Joey Logano, a NASCAR driver from Connecticut, is challenging the idea that New England is not a strong region for racing, aiming to correct the misconception around its racing culture. Despite common beliefs, Logano sees the New England racing scene as vibrant and influential, with the potential to make a significant mark in NASCAR.
Challenging Myths About Racing in New England
A prevailing belief in the motorsports world suggests that aspiring drivers from New England face greater obstacles compared to those from the South or other racing strongholds. Logano, however, insists that New England has deep motorsports roots, with a well-established presence that often goes unnoticed. Old assumptions linger because Connecticut and the surrounding areas do not boast the same high profile as other regions, but Logano is clear in his assessment:
“The New England car culture and racing culture is real. It’s much bigger,”
— Joey Logano, Team Penske driver.
While major cities like Boston and New York may not have racing on city streets, Logano points out that outstanding racetracks can be found just outside these metropolitan areas. Tracks such as Stafford Motor Speedway, Thompson Speedway, and events in New Hampshire are longstanding fixtures in the area. Logano, who spent his early years in Connecticut, highlights the number of racing opportunities available there before his family relocated south.
“If you get a little bit out of those areas, there’s some great racetracks. I mean, there’s Stafford, Thompson, and you know, we are racing in New Hampshire. I only lived up there for the first 10 years of my life.”
— Joey Logano, Team Penske driver.
He began his own racing journey in quarter midgets in those communities, and while he eventually moved to Atlanta where motorsports opportunities were plentiful, returning to New England remains meaningful to him. Logano also points out the surprising influence the region has on NASCAR at large:
“You’d be surprised how many people from New England are working on our race team. I’d say the majority of the people are from up north.”
— Joey Logano, Team Penske driver.
Obstacles for Drivers from the Northeast
Despite being home to high-quality asphalt and dirt venues, New England is not heavily represented among the drivers competing at the highest level in NASCAR’s Cup Series. Joey Logano and Ryan Preece, another Connecticut native, are currently the only New Englanders in the sport’s elite tier. The challenge, Logano explains, comes down to location and logistics.
Any racer with NASCAR ambitions is eventually forced to make a major move—relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina—because virtually all race teams are based there. This necessary transition presents a unique hurdle for those whose roots remain in the Northeast.
“You have to move to Charlotte if you want to do it right because that’s where all the race teams are. So, yeah, you have to move, and that makes it tough, but when you come home, you want to be able to show what you can do. You feel like you’re representing everyone up here.”
— Joey Logano, Team Penske driver.
This requirement frequently disrupts local ties and limits the Northeast’s visibility at the top levels of racing. Although Logano has maintained a strong connection to Connecticut and the greater New England area, the underrepresentation is apparent compared to other regions across the country.
The Future for New England Racers in NASCAR
Logano’s passion for the region and dedication to its racing community have sparked renewed discussions about what it takes for local talent to succeed nationally. The hope remains that, as more attention is drawn to the depth of talent and resources in New England, increased representation in NASCAR’s Cup Series will follow. For now, drivers like Logano and Ryan Preece continue to serve as symbols of New England’s enduring motorsports legacy and as inspiration for future racers from the region.
