Joey Logano next gen laps statistics have placed him among the top NASCAR drivers for laps completed in the current era, according to recent data released by NASCAR Insights. Logano, who has achieved significant success since the introduction of the NextGen car, is joined by four other drivers who round out this elite group as of 2025.
Highlighting the Top Five Next Gen Lap Leaders
NASCAR Insights compiled a list of drivers with the most laps completed out of a possible 38,107 since the NextGen car’s debut. The rankings start from fifth place and ascend to the top. These numbers reflect not only endurance but also the consistency and adaptability of each competitor across changing formats, tracks, and seasons.
Chris Buescher Claims Fifth with Consistency and Wins
Chris Buescher earned the fifth spot by finishing 36,754 laps since the NextGen car came onto the scene. He capitalized on the opportunity by capturing a pivotal win at Bristol in 2022, which signaled a surge for him and the RFK Racing team. Buescher’s performance improved in 2023, marked by three wins and personal bests in top-fives, top-tens, starting positions, and average finishes. Further, he established his credentials as one of the strongest road course drivers, highlighted by a victory at Watkins Glen in 2024.
Joey Logano Secures Fourth with Championships and Strategic Triumphs
Joey Logano completed 36,770 laps, placing him fourth overall. Taking full advantage of the knowledge reset that came with the transition from the Gen 6 to the NextGen car, Logano secured two Cup Series championships in 2022 and 2024. He excelled in crucial playoff moments, notching key wins at Las Vegas and twice reaching the Championship 4, before clinching the title at Phoenix. Logano also made history as the victor of the first points race at Gateway and the inaugural exhibition at the Los Angeles Coliseum, repeatedly proving his adaptability and drive under new conditions.
Justin Haley Ranks Third with Steady Participation
Justin Haley completed 36,771 laps, earning the third spot despite not claiming a NextGen race win. Haley’s tenure includes time with Kaulig Racing, Rick Ware Racing, and Spire Motorsports. Widely recognized for victories across all three NASCAR national series, Haley is set to close out his Cup journey during the 2025 season. Following this campaign, he will transition full-time to the Truck Series as Kaulig launches their RAM program, signaling a new phase in his career.
Todd Gilliland Advances to Second Through Growth
Todd Gilliland emerged as the second most consistent driver in laps completed, chalking up 37,095 over several seasons. Gilliland’s progress is further evidenced by steady improvements in both final points standings and average finishing positions each year. His performance peaked in 2025 with a runner-up finish at Talladega, and he added a sixth-place result at the Indianapolis road course in 2024. Following Michael McDowell’s departure, Gilliland took on a leadership role at Front Row Motorsports, further advancing his reputation within the Cup Series.
Michael McDowell Leads the Pack with Road Course Expertise
Michael McDowell topped the chart with 37,243 laps completed, the highest tally in the NextGen period. McDowell’s dominance on road courses, culminating in a high-profile victory at the Indianapolis track in 2023, played a pivotal role in his playoff qualification. Emphasizing the new car’s advantages, McDowell noted the next-gen model’s authentic racecar feel increased his confidence at the wheel. After closing his Front Row Motorsports chapter on a high with six poles in 2024, McDowell joined Spire Motorsports in 2025 on a multi-year agreement, underscoring both his career momentum and continued ambitions.
Logano’s Perspective on Potential 2026 Playoff Format Adjustments
With NASCAR assessing possible changes to the playoff system for 2026 and subsequent seasons, Joey Logano has shared his mindset on impending adaptations. Logano made clear during a discussion with Donut Media that he is unbothered by specifics about potential new formats, focusing instead on preparing to win under any regulations. As Logano stated:
“It’s not my job to complain about what we have or what we’re going to have. My job is to say, ‘Okay, this is the rules; let’s figure out the strategy to win this thing. Like, how do we do that?’ I don’t really care what it is; just tell me what it is so then we can focus on doing that.”
—Joey Logano, Driver
He also emphasized that all drivers will compete under the same circumstances regardless of format, adding confidence in a level playing field:
“The bottom line is it’ll be the same for everybody. No matter what they come up with, everybody’s going to have the same opportunity to go out there and win a championship, and we’ll have to just try and do it again.”
—Joey Logano, Driver
What the NextGen Lap Leaders Mean for NASCAR’s Future
The drivers topping the Next Gen laps leaderboard have demonstrated superior resilience, teamwork, and adaptability as the series has evolved. Joey Logano’s achievements, especially his ability to quickly adjust to change and develop strategies for winning, exemplify the mindset necessary for ongoing success in NASCAR. As the racing landscape continues to shift ahead of 2026, these leaders are set to influence both their teams and fan expectations moving forward.
Most laps completed in the NextGen era pic.twitter.com/lhkVDuPqZI
— NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights) December 4, 2025
