As the iconic duo Bill and Cathy Venturini prepare to retire and close their chapter with Venturini Motorsports, Joey Logano has looked back on his formative experiences with the team, expressing deep gratitude for their guidance. Logano’s reflections reveal the important role Venturini Motorsports played in shaping his early racing career and highlight the strong impact of these memories, placing the focus on his personal journey and the legacy of the organization.
Early Experiences That Shaped a Champion
Joey Logano, before reaching the heights of NASCAR Cup champion, spent part of his developmental years racing in the ARCA Menards Series with Venturini Motorsports. The team, established by Bill and Cathy Venturini in Chicago back in 1982, operated as a close-knit family business and quickly earned a reputation for nurturing emerging talent.
In describing those early days, Logano explained how much he had to learn about stock cars, emphasizing how formative that period was in his growth as a driver. At one notable Daytona test, the team faced setbacks, yet transformed their struggles into a strong race result, an experience Logano credits as instrumental in fostering resilience and teamwork.
“This was obviously very early in my career, and I was learning pretty much everything I could about stock cars,”
Logano said.
“I remember the first test we had in Daytona, and we weren’t very fast and were changing everything we could. When we went down for the race, we were pretty strong. I think we finished second or third or something like that.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Champion
Overcoming initial hurdles, Logano recalled how his bond with the team deepened as they faced and conquered adversity together, even in a short span. His next race memory at Rockingham was especially triumphant,
“And then [in the next race] at Rockingham, we destroyed them. We were just a couple laps away from lapping the whole field, which was really cool. And then Pocono was a strong run as well.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Champion
A Launchpad for Racing’s Brightest Talents
Logano is one of several notable names whose paths were shaped by Venturini Motorsports, alongside William Byron, Alex Bowman, Christopher Bell, Corey Heim, and Jesse Love. Many of these drivers benefitted not only from expert racing advice but also from the supportive environment fostered by Bill and Cathy, who acted as both mentor figures and surrogate parents.
The Venturini family’s ethos extended from the track to personal development, encouraging young drivers to grow as both competitors and individuals. There was a distinct atmosphere at Venturini Motorsports—one rooted in strong familial bonds and passionate commitment to success.
“It was fun just getting to know the family, obviously they’re really close,”
said Logano.
“Talking to Billy [their son] and Big Bill, there was always a lot of passion, the thing I noticed most about them, very passionate people, very emotional, which I can relate to because I’m fairly similar in those ways.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Champion
Unforgettable Moments and Laughter in Victory
Looking back, Logano vividly remembers a humorous and personal highlight—being caught off guard by a celebratory gesture from Bill Venturini.
“The funniest thing I remember most was the kiss from Big Bill in victory lane. I’m not a real kissy kind of guy, so I was like ‘Ahhhh!!’”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Champion. Days at the race shop also stood out to Logano for their energy and forward-thinking approach, a testament to the Venturini family’s entrepreneurial mindset and drive for innovation.
“That was kind of an entrepreneurial attitude, starting with their own cars and then growing other cars to where it almost looked like half the field were Venturini cars. And they also ran well; they did it right the whole time, all their cars were fast. Their mindset was they always looked for more. There’s not a whole lot of people like that in the world. That’s why they were successful.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Champion
The End of an Era and a Lasting Legacy
After 43 years at the heart of the ARCA Menards Series and as a stepping stone for prominent NASCAR figures, Venturini Motorsports has reached its final race following the Star Nursery 150 at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The team will transition to Nitro Motorsports, under new owner Nick Tucker, beginning October 16.
Joey Logano publicly shared his heartfelt appreciation and congratulations through the ARCA X page, paying tribute to the careers and contributions of Bill and Cathy Venturini.
“Hey, Bill and Cathy, congratulations, what an incredible career, what an incredible business you built, and what an incredible legacy you built in the motorsports industry,”
said Logano.
“I hope you guys enjoy your retirement and have fun for a change, just have fun.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Champion
The end of Venturini Motorsports marks a turning point in the ARCA Menards Series, closing a chapter that shaped countless drivers including Logano. As Nitro Motorsports takes the reins, the lasting imprint of Bill and Cathy Venturini will remain a vital part of racing history, influencing the next generation of competitors and continuing to inspire with the memories and values forged at Venturini Motorsports.
🥹 @joeylogano reflects on his time with @VenturiniMotor and shares a heartfelt message to Bill and Cathy as they enter retirement. pic.twitter.com/CJBVdusmDS
— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) October 9, 2025
