Ryan Blaney spoke candidly about Joey Logano’s reputation for clutch playoff performances during a recent appearance on the Dale Jr Download, emphasizing the consistency and determination Logano brings to the postseason. Addressing ongoing doubts about Team Penske’s No. 22 car, Blaney shared his belief that Logano’s playoff resilience, seen in past Cup championships and key wins, is no fluke, placing special focus on the unique ways Logano prepares for crucial races. The focus keyword, Ryan Blaney on Logano playoffs, sits at the heart of the debate, as Blaney described his teammate’s remarkable ability to deliver when it matters most.
Throughout the discussion with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Blaney pointed out that Logano’s rise to the occasion is something he’s come to expect after years as teammates, referencing their close collaboration within Team Penske.
“It’s not a big surprise to me anymore. I’ve been teammates with Joey for long enough that I know and how good he is and how kind of methodical he goes about things,”
Blaney explained, reinforcing Logano’s strategic approach, which he believes leads to postseason success.
Logano’s playoff reputation was built on turning average regular seasons into championship-winning campaigns, with titles in 2018, 2022, and, most recently, 2024. His 2024 run included a late-season push that punched his ticket into the playoffs, transforming the narrative around Team Penske yet again. Dale Earnhardt Jr. remarked upon this phenomenon, noting the transformation within the team and their ability to elevate as an organization when facing postseason challenges.
“Man, when the playoffs come, y’all get better as an organization, but there is something about… they are so smart at knowing everything to do outside of the car to sort of put themselves in the best position.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., Former NASCAR Driver and Broadcaster
Much of Logano’s success, as dissected during the podcast, stems from deliberate preparation. For example, Team Penske’s decision to test at Loudon during a Goodyear session provided the insights that allowed Logano to claim pole position for that event later in the season.
“Yeah, they knew Loudon was going to be in the playoffs. And they were early able to take advantage of it,”
Blaney observed, underlining the payoff from calculated decisions earlier in the year. The foresight to treat regular season activities as opportunities for playoff improvement has often made the difference for Logano and his team.
Central to this effectiveness is Logano’s partnership with crew chief Paul Wolfe. Since joining forces in 2020, the duo has tallied 14 wins and captured three championships, often thanks to their ability to out-think and outmaneuver their competitors.
“I know how great Paul Wolf is, of how he goes about things and how they kind of pick and choose, like, ‘Hey, yeah, we’re going to go do this tire test,’”
Blaney said, pointing to the teamwork and targeted strategy that sets them apart from other Cup Series contenders.
Despite the proven track record, skepticism from some circles persists. Blaney, however, continues to support the Logano-Wolfe alliance and dismiss outside doubts.
“It blows my mind, honestly, of people who like the outside world that doubts that duo of like, nah, no, I write them off. Now they’re going to be there, and they’re going to be really, really good.”
– Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
Earnhardt Jr. echoed the sentiment, expressing frustration at critics who continue to bet against Logano’s postseason prowess, admitting that the 2022 champion “spoils all of our ideas” due to his unpredictable yet effective performances when the pressure is highest.
Mixed Reactions From Insiders on Logano’s Current Title Contention
As Logano holds the sixth spot in the standings and keeps a comfortable lead above the playoff cut line, opinions from NASCAR insiders remain divided over whether the No. 22 team can secure a fourth Cup title. While Blaney remains firm in his backing, others—such as motorsports journalist Jordan Bianchi—point to certain inconsistencies and favor Blaney’s own No. 12 car for its momentum in the playoffs.
“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 teams; 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, NASCAR Reporter
In contrast, Jeff Gluck of The Athletic highlights Logano’s dominant showing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where he led a race-high 147 laps—a feat reminiscent of his 2022 championship campaign. Gluck argues that Logano’s ability to peak in the playoffs, especially following an uninspiring regular season, continues to make him a formidable contender.
“Joey Logano led a race-high 147 laps today. That is the most laps he’s led in a single race, I believe, since the 2022 championship race. I just think in general, they just hit on it and looked really, really good.”
– Jeff Gluck, Senior Writer at The Athletic
Gluck further emphasized the potential impact if Logano advances to the championship race at Phoenix, stating the competition should be wary should the No. 22 car still be alive in the decisive race.
“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, Senior Writer at The Athletic
The conversation highlights the polarizing perception of Logano—seen as an underdog by some and a proven threat by others. As the playoffs progress toward Kansas, a track where Logano has previously achieved success, the conversation on his championship prospects remains intense.
What Lies Ahead for Logano and Team Penske?
The narrative surrounding Logano’s postseason reputation will continue to be a point of discussion as the NASCAR Cup playoffs move forward. With critical races ahead and a proven ability to peak when it counts, insiders and fans alike will observe closely whether Team Penske’s No. 22 can answer the ongoing skepticism. For Ryan Blaney on Logano playoffs, Blaney’s steadfast support remains unwavering, reinforcing the notion that championship pedigree and strategic preparation hold significant weight when the pressure mounts, even as debates and doubts swirl around one of the sport’s most scrutinized contenders.
