Joey Logano, the three-time Cup Series champion from Team Penske Racing, continues to divide opinions within the NASCAR community, maintaining both a devoted fanbase and vocal critics. During his recent appearance on the Donut Podcast, Logano openly discussed how he manages detractors and stays focused on winning, reinforcing that his priority is performing on the racetrack, not seeking public approval. The topic of how Joey Logano handles criticism took center stage as he described his approach both on and off the track.
Known for his unapologetically aggressive driving style and willingness to challenge NASCAR favorites, Logano frequently finds himself the subject of both admiration and hostilities. His approach has earned mixed responses, particularly after intense rivalries, such as those with Kyle Busch—who has remarked that Logano exhibits vastly different personalities at and away from the track. Despite this, Logano remains one of the most genuine figures in the garage, fully committed to racing within the complex boundaries of competition.
“I don’t let it bother me. Yeah, and I have such a different personality on track than I do off track. So I kind of understand why I’m probably not the most liked guy. I can tell when I get introduced to fans, but I also have a lot of people that cheer for me. I understand that they’re booing the person that’s driving the car, not the person that’s out of the car. It’s almost like a character. And I’m okay with that.”
– Joey Logano, via Donut Podcast
Week after week, Logano’s single-minded motivation is to secure victories for Team Penske and owner Roger Penske, who relies on his driver to deliver results at the highest level. Logano stresses that racing, not popularity, defines his objectives, and this competitive mindset has contributed to his trio of Cup Series championships. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the car’s performance, disregarding distractions and critical opinions from outsiders.
“That’s fine. And to be honest with you, if you don’t like what I do on the racetrack, I don’t care. Really, I don’t care. My job is on the racetrack, not to make people like me. My job is to win. That’s what I get paid to do. So if you don’t like that, I don’t care. It’s not a popularity contest.”
– Joey Logano
Choosing Whose Opinions Matter
Although he acknowledges the value of fan support and the cheers from the stands, Logano remains unfazed by animosity directed at him for his actions on the track. He clarifies that such negativity targets Logano the racer rather than Logano the individual, and he finds peace with this distinction. This division allows him to continue performing under pressure, understanding that any hostility is aimed at the competitive persona he portrays during races.
“Now, it’s important to have fans and support, and I like that part too. But to the haters—the people that don’t like you because of what you do on the racetrack—that’s not who I am. So it doesn’t affect me.”
– Joey Logano
Logano further elaborates that the opinions that truly matter to him come from those he trusts and knows personally. He dismisses the need to explain his actions to every critic, recognizing that external judgment from strangers holds little weight in his life or career. Instead, he focuses on insights from his inner circle and those who share a deeper understanding of who he is beyond the racetrack persona.
“(It’s not worth your breath to explain to each and every one of them, like, “Hey, this isn’t me.”) You can’t let people affect you negatively if they don’t really know who you are. The people I actually care about are the ones whose opinions matter to me.”
– Joey Logano
Implications for NASCAR’s Next Generation
Logano’s attitude toward criticism and hate from the public illustrates a resilient mindset that is especially vital in today’s social media-driven era, where scrutiny and divisiveness among fans can escalate quickly. His approach offers a playbook for younger athletes and drivers navigating the same atmosphere, emphasizing the need to filter distractions and maintain focus on personal and professional goals.
As a veteran who has weathered intense rivalries and public opinion swings, Logano’s perspective is increasingly relevant for contemporary NASCAR drivers and athletes across all sports. The path he carves suggests that withstanding criticism, focusing on performance, and listening to meaningful feedback are essential to sustained success at the top level.
