Joey Logano, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, introduced a new element to the tradition of the Joey Logano Champion’s Journal by inviting the legendary Richard Petty to contribute his own words. This move, centered around the cherished journal, aims to bridge NASCAR’s storied past with its present, as Logano charts new territory while honoring the sport’s icons at Circuit of the Americas.
Joey Logano Expands the Champion’s Journal Tradition
After claiming his third Cup Series championship, Joey Logano reflected on his previous entries in the Champion’s Journal—a book passed between titleholders, each leaving a message for future champions. While previous notes followed established custom, Logano realized that the journal contained ample blank pages and saw an opportunity to enrich its history by including voices from earlier generations.
“All the other times I just did it like everybody else, Logano said before the Cup race at Circuit of the Americas. But there’s a ton of pages in it. It’ll take generations to fill it up, right? One page at a time.”
Inspired to do something significant, Logano considered adding a unique touch—inviting someone whose championship legacy far predated the journal’s creation. Before making this decision, he contacted the journal’s originator for guidance. “I called Jimmie,” the Team Penske pilot recalled.
“I said, ‘Hey, I was thinking I wanted to let Richard Petty look at it because I thought this guy’s won seven of them.’ This started post his championship, so I thought it’d be really cool for him to read it and write something in it.”
– Joey Logano, Team Penske driver
Richard Petty’s Signature Entry and Its Impact
After Jimmie Johnson, himself a multi-time champion, approved the idea, Logano presented the journal to Richard Petty, also known as “The King.” Petty, whose record seven Cup championships have become NASCAR lore, approached the journal with his distinctive flair. Logano described the moment with enthusiasm:
“Richard wrote something in there — it was awesome,”
– Joey Logano, Team Penske driver. The act itself became a highlight, as Logano recounted,
“Looks like art, just the way you’d expect it with his autograph. But everything he wrote was all the same font as this autograph. Really cool.”
– Joey Logano, Team Penske driver.
Petty’s addition impressed both his peers and fans, capturing not just his words but his enduring artistic style, much like his legendary signature. This gesture underscores Logano’s deep admiration for NASCAR and its heritage, particularly within Team Penske, which is commemorating its 60th anniversary this year.
Logano Reflects on Team Penske and Their Legacy
Logano’s commitment to honoring NASCAR’s traditions is reflected in his pride for Team Penske’s longstanding excellence.
“It’s neat that we’ve been able to be around for that long at the level that I’ve been,”
Logano shared.
“Sometimes there’s businesses that are fly-by-night, figure out something, good for a little bit, but it can’t be sustained. The way Roger’s done it is pretty incredible to be doing it for something for 60 years these days. That’s why I’m proud to be a part of it, because he’s doing it right. And on the inside, I can tell you it definitely is that way.”
– Joey Logano, Team Penske driver.
Despite Team Penske’s rich history, Logano recognizes that there are still milestones to be reached. Penske’s only victory at Circuit of the Americas came recently in the 2025 Lone Star Le Mans event, part of the World Endurance Championship. Victory Lane at COTA, along with tracks like Dover, San Diego, Sonoma, Chicagoland, and Indy, remains elusive for the Cup team.
Passing the Torch: Looking Toward Future Champions
With the journal now carrying the legacy of champions like Richard Petty, Logano hopes the tradition will continue to evolve with each new titleholder. He has extended a challenge to Kyle Larson, encouraging further creativity in upholding this tradition.
“I did challenge (Kyle) Larson to try to do something cool with it as well and maybe bring it to another champion that has not gotten to see it or written in it that’s really impactful in our sport.”
– Joey Logano, Team Penske driver.
As Logano sets his sights on winning a potential fourth title, he remains mindful of the honor and responsibility that comes with the Joey Logano Champion’s Journal. His openness to new ideas encourages ongoing celebration and acknowledgment of NASCAR’s foundational figures, ensuring their stories and influence are preserved and shared with future generations of drivers.
The addition of Richard Petty’s unique contribution to the journal not only connects NASCAR’s contemporary champions with its legendary past, but also suggests new avenues for recognizing the sport’s history with each passing season.
