During a recent interview, Joey Logano addressed his perspective on fan criticism, discussing his approach to both the praise and backlash that come with his racing career. Speaking about his determination to succeed regardless of outside opinions, Logano brought the topic of “Joey Logano on fan criticism” to the forefront, boldly sharing his mindset and priorities as a NASCAR driver.
Racing Stars Face Mixed Reactions from Fans
While some competitors like Martin Truex Jr. have gained widespread affection for their calm demeanor both at and away from the speedway, other drivers such as Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and Joey Logano himself are often met with a less favorable response from audiences. For Hamlin and Busch, their “villain” reputations have largely grown out of their unapologetically aggressive racing and their willingness to speak their minds. By contrast, Logano has previously admitted he is unsure why fans often jeer him rather than cheer him.
Most recently, even as he raced in Mexico, Logano encountered audible boos from spectators. Over time, however, becoming the target of crowd reactions has become a regular experience for him.
Logano Addresses the Criticism
On the Whiskey Riff Raff podcast, Logano opened up about how he deals with negativity from the stands and the public. Speaking frankly about his motivations and competitive nature, he said,
You’ve got to know why you’re doing it, like the purpose of why you’re doing it. Am I doing it for people to like me? No. So when they don’t like me, screw ’em. I don’t care. I know who I am, right? Like, I know my heart inside.
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Driver
His comments reflect a mindset focused on internal drive rather than external validation, a common trait among top-level athletes. He further embraced his approach to competition, highlighting his determination to secure victories.
“In a competitive environment, am I cutthroat? Absolutely… I want to go win. It’s all or nothing,”
he admitted during the discussion.
That doesn’t make me a bad person. And it’s really hard for people to understand that. But that’s just who I am as a competitive person. I’m just a winner kind of person.
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Driver
Balancing Racing, Family, and Identity
Logano argued that his relentless will to win does not equate to being a bad person, insisting that the pain of defeat is far greater than the joy of winning. He explained that outside the track, away from the competitive environment, he returns to his roles as a father, husband, and Christian, striving to do well in each aspect of his life. This effort to achieve balance, he says, is a continuous challenge but not one he is willing to settle for less in.
Part of this equilibrium comes from channeling his competitive spirit into philanthropic efforts, especially through the Joey Logano Foundation. Logano maintains that his determination, which fuels his racing achievements, is the same quality that allows him to give back to others in meaningful ways. He is firm in his commitment to not change this core part of himself, regardless of public perception or criticism from fans.
The Impact of Logano’s Mindset
Logano’s unwavering approach to racing and life brings both admiration and debate among NASCAR followers. His stance on handling fan criticism and focusing on internal values highlights the broader pressures faced by public figures. As he continues to pursue success on the track and make contributions off it, his responses may inspire reflection among other drivers and fans on the values that matter most in the world of competitive sports.
