Joey Logano responds to NASCAR rumors as the two-time Cup Series champion addresses speculation about North Wilkesboro Speedway’s role in the 2026 schedule, all while managing a challenging and uncertain season. Amid swirling talk of schedule changes and his team’s fight for consistency, Logano remains focused on racing, demonstrating both resilience and readiness for whatever comes next.
Logano’s Season Marked by Pressure and Uncertainty
This NASCAR Cup Series season has put Joey Logano to the test, finding the seasoned racer in 13th place in the standings with 583 points following 24 races. Despite taking a victory at Texas Motor Speedway and achieving two top-five finishes, Logano’s path has been far from smooth. The champion continues to face pressure on the racetrack, alongside rumors about shifting race schedules and potential changes that could affect the entire Cup Series landscape.
Debate Grows Over North Wilkesboro’s All-Star Status
Much of the current buzz surrounds North Wilkesboro Speedway, with speculation that NASCAR may bypass the historic racetrack for the 2026 All-Star Race, possibly selecting Dover Motor Speedway instead. This potential switch would mark a significant shift for North Wilkesboro, which has hosted the All-Star event since its return in 2023. The last Cup Series points race held at this iconic venue occurred in 1996, when Jeff Gordon captured victory. Both North Wilkesboro and Dover Motor Speedway are under the ownership of Speedway Motorsports, making a change logistically feasible as NASCAR weighs its final decision.
Joey Logano Speaks Out Amid Swirling Speculation
Addressing the rumors directly, Logano gave his perspective:
As far as I know, it’s just a rumor at the moment, so you know, I’m just speculating; I don’t know.
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Reflecting on North Wilkesboro’s role in the series, he offered a measured view:
on one hand, I’d say Wilkesboro deserves a points race, and on the other hand, Wilkesboro’s been pretty cool doing what they’re doing.
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Logano’s comments underline North Wilkesboro Speedway’s importance to racing culture, with the track connected to the roots of American motorsports and famed for its moonshine-era heritage. His stance also signals his recognition of the venue’s recent revival and significance to fans throughout America.
Grassroots Racing and North Wilkesboro’s Revival
North Wilkesboro’s legacy as a cornerstone of grassroots racing has fueled fan excitement in recent years. Closed for more than two decades after being sold in contentious circumstances in 1996, the speedway experienced a dramatic comeback thanks to efforts led by Marcus Smith and robust local support. Its reintroduction to NASCAR in 2022 and the massive turnout for the 2023 All-Star race demonstrated enduring passion among supporters, highlighting the venue’s pivotal cultural status and its potential as a fixture on future Cup Series calendars.
Logano Shares Mixed Feelings on Possible Changes
While speculation intensifies, Logano remains both pragmatic and slightly detached regarding the possible All-Star venue shift:
The All-Star race team has been pretty cool, so I kind of like that part, so I guess I don’t really have an opinion.
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
He also revealed his personal preference for night racing, while dismissing the potential impact of a move to Dover:
I’ve always liked it under the lights… Obviously, if it goes to Dover, it won’t be. But big deal, right? Who cares?
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Logano’s attitude reveals a focus on day-to-day racing needs, with his attention squarely on track performance despite major questions regarding the future layout of the series calendar.
On-Track Challenges Mirror Turbulence Off the Track
The uncertainty about upcoming events is not the only hurdle Logano has faced. At Richmond Raceway, he endured a setback during practice for the Cook Out 400 when a right front tire failure sent his Ford into the wall. This mishap, symbolic of the difficulties plaguing his 2024 campaign, added urgency to his team’s resolve as they scrambled for repairs ahead of qualifying.
Logano acknowledged the work still ahead:
We have some catching up to do, even when the playoffs reset, but we also know as long as you’re still in it, you’ve got a chance, right?
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Despite adversity, his resilience remains clear. Logano expressed continued confidence in his team and their ability to compete at the highest level:
As long as you’re still breathing, there’s an opportunity to win the championship, and I believe in this team so much that we can do that because we’ve done it multiple times.
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Looking Ahead as NASCAR’s Future Is Shaped
As NASCAR moves forward and insiders continue to debate the outcome for venues like North Wilkesboro Speedway, the only certainty is change. Joey Logano’s response underscores the reality confronting racers: regardless of schedule rumors or unexpected incidents, maintaining focus and adapting quickly is essential. Fans now wait to see whether North Wilkesboro will regain its former prominence or if a new era at Dover Motor Speedway is about to begin, as the intensity and unpredictability of the Cup Series continue to capture America’s imagination.
