Joey Logano, known for his determination to succeed on the track, is now setting his sights on what comes next for his Joey Logano NASCAR legacy. The three-time Cup Series champion, who has embraced the sport since childhood, is preparing for the time when he steps away from driving, aiming to give back as much as he’s gained from NASCAR.
Inspired by Legends Who Remain Active Beyond Racing
Logano finds inspiration in former drivers such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Kevin Harvick, all of whom have maintained strong connections to NASCAR through various roles after their racing careers ended. These icons transitioned into positions like TV commentary, podcasting, and team ownership, continuing to shape the sport from new angles. Logano intends to contribute similarly, using the foundation they built to guide his own approach.
Champion’s Perspective on Legacy and Giving Back
Asked about how he envisions carrying on NASCAR’s traditions, Logano openly reflected on the phases of his own career and the uncertainty of life after active racing:
“There are so many different phases of my career, just like anybody else in the sport. There’s the driving and active piece, and then there’s gonna be at some point when I don’t drive anymore, and what does that look like? I don’t know exactly what that will be.”
— Joey Logano, Cup Series Champion
He further shared his guiding principle for legacy and mentorship:
“But I do know the definition of a true champion is giving back more than you take, and this sport has given me a lot. It’s given me everything. I definitely want to leave it better than it was when I got here. I can do a lot of that now while I’m still active, and we do that through the driver advisory council a lot. But post-racing, I’ll be involved. I’ll be around in some way because the people before me did that for me, and I should do that for the next generation,”
— Joey Logano, Cup Series Champion
The Transition from Racer to Mentor
For many drivers, including figures like Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin, passion for competition does not fade when they retire. Physical limitations in their 40s and 50s might prevent them from handling the intense race schedules, but their love for NASCAR inspires them to remain actively involved. They seek out new opportunities to contribute, opting to stay connected instead of leaving the community that shaped them.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Example of Ongoing Involvement
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a striking example of this enduring commitment. After retiring from driving in 2017 due to injuries, Earnhardt Jr. brought a new kind of energy to NASCAR by embracing television commentary and leveraging his experience to inform and entertain audiences. His increased engagement with his team, JR Motorsports, allowed him to stay directly involved with the competitive and operational aspects of NASCAR.
Earnhardt Jr.’s passion extended to revitalizing venues such as North Wilkesboro, breathing life into tracks that might otherwise have been forgotten. His efforts were not driven solely by nostalgia, but rather by a deep sense of responsibility to the sport’s legacy. This dedication to NASCAR’s future resonated strongly with Logano and set an example for others considering their own ongoing contributions.
Building a Legacy for Future Generations
By following in the footsteps of Earnhardt Jr., Gordon, and Harvick, Joey Logano aims to ensure the sport remains vibrant and inclusive for upcoming drivers and fans. His decision to participate in the driver advisory council while still competing illustrates his dedication to positive change both on and off the track. As his racing career evolves, Logano’s focus on stewardship and mentorship is poised to leave a meaningful imprint on NASCAR, promising support, advocacy, and leadership for the next generation of competitors and enthusiasts alike.
