Joey Logano received the NMPA Pocono Spirit Award for 2025 today at EchoPark Speedway, recognized during a rain delay for his ongoing efforts to support foster children through the Joey Logano Foundation. The honor highlights Logano’s dedication to making a difference beyond the racetrack, embodying the values celebrated by the NMPA Spirit Award.
Logano Recognized by NMPA Leadership at Speedway
The ceremony took place in the infield media center, with NMPA President Holly Cain and past president Deb Williams presenting the award to Logano, who competes in the No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Logano has become a prominent advocate for foster children, leveraging his platform and industry connections to bring attention and resources to young people facing challenging life circumstances.
Sharing Racing Values for a Greater Cause
During his acceptance, Logano reflected on the unique qualities of those within motorsports and the broader community’s spirit. He emphasized the sport’s competitive nature but noted that many people within the industry are committed to helping others outside of competition. His remarks approached the idea that racing offers not just a stage for victory but also a powerful means to bring hope and support to those in need.
“When I think about our sport and the huge hearts that are in it, I think everybody gets used to seeing us being so cut throat on the racetrack, we’re so used to just getting after it and doing whatever we can to win, but I think this industry does an amazing job at understanding what the big picture is from Monday back to Sunday and that there is a bigger purpose than just driving in circles. I say it all the time, it is a really cool job and it’s an incredible opportunity, but if you don’t do anything with it, it’s a pretty empty life at the end of the day. If you have the opportunity, and all of us do here sitting in this room and in the garage, have the opportunity to impact people in such a positive way. The crazy thing is a lot of times it just happens with a smile. It doesn’t even take much, and then you can obviously build off of that and some incredible things.”
—Joey Logano, Driver
JL Kids Crew and Focus on Foster Children
Logano’s commitment is rooted in the work of the Joey Logano Foundation, which primarily aims to improve the lives of foster children and their families. The JL Kids Crew, a key initiative of the foundation, partners with organizations to address the unique difficulties of foster care and provide meaningful opportunities to children whose circumstances were never their choice. Logano shared that the foundation is not just an isolated effort but works collaboratively with those already making an impact.
“The JL Kids Crew is just a leg of what we do at the Joey Logano Foundation. Our main focus is foster children. We love being able to partner with some great organizations that help foster kids and foster parents get through life. It’s obviously a very challenging life and not of their choice. That’s what I have the biggest heart for is the people that get put in a situation. They didn’t make a bad decision, it’s just what happened to those kids. There’s a lot of great people that are willing to help and we like being the fuel that jumps onto something that somebody has already started.”
—Joey Logano, Driver
Honoring Jake Leatherman Through Lasting Legacy
The formation of the JL Kids Crew was inspired by the memory of Jake Leatherman, a young fan whose story deeply touched the racing community. Although many, including Logano, did not have the chance to meet Jake, his funeral nearly a decade ago saw an outpouring of support from crew members who attended in full race gear. This profoundly emotional experience led Logano to recognize the missed opportunity for connection and prompted the creation of the JL Kids Crew, with Jake’s legacy serving as a continual source of inspiration for the program and its efforts.
“The JL Kids Crew, which is what this award is about, started a while back and this goes to show how incredible our community is. A little guy named Jake Leatherman, he passed away. I guess we’re getting close to 10 years ago. I don’t believe any of us got to meet him, but a lot of us went to his funeral and there were probably 40 crew members who showed up at his funeral wearing firesuits. It was a really touching moment during the funeral. I left there with my wife and I was angry that we didn’t see him when he was with us. I was like, ‘This is great, but what a missed opportunity.’ And that’s what started the JL Kids Crew was in honor of Jake and to let his legacy live through this program. To me, it’s a cool thing to see that.”
—Joey Logano, Driver
Creating Joyful Memories for Kids and Families
The outreach efforts of Logano and his foundation rely on strong partnerships with industry sponsors such as Shell, Ford, and others. With the assistance of racing organizations like SMI and engagement from racetracks, foster children and their families receive exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences at events, including team participation, wearing race suits, and moments on the track. These activities aim to lift spirits and provide a sense of belonging and joy for both kids and their guardians, many of whom endure significant hardship.
“So many kids have come to the racetrack and we have great partners to help with that. Obviously, Shell and Ford and Hunt Brother’s Pizza – everybody that jumps on board with that – but also the racetracks. Right here, SMI has done a great job of helping us with suites and giving us access to the racetrack and making sure that these kids have an experience that you can’t buy. That’s what I want it to be. Put them as part of the team. Give them a race suit. Make them feel like they’re part of it. Let them help push the car out onto the grid or set the air pressures. It’s little stuff like that, but it really matters to not only the child, but when you see their parent’s face light up because a lot of these children are going through hell. I’m just being honest and frank about it. They’re going through a lot and as a parent watching your child go through some of the stuff, I couldn’t imagine.”
—Joey Logano, Driver
The Industry’s Embrace and What the Award Means
Logano recognized that the accomplishments are not solely his or the Joey Logano Foundation’s, but represent a broad collective spirit within NASCAR and the wider racing scene. He described how the industry rallies to support children and their guardians, from meeting key figures at driver meetings to being part of pre-race ceremonies. This approach has turned the JL Kids Crew into a vibrant celebration of community that honors Jake Leatherman and continues his memory through ongoing outreach.
“So, to see the joy not only in the child’s face, but also the parent’s face or whoever is with them, their guardian, is really so touching and it’s something I’m so appreciative of. It’s not just me doing that. It’s not just the Joey Logano Foundation doing that, which is incredible as well, but it’s our industry that wraps their arms around them when they’re sitting at the driver’s meeting and the go around and get all of the autographs, or back at driver intros. It’s a dream come true for these kids, so it’s an honor to let Jake’s legacy live on through that program. This is for him.”
—Joey Logano, Driver
Looking Ahead: Lasting Change and Inspiration
The presentation of the NMPA Spirit Award to Joey Logano underscores the possibility for meaningful impact by individuals and organizations within motorsports. Logano’s ongoing work with the JL Kids Crew and the Joey Logano Foundation is set to influence lives, foster greater industry involvement, and inspire others to find purpose beyond success on the track. The recognition also ensures that the stories of children like Jake Leatherman and their families remain a central part of the sport’s compassionate legacy.
