Joey Logano admits “selfish motive” fuels Brickyard 400 win aspirations: “I get jealous every time”

Joey Logano has openly discussed his personal drive to clinch a victory at the upcoming Brickyard 400, expressing his determination to finally experience the famed celebration at Indianapolis. As the defending NASCAR Cup Series champion, Logano’s Brickyard 400 win aspirations take center stage in his season ambitions, fueled by past close calls and the emotional impact of watching others succeed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Driven by Desire for Indy Glory

While speaking at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after exploring the Team Penske exhibit at the new IMS Museum, Joey Logano revealed that the chance to “kiss the bricks” is not just a milestone for every driver—but a deep-seated and personal goal for him. Logano emphasized the emotional significance of a Brickyard 400 win, echoing the aspirations shared across NASCAR Cup Series contenders.

“I get we all enjoy it, but I have a selfish motive behind this race a little bit, that I really want to win. Because it’s Indy. Every driver wants to win here. You have to win at Daytona, and you have to win at Indy. It’s just something that you want to know what it feels like,”

—Joey Logano, defending Cup champion

Already a Daytona 500 champion from his 2015 victory piloting the No. 22 Ford for Team Penske, Logano has repeatedly approached the cusp of an Indianapolis win but has yet to achieve it. His multiple near-misses highlight both his consistency and the challenge of sealing the deal at one of NASCAR’s most iconic venues.

Close Calls and Frustration at Indianapolis

Joey Logano’s history at the Brickyard 400 is marked by close finishes and missed opportunities. He has earned two runner-up results at Indianapolis, finishing second in both 2015 and 2019. Last year, however, misfortune struck when a multi-car crash after an overtime restart ended his day early after completing 109 of the 167 scheduled laps. The event ultimately saw Kyle Larson claim victory after two overtimes on the historic track.

Joey Logano
Image of: Joey Logano

“I’m human: I get jealous every time I see someone kiss the bricks because I haven’t done it. I want to know what that feels like. I’m human, too, and I want to win. I see that, and it makes me mad. It’s like, ‘Ugh, I want to do that!’ I’ve been close so many times. I’ve been really close,”

—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver

Despite the setbacks, Logano’s focus for the upcoming race remains unwavering. He stands among the drivers aiming to secure a debut Brickyard 400 victory, with qualifying for the 2025 event scheduled for Saturday, July 26, at 2:35 PM ET and the green flag set for Sunday afternoon on TNT Sports.

Recent Performances and Season Overview

As a mainstay for Team Penske and under the guidance of Roger Penske, Joey Logano has continued to demonstrate competitive form throughout the current NASCAR Cup Series season. To date, his 2024 campaign includes one race win, a pole position, two top-five finishes, and five placements inside the top ten. He currently holds 11th place in the championship standings, with an average finishing position of 17.

Logano’s 600th career Cup start came recently at Dover, where he started strong by qualifying eighth and placing ninth in the opening stage. However, a pit road speeding infraction and handling issues led to a drop in track position, and he ultimately finished 14th. Earlier this year, he secured a win at Texas, while additional recent results include a ninth-place finish at Sonoma and 11th on the Chicago street course.

Looking Ahead to the Brickyard 400

Joey Logano’s relentless attitude and emotional investment in winning at Indianapolis highlight the deep emotional connections drivers have to legendary events like the Brickyard 400. As the race approaches, Logano’s supporters, competitors, and the broader NASCAR community will be watching to see if his determination and Team Penske’s efforts pay off, potentially adding another historic moment to an already impressive career. With his Brickyard 400 win aspirations stronger than ever, Logano’s journey at Indianapolis remains one of the season’s most anticipated storylines.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Does Joey Logano have cerebral palsy?

A. Due to complications during birth, Joey experienced bleeding in his brain, resulting in a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis. Consequently, Joey requires extensive physical therapy.

Q. What medical condition does Joey Logano have?

A. When Joey Logano noticed his hair didn’t regrow, he visited the doctor. He learned he had alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder. This condition usually impacts people under 30.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest In NASCAR