Joey Logano enjoyed a warm welcome from hometown fans at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, celebrating his pole position for the Mobil 1 301 with clear enthusiasm. The three-time and defending NASCAR Cup Series champion, often subject to polarized opinions, credited the unique support of the New England crowd, emphasizing the significance of Joey Logano hometown fan support in his racing career.
Fans in New Hampshire Deliver Unmatched Support
Competing at his home track, Logano was met with a resounding ovation after clinching the pole, an experience he reveled in with a visible show of excitement and a celebratory fist pump. Despite his widespread accomplishments in the NASCAR Cup Series, including multiple championships, Logano noted that the reception he receives at New Hampshire stands apart from any other venue on the circuit. During his post-qualifying press conference, he reflected on what it meant to earn that recognition.
“It’s freaking cool. That doesn’t happen everywhere. Like, only here, so I love that. It’s a little bit more exciting when you’re able to win the pole when the whole grandstand is happy for you. That’s kind of neat.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
While Logano has a notable following nationwide, the local fans in Loudon offer a special level of appreciation that deeply resonates with him. He compared the reception to the adoration often shown to legends like Dale Earnhardt Jr., emphasizing the rarity and impact of such unanimous support.
A Champion Shaped by Mixed Perceptions
Despite his popularity among some NASCAR enthusiasts, Logano remains a polarizing figure, a reality he both accepts and questions. Asserting that he cannot fully understand the reason for his detractors’ intensity, he noted that he’s more concerned about indifference than negative attention.
“I dread the day they don’t say anything,”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Logano echoed the sentiment once expressed by Dale Earnhardt Sr., acknowledging that even strong reactions—positive or negative—are preferable to being ignored. Questions about his aggressive racing style and his on-track persona add to the debate, but Logano maintains that he is comfortable with evoking strong feelings among spectators.
Understanding His Place in the NASCAR Community
Known for his approachable demeanor outside the car and a fierce competitiveness when behind the wheel, Logano often feels misunderstood by the wider fanbase. He spoke openly about the disparity in perceptions, referencing the difference between how he is seen by those within the sport and general audiences.
“I don’t understand it because I don’t know why,”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
“I wish I understood why a little bit more. I feel like I’m misunderstood a lot of times. I think the industry knows me really well and the kind of person I am. I don’t know if all the fans understand the kind of person I am or don’t understand how you can race one way and be happy all the other times. It doesn’t add up.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
The duality of his reputation—as one of the most affable personalities in the garage but among the toughest competitors on the track—may be at the heart of why he splits opinion. Despite this, he attributes much of the focus to a societal tendency to dwell on negativity over support, though he is quick to acknowledge the visibility of fans who back him.
“I guess that’s the only reason I can try to understand it,”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
“There’s a lot of Shell/Pennzoil stuff out there. Although we do talk about the haters too much, there’s a lot of 22 fans out there and I’m happy to have every one of them. Like I said, though, it is neat when I do come to Loudon because I am representing, I feel like, everyone who lives around here. I feel like you’ve got to root for the hometown guy.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Embracing the Hometown Hero Role at Loudon
Logano’s connection with the New Hampshire crowd was palpable, drawing comparisons to the popularity of drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. during their heyday. For Logano, his Loudon experience is distinctive, giving him a rare opportunity to bask in collective local pride.
“You’ve got to do cheer for the hometown guy and it’s fun to enjoy that piece of it,”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
“It’s the only time I ever feel a little bit like Dale Jr. – just a little bit. It’s super cool. It’s really neat to be Dale Jr. I’ve learned.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Feeling like a “hometown guy,” Logano took pride in representing New Hampshire fans, echoing the tradition of supporting local heroes in motorsport. The applause and symbolic displays of Shell/Pennzoil and number 22 merchandise in the grandstands served as a visual affirmation of his place in their hearts.
The Lasting Impact of New Hampshire’s Response
The emotional surge Joey Logano experienced at Loudon serves as a reminder of the powerful bond that can form between a driver and the local community. His openness in the press conference highlighted how such support can uplift a competitor, especially when national attention is often divided between supporters and vocal critics. The cheers at his home track provided a timely morale boost as the NASCAR Cup Series season intensifies, setting the stage for Logano’s pursuit of further victories.
