Joey Logano, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion with more than 37 Cup victories across a 15-year racing career, continues to ignite debate among fans as the Joey Logano most hated NASCAR driver. Despite his accomplishments with Team Penske Racing, Logano remains one of the most controversial figures in the sport, with a significant following—and an even larger group of critics—shaping his legacy both on and off the track.
As the NASCAR season approaches the New Hampshire R-12 race, Logano finds himself preparing at his home track, a rare venue where he receives more cheers than boos. During a recent interview, Logano spoke candidly about the reasons behind his polarizing image among NASCAR fans and shed light on the complexities of admiration versus animosity in motorsports. He reflected that, although he strives to be approachable and positive away from the track, his aggressive driving style on race day likely factors into the strong opinions people form about him.
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. I guess that’s the only reason I can try to understand it. I don’t understand it completely but there is a lot of 22 fans out there.
Joey Logano said via Motorsport.com.
The Polarizing Impact of Logano’s Driving Style
Logano has established himself as both a skilled driver and a polarizing competitor, often being acknowledged for one of the most aggressive approaches in the garage. He believes that some fans struggle to reconcile his assertive racing tactics with his reputation off the track as a decent and amiable person. This duality, he suggested, might explain the persistent narrative that tags him as the Joey Logano most hated NASCAR driver despite his achievements.
The veteran underscored how, in many cases, a vocal minority of critics tends to overshadow the support he receives. He pointed to the way attention gravitates toward negativity, particularly during race weekends and across social media platforms, while overlooking the widespread fan base wearing his colors and sporting his number.
As a society, we focus too much on the haters. We just do that in general and a lot of times it’s just louder than cheers, but when you look at whatever it is – sales in the merch haulers or if you just look in the grandstands, there’s a lot of yellow stuff out there.
Joey Logano asserted.
Fan Support and Loyal Fandom Shine Through
Despite the noise created by detractors, Logano emphasized the strength of his dedicated supporters, noting the visible presence of fans dressed in the distinctive Shell/Pennzoil yellow T-shirts both in the stands and at the merchandise trailers. He shared his appreciation for this enthusiastic group, observing that the focus on negativity often obscures the solid base of loyal fans who stand by him week after week.
New Hampshire bears special significance for Logano, as the local crowd consistently rallies behind him, offering a unique sense of belonging and pride on race day. Representing his home region is a deeply personal source of motivation, providing a backdrop for memorable moments on and off the track.
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 added.
Drawing Parallels with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the Power of Hometown Support
In the same discussion, Logano referenced NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., widely recognized as one of the sport’s most cherished figures. Drawing a comparison to Earnhardt Jr.’s legendary rapport with fans, Logano expressed that the New Hampshire event is the one time each season he feels a measure of the crowd energy that “Junior” routinely commanded across venues nationwide. While Earnhardt Jr. was famous for receiving cheers almost everywhere he raced, Logano noted that his own experience at his home track in Loudon allows him to connect with fans in a way that few other venues permit.
These moments of celebration and camaraderie energize Logano, offering a brief respite from the constant scrutiny he faces elsewhere. The passion of the home crowd helps reinforce the importance of local support in the often-contentious world of NASCAR competition.
You’ve got to do cheer for the hometown guy and it’s fun to enjoy that piece of it. 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 said.
Looking Ahead: Determination for the Rest of the Season
Logano’s recent comments reveal a competitor firmly focused on the challenges ahead, especially as he aims to secure his first playoff win of the year for Team Penske Racing. The vociferous support from his Loudon fans is expected to be a boost as he battles through the high-pressure environment of the Cup Series. With both admiration and criticism fueling his drive, Logano’s journey remains one of the most compelling narratives in modern NASCAR.
The mix of emotions and opinions that surround Joey Logano underline the complexities of sports fandom, particularly in a high-intensity environment like NASCAR. Rather than shy away from the reputation as the Joey Logano most hated NASCAR driver, he openly acknowledges its existence and instead focuses on the loyalty and passion of his core supporters. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Logano can convert that energy into success on the track, further shaping his legacy among drivers, teams, and fans alike.
