Mamba Smith has condemned online bullying after an image of Joey Logano, who has alopecia areata, was shared on social media. The incident has put renewed focus on Joey Logano alopecia awareness and how public figures with visible health conditions are treated.
A recent photo posted to X, formerly Twitter, showed NASCAR driver Joey Logano completely bald. As someone with the autoimmune disorder alopecia areata, Logano has experienced hair loss in patches over the past few years. Mamba Smith, a NASCAR insider, spoke out forcefully against negative reactions to Logano’s appearance, stating:
“I think that anyone that makes fun of Joey for being bald is a part of the societal problem… He has alopecia. Imagine being a kid going through the same thing and seeing a champion athlete get bullied for it. Not exactly positive messaging for them.”
— Mamba Smith, NASCAR insider
Joey Logano, once seen with a full head of hair when he won the 2018 Cup Series title, has seen his appearance change since beginning to lose his hairline around the 2022 NASCAR season. In 2024, Logano collaborated with HairClub, promoting non-surgical hair replacement options and openly addressing his condition on social platforms.
Logano recently appeared publicly without any hair during an event in Huntersville, North Carolina, shortly after the 2025 NASCAR championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Commenting on his journey with alopecia and the reactions of those around him, Logano remarked:
“It’s fairly obvious, and it will become more obvious, most likely. It’s funny no one is comfortable enough asking about it, which is kind of weird to me. I’m the kind of person who would see something and be like, ‘Hey man, you OK?’ Some people don’t say a word about it, but I know they’re looking.”
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
Currently on his off-season break, Joey Logano is preparing for the Cook Out Clash scheduled at Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina on February 1. This exhibition marks the unofficial start of the 2026 NASCAR season for the Middletown, Connecticut, native.
Joey Logano Backs NASCAR’s Playoff Structure Amid Uncertainty
Logano has publicly supported NASCAR’s elimination-style playoffs, the system under which he secured his Cup Series championships in 2018, 2022, and 2025. According to the Penske driver, the format brings added excitement and narrative to the sport. Logano explained:
“It creates awesome moments like that. I don’t understand what people don’t like about it. I really don’t get it.”
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
Despite speculation about possible changes to the points and playoff formats for the 2026 season, recent updates indicate NASCAR may opt to keep the current system in place, though the decision is not final. Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal reported:
“NASCAR informed some team executives before the end of the 2025 season that retaining a playoff was the most likely outcome of its championship system review, according to people familiar with the matter, but its final decision remains unclear.”
— Adam Stern, Sports Business Journal
The focus now shifts to Bowman Gray Stadium for Logano and other NASCAR figures as they gear up for the February exhibition event. Soon after, the prestigious Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway will kick off the main championship season, drawing national attention to the sport and its leading figures.
This recent incident involving Joey Logano has highlighted challenges faced by athletes living with visible health conditions, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respect. As the new season approaches, conversations around Joey Logano alopecia awareness and the handling of public scrutiny remain pressing for both the NASCAR community and its wider audience.
I think that anyone that makes fun of Joey for being bald is a part of the societal problem… He has alopecia. Imagine being a kid going through the same thing and seeing a champion athlete get bullied for it.
Not exactly positive messaging for them.
I’m not calling… https://t.co/NB7p7yBwi1
— Mamba Smith (@MambaSmith34) November 19, 2025
.@NASCAR informed some team executives before the end of the 2025 season that retaining a playoff was the most likely outcome of its championship system review, according to people familiar with the matter, but its final decision remains unclear. https://t.co/XanbcidD0Q
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) November 14, 2025
