Joey Logano has opened up about his personal motivation to win NASCAR championships, revealing how his relationship with team owner Roger Penske is a key factor. The three-time Cup Series champion emphasized the influence Penske has had on his career, especially after a challenging transition period, making Joey Logano motivation for Penske a heartfelt focus as the team aims for further success this season.
Team Penske continues to establish itself as a dominant force in the NASCAR playoffs, bolstered by recent Cup championships and a strong showing by drivers like Ryan Blaney, who has already secured a place in the next round. Logano’s achievements and his bond with the Mooresville-based organization underscore its standing as a top contender for a sixth Cup Series championship.
Despite the numerous accolades Logano and Blaney have brought to Team Penske, Logano’s close connection with Roger Penske remains at the heart of his ongoing ambition in the sport. As Logano explained in a conversation with NBC Sports,
“I want to (win a title) for him because he’s done a lot for me,”
Joey Logano said in a conversation with NBC Sports. “There was nobody else looking to pick me up (for the 2013 season). He’s helped me out in a lot of different ways. He cares in ways that you wouldn’t think that somebody of that caliber, that level, just being that busy and stuff going on, that would even think about the little things that are going on in somebody’s life.
The No. 22 Ford driver pointed to Penske’s significant support after Logano’s exit from Joe Gibbs Racing, speaking with clear respect and gratitude for the team owner.
Logano continued expressing the emotional aspect of his motivation, comparing Penske’s role in his life to that of parental pride:
“If your parents have done a lot for you, what do you want your parents to be? Proud of you. You want them to be proud of what you become and what you’re doing. I just want him to be proud of me.”
Survival: The Essential Strategy in NASCAR Playoffs
As this season unfolded, Logano faced early challenges, only locking in his playoff position after the Texas Motor Speedway race. This year, his performances lagged behind rivals from Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing in the initial phase, but he has not lost sight of the importance of perseverance under the current playoff setup.
Discussing the key to playoff competition with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Logano addressed the pressure and strategy required to stay in championship contention, highlighting the critical mindset required for advancing through the rounds:
“The goal is to obviously win when it matters the most. And right now is when it matters the most. There’s the most on the line.The championship’s always the number one goal. And, um, no matter where you start the playoffs, as long as you’re still in it, you’ve got a chance. And we’ve proven that in the past many times. So we’ve got to stay alive.Just continue to move on.”
Demonstrating resilience, Logano made significant improvements as the playoffs progressed. Heading into the Charlotte Roval, he achieved three top-five finishes in his previous four playoff races, reaffirming his status as a contender able to adapt under pressure and target championship opportunities for both himself and Team Penske.
The Broader Impact of Logano’s Motivations and Penske’s Legacy
Logano’s candid reflections about Roger Penske illustrate the influential role team leaders can play within motorsports. Penske’s willingness to back Logano during uncertain times has not only shaped Logano’s competitive outlook but also strengthened Team Penske’s ability to compete season after season. His motivation to win for Penske is a powerful testament to the culture of support and ambition within the organization.
As the Cup Series heads deeper into the playoffs, the ongoing partnership between Joey Logano and Team Penske remains a compelling storyline. With key competitors like Ryan Blaney and rivals from established teams such as Hendrick and Joe Gibbs Racing pushing for supremacy, Logano’s drive to make Roger Penske proud could be a decisive factor as the championship race intensifies.
The ongoing season will reveal whether this personal motivation can propel Logano to another title, adding yet another chapter to both his and Team Penske’s legacy in NASCAR’s top series.
🗣️ "We just gotta stay alive."
🏆 @joeylogano says the #NASCARPlayoffs are all about survive and advance.
More –> https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/8aaMOH2hI9
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) September 24, 2025
