Joey Logano Talladega race strategy is under the spotlight as the NASCAR Cup Series heads into the intense playoff round at the famed Alabama track. Dale Earnhardt Jr., a six-time Cup winner at Talladega Superspeedway, discussed what it takes for playoff drivers like Logano to survive and advance during such high-stakes races, offering insight on how drivers must balance teamwork and aggressive racing on superspeedways.
The Importance of Teamwork in Playoff Races
Dale Earnhardt Jr., known for his experience with Hendrick Motorsports, stressed that when racing with teammates, especially in critical playoff rounds, ensuring clean and respectful competition is crucial. He noted that while competing with his Hendrick teammates, he always allowed them more space and was careful to avoid risky moves that could compromise their chances collectively. This approach, he explained, is now especially significant as both Logano and his Team Penske teammate Ryan Blaney face off in key playoff situations.
On a recent episode of his Dale Jr. Download podcast, Earnhardt Jr. highlighted the unique pressure facing Team Penske, as Logano (defending three-time Cup champion) and Blaney (2023 Cup champion) must both vie for a spot in the season-ending Championship 4 race at Phoenix. The upcoming challenge at Talladega on Sunday brings their partnership and rivalry into sharp focus.
Penske Drivers Rely on Team Support
Earnhardt Jr. explained that the Penske drivers, Logano and Blaney, will need to rely on all available help in the race. Teamwork will not only involve each other, but also their Penske teammate Austin Cindric, who is no longer in the playoffs, and Josh Berry, driving for the Penske-affiliated Wood Brothers Racing. Their combined efforts may include blocking for one another to keep other playoff contenders at bay, potentially impacting the overall outcome for Team Penske’s efforts to advance to Phoenix.
“If Blaney and Joey are running first and second with 20 (laps) to go, it don’t matter; they’re not going to shuffle one or the other out early,”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst and Former Driver
“They’re going to need that teammate to be able to stay in those positions all the way to the finish.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst and Former Driver
Pressure Builds for Blaney and Logano
Ryan Blaney enters Talladega coming off an early exit at Las Vegas, where a crash left him at the bottom of the playoff contenders, trailing Chase Briscoe by 31 points. With such a deficit, Blaney is in a must-win situation—not only this week, but also at Martinsville, if he hopes to qualify for the Championship 4. Despite not being eliminated, Logano also faces an uphill battle from seventh place in the standings, 24 points behind the fourth spot held by Briscoe.
Logano has previously excelled under playoff pressure, with dramatic comebacks fueling all three of his Cup championship runs. However, both he and Blaney must amass sizable points or secure a victory at Talladega to keep their championship hopes alive. The frontrunners they are chasing—Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, Briscoe, and Byron—are all competing fiercely to protect their advantage.
Risks and Decisions in the Final Laps
As the laps wind down, the delicate dance between working with teammates and seizing individual opportunities becomes increasingly fraught. Earnhardt Jr. observed that although Logano and Blaney will try to coordinate their efforts through most of the race, that harmony may give way as the checkered flag approaches and split-second decisions become necessary.
“They’re going to try to work together for the benefit of both of them all the way to the finish,”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst and Former Driver
“But I’d say you take a risk and lose. The one thing that you don’t want to do is go back to Roger Penske and have to look him in the face and say, ‘The move I made cost us both a win.’ Whatever move you make, it better be the one that wins you the race.’ You can’t cost both of you the race.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst and Former Driver
Looking Ahead: Talladega as a Playoff Game-Changer
The Talladega race stands as a pivotal moment in the NASCAR playoffs, where teamwork, strategy, and nerve converge under high pressure. As Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney prepare, their coordination with teammates like Austin Cindric and Josh Berry could be decisive. With championship hopes on the line, their choices will not only affect their path to Phoenix, but could also shape the outcome of the 2023 Cup season.
