at the highest level for more than sixteen years and racking up 600 starts is a source of personal pride, especially given the demanding nature of the sport.
In his early days, Logano looked up to other champions like Matt Kenseth and Martin Truex Jr., marveling at drivers who had reached such high career numbers, never expecting to join their ranks so soon. Now, having arrived at the same benchmark, he finds the journey both surprising and rewarding, acknowledging that the years have passed quickly but have been filled with accomplishment.
Summing up his career so far, Logano shared his gratitude, saying,
It’s been a heck of a ride. This sport has been awesome to me and my family and I’m proud to be a part of it.
—Joey Logano, Driver.
Commitment to Performance and Team Success
At 35 years old, Logano has made it clear that retirement is not on his radar as long as he remains competitive. He values maintaining top form and insists that his future in NASCAR depends on his ability to contribute to Team Penske’s pursuit of success. Logano’s decision to eventually step back will rest on whether he feels he can still help the team both on and off the racetrack.
He affirmed his strong motivation to keep winning, emphasizing,
I always say as long as I can win [I won’t be retiring],
—Joey Logano, Driver. While racing is a passion, it is the thrill of victory and the desire to support his team that drives him forward. Should he ever feel he is becoming a hindrance rather than an asset to the race team or leader Roger Penske, Logano said he will step aside. His sense of responsibility toward Penske and the organization guides his thinking about his career’s eventual ending.
Describing his outlook, Logano explained that he does not want to overstay his welcome in the sport or become known as a driver who continued for too long beyond his prime. He recognizes that no athlete is immune to the passage of time, and while he currently still feels mentally sharp and fully motivated, he is realistic about the inevitable changes that come with age.
On balancing the unknown future, Logano expressed,
I still care. I still get emotional about things, so that shows me I care a lot. With those factors still there when the end is, I don’t know yet. I don’t know.
—Joey Logano, Driver.
Enduring Impact on NASCAR
Joey Logano’s 600th start represents not just personal achievement but a testament to his unwavering presence in NASCAR and his partnership with organizations like Team Penske and Joe Gibbs Racing. His ongoing passion, competitive drive, and dedication to his team have inspired not only fans but fellow drivers such as Matt Kenseth and Martin Truex Jr., setting an example for emerging talent.
As the green flag waves at Dover Motor Speedway this weekend, all eyes will be on Logano as he celebrates his milestone in front of a dedicated fanbase and a competitive field. Whether or not this season delivers further trips to victory lane, reaching the 600-start mark places him in a unique class of champions who have left a lasting mark on NASCAR history. The coming weeks will reveal how Logano continues to shape his legacy within the sport he loves, while striving for further Team Penske triumphs and personal success in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Joey Logano have cerebral palsy?
A. Joey experienced a difficult birth that caused a brain bleed, resulting in Cerebral Palsy. Consequently, he requires extensive physical therapy.
Q. What medical condition does Joey Logano have?
A. Joey Logano uses a hair system and openly shares that he manages a condition known as alopecia areata.
Q. What illness does Joey Logano have?
A. The cause of the trouble was a stomach virus. Even so, Logano pushed through to finish the race. “I had the Norovirus, and I believed I was fine. But right before the race, I noticed I wasn’t fine,” Logano told reporters, according to CBS Sports’ Steven Taranto.
Q. What disease does Joey Logano have?
A. Joey Logano, the current NASCAR Cup Series champion, mentioned that a case of norovirus took him to the infield care center at Darlington Raceway for medical help after last week’s race. The Team Penske driver shared that he wasn’t feeling well throughout the week leading up to the 400-mile race, which took place in unusually warm 89-degree weather.
