Joey Logano brought some stock car swagger to Jimmy Kimmel Live, but it was the pairing with guest host Jelly Roll that lit up the NASCAR fanbase. Appearing as a three-time Cup Series champion and preparing for his 600th career start, Logano used the national spotlight to tell a heartfelt story about family and racing, and the moment drew both praise and puzzlement across social media.
Key Highlights
Joey Logano was interviewed by rapper Jelly Roll on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
NASCAR fans praised the exposure but questioned the choice of host.
Logano shared an emotional story about recreating a childhood photo with his son.
He was nominated for Best Driver at the 2025 ESPYs, which went to Max Verstappen.
Logano will make his 600th Cup Series start at Dover on July 20.
Joey Logano’s Emotional Story Resonates, But the Host Pairing Confuses Fans
NASCAR rarely gets a late-night TV moment, so fans took notice when Joey Logano appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week. The guest host? Country-rap crossover artist Jelly Roll. While many fans appreciated the national visibility, others didn’t hold back on how odd the pairing felt.
“Very cool that there is a NASCAR driver on a late night show on broadcast TV,” one user wrote, “but man Jelly Roll sucks so much.”
Another fan added,
“Joey Logano being interviewed by Jelly Roll on Jimmy Kimmel is like a random name generator.”
Others were more focused on what the moment represented. “Very cool to see a NASCAR driver making the late night rounds again. Especially on a show that got a lot of press with Jelly Roll and WWE,” one comment read. “I’m trying to figure out what kind of audience likes Jelly Roll? Like trashy country music listeners?” another person posted.
Despite the mix of reactions, the consensus among many longtime fans was simple: it’s been a while since NASCAR drivers hit mainstream TV, and this appearance helped bridge that gap.
Father-Son Racing Moment Adds Heart to the Segment
During the interview, Logano didn’t just promote the sport — he opened up about a deeply personal family moment. He told the story of recreating a photo with his son, Hudson, using the exact quarter-midget car he drove as a child at Silver City Quarter Midget Club in Meriden, Connecticut.
“That’s my oldest son, Hudson. He loves cars as well. He’s got the same bug that I caught with vehicles,” Logano said.
“My dad kept my first quarter-midget, so we’ve had it the whole time… 30 years later, we put an engine back in it, got it running, brought it to the same track,” he added. “Hudson, you got to drive this thing. Like, just jump in there and give her a rip.”
Fans who watched the segment noted how genuine Logano appeared in the clip, with several praising the moment for showing a different side of the 3-time champ.
A Champion On and Off the Track: ESPY Nod and 600 Starts
Logano’s media tour hasn’t just been for show. He was recently nominated for Best Driver at the 2025 ESPY Awards, joining a list that included IndyCar’s Alex Palou and Formula 1 stars Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. Verstappen ultimately claimed the honor for the third consecutive year.
Still, Logano has another major milestone on the horizon: this weekend, he will become the youngest driver to reach 600 career NASCAR Cup Series starts. He’ll hit that mark at Dover Motor Speedway during the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 — a 400-lap race set for Sunday, July 20, at 2:00 p.m. ET.
At 35, Logano’s longevity in the sport has turned heads, and his Kimmel appearance only reinforced the point: he’s not just a figure from the past — he’s still building his legacy.
News in Brief: NASCAR Fans React to Joey Logano’s Late Night Appearance
Joey Logano appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week, where he was interviewed by guest host and rapper Jelly Roll. The segment drew mixed reactions from fans, with some appreciating the exposure and others questioning the pairing. During the show, Logano shared a heartfelt story about recreating a 30-year-old racing photo with his son Hudson at their home track in Meriden, Connecticut. The Team Penske driver also attended the 2025 ESPY Awards, where he was nominated for Best Driver. Logano is now set to make his 600th NASCAR Cup Series start this Sunday, July 20, at Dover Motor Speedway.
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