NASCAR analysts are divided over Joey Logano championship chances as the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs progress, fueling debate on whether he has what it takes to secure another title this season. On The Teardown podcast, journalists from The Athletic shared differing opinions about how Logano and his Team Penske teammate, Ryan Blaney, are positioned as the competition heats up in tracks like New Hampshire and Phoenix.
Key Observations from Team Penske’s Recent Performances
During a recent broadcast, Jordan Bianchi pointed out the remarkable speed demonstrated by Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 team, especially after Blaney’s victory at New Hampshire. According to Bianchi, Blaney’s team consistently showcases long run green flag speed, which he credits for their ongoing success at several tracks.
“The 12 team (Ryan Blaney) this year has been one of the fastest, if not the fastest,”
Bianchi said, referencing Blaney’s win.
“What makes them so good at a racetrack like New Hampshire and Martinsville, and Phoenix is long green flag speed. They did it again today (Sunday). It’s one of the reasons they won this race. Consistently this year, they have had the fastest car.”
– Jordan Bianchi, The Athletic
Bianchi contrasted Blaney’s consistent performance with Logano’s recent form. He expressed reservations about the No. 22 car as the season intensifies, noting that he has more faith in Blaney and his crew at this stage.
“I can’t say the same thing about the 22 (Logano). Yes, the 22 figures out how to get things done. They rise to the occasion, I know all of that. But I look at the 12 team, they are doing it, they have done it, and I think they’re going to continue to do it. I just don’t have the same level of confidence right now in the 22 team as I do the 12 team.”
– Jordan Bianchi, The Athletic
Jeff Gluck Highlights Logano’s Championship Experience
Jeff Gluck, also from The Athletic, acknowledged Bianchi’s assessment, but underscored Logano’s history of rising to the occasion under pressure, particularly in the championship context. Gluck grouped all Penske teams together, reflecting on their collective strength as the playoffs continue.
“I’m putting all Penske in a group here,”
Gluck said.
“You had Josh Berry, obviously built in the Penske shop, extremely fast, was right there challenging for the race win.”
– Jeff Gluck, The Athletic
Logano’s Recent Form and the Road Ahead
Logano recently demonstrated his competitiveness by leading 147 laps—his highest in a single race since his 2022 championship performance. Gluck pointed out that while Blaney may seem a safer bet for a deep playoff run, Logano’s presence in the final four at Phoenix would pose a significant challenge for his competitors.
“Joey Logano led a race-high 147 laps today. That is the most laps he’s led in a single race, I beleive, since the 2022 championship race. I just think in general, they just hit on it and looked really, really good. I respect why you’re saying the 12-team because they’re more likely to make a deep playoff run, but if Joey Logano was at Phoenix still alive? Whoa, that’s really scary for everybody.”
– Jeff Gluck, The Athletic
Looking at the Championship Landscape
Both Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney drive for Team Penske and have collected the last three NASCAR championship titles for the team. Logano secured the championship in 2022 and 2024, while Blaney claimed the title in 2023. Their records highlight the strength and consistency of Team Penske in high-stakes races such as the championship round.
At the New Hampshire event, Blaney emerged as the winner, continuing his strong playoff form, with Logano securing a fourth-place finish. With regard to the playoff standings, Blaney currently holds the top position and has clinched a spot in the Round of 8. Logano, positioned sixth, remains 24 points clear of the elimination line, keeping his title hopes alive as the series heads to tracks noted for shaping championship runs, including Martinsville and Phoenix.
As the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs move forward, the split perspectives of experts like Bianchi and Gluck add further intrigue to Joey Logano championship chances. With Team Penske’s recent history and both drivers fighting at the top, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Logano can once again rise to the challenge when it matters most.
