At Ford‘s 2026 racing season launch event, Joey Logano connected with Daniel Ricciardo, who appeared as the brand’s official ambassador, spotlighting the new season and key partnerships. The event highlighted the Joey Logano Ford 2026 season, bringing together pivotal figures from motorsport as Ford aims to revamp its competitive strategy with new collaborations and technical advancements.
Ford Launch Event Draws Big Names for a New Era
Joey Logano, representing Team Penske, was among the most recognized attendees at the Ford 2026 season launch, coinciding with Daniel Ricciardo’s presence in his new role as Ford ambassador. Ricciardo’s partnership with Ford Racing was recently expanded through a collaboration with his lifestyle brand, Enchanté, introducing a limited-edition apparel collection. Meanwhile, Logano took part in the event following his recent test at North Wilkesboro Speedway, where he evaluated changes made to the vehicles, especially those affecting horsepower as the team gears up for the next season.
The interaction between Logano and Ricciardo caught fans’ attention, as Logano shared a post on X with Ricciardo, capturing a moment of camaraderie between the two motorsport stars.
“Talking Cars & Racing with @danielricciardo at the 2026 @FordRacing Season Launch,” Logano wrote.
Their meeting signaled Ford’s commitment to harnessing automotive talent and global racing experience as it confronts a season full of change and challenge.
Setbacks in 2025 Spark Questions About Ford’s Title Hopes
The 2025 racing season ended with Joey Logano trailing his Penske teammate Ryan Blaney, both unable to compete for the final championship at Phoenix. The season marked a shift, as it was the first time in the Next Gen Era that Ford was absent from the championship hunt, with Chevrolet and Toyota drivers dominating those final races. Historically, since 2022, Logano and Blaney alternated as strong title contenders, but the outcome in 2025 has left Ford teams reconsidering their strategies heading into the new season.
As the field looks forward, competitors will confront additional variables—a redesigned Chevrolet body and a reimagined championship format are both expected to disrupt existing hierarchies. With anticipation building for the Daytona 500, where Logano last secured victory in 2015, the question remains whether Ford can reclaim its place at the forefront of NASCAR competition.
Joey Logano Shares Candid Thoughts on Revised Championship Structure
Following a comprehensive test session at North Wilkesboro Speedway, which saw every team and manufacturer trial setup modifications and observe new camber rules, Joey Logano addressed the media about the upcoming changes to the playoff system. Logano reflected on the rebranded Chase format, a topic drawing significant attention as drivers prepare for the challenges ahead.
“Personally, I was one of the rare people that liked the old one just from a fan perspective. I enjoyed it, but if the majority doesn’t like that, then, sure, we’ll change it and we’ll go race another way and that’s OK with me, too.”
“The things that stand out to me immediately are the bad days are gonna be harder to recover,” Joey Logano added, “Consistency is gonna pay off more. Looking at it, I think if you’re 12th or so going into the playoffs, I don’t think you can win it from that far back. You’re gonna be 70-plus points back without knowing the real numbers, and you’re gonna have to make that up against the best cars in 10 weeks. Boy, that’s gonna be tough.”
Logano’s perspective is shaped by recent experiences: in 2024, he secured the title thanks to the elimination-style playoff format, having reentered contention due to Alex Bowman‘s disqualification even after being cut from the Round of 8. The new system, as Logano notes, imposes stricter recovery windows, placing a premium on consistency across the entire playoff run.
The Road Ahead: Adjustments, Partnerships, and Expectations
Both Ford and its drivers face a pivotal period as NASCAR continues to evolve. With the partnership between Daniel Ricciardo and Ford Racing in place, and with established drivers like Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney seeking to regain their former dominance, the coming season signals a greater sense of urgency and adaptation within the camp. The introduction of new technical rules, car designs, and a championship format demanding greater consistency only adds to the intensity.
As fans and teams look toward the start of the 2026 season, the Joey Logano Ford 2026 season becomes not just about winning but about thriving amid uncertainty—challenging veterans, welcoming fresh collaborations, and navigating a racing landscape defined by both promise and risk.
Talking Cars & Racing with @danielricciardo at the 2026 @FordRacing Season Launch #FRSeasonLaunch2026 pic.twitter.com/2iCguIz4Sh
— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) January 15, 2026
