Joey Logano, a NASCAR Cup Series champion, shared his perspective on NASCAR Cup Series differences during a recent media session with FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass. Logano emphasized that the most apparent distinctions between NASCAR and IndyCar become noticeable right as the cars take to the track, highlighting differences in speed, sound, and the teams’ racing routines.
Logano explained that these contrasting features not only define the character of each racing series but are also evident in how teams set up during the weekend, how drivers prepare, and how each organization executes their practice runs. He noted that even when NASCAR Cup and IndyCar share the same events, their operations remain distinctly individual, revealing much about each series’ priorities and approaches.
Joey Logano Highlights Immediate Impressions of Speed and Sound
Discussing the most immediate differences, Logano remarked that speed sets IndyCar apart when compared to a NASCAR Cup car, and the unique sound each produces adds another layer to the experience. According to Logano, the contrasts are visible not just from the stands but also in the inner workings at the track. He told Bob Pockrass:
“They’re going really fast, for one,”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
“They’re a little quieter than what our race cars are like. Those are the biggest things you notice. There’s this cultural difference.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
Logano also pointed out how each team prepares and structures their race weekends in their own way, making each racing environment unique:
“Just different, right? The way they have things set up, the way they prepare for their practice, and what they look at. Those types of things. It’s just a little bit different than what we do,”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
Looking ahead to competition on the track, Logano expressed interest in how IndyCar teams strategize and manage their race:
“So I’m interested to see the race tomorrow and kind of see their strategies and how they play their race out.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
For Logano, these impressions of sound and speed are rooted in the design philosophies and objectives of both series. While NASCAR Cup cars are heavier and produce a louder roar as they speed by, IndyCars prioritize aerodynamic performance and top-end speed, creating a fundamentally different driving and viewing experience.
Practice Time: A Surprising Contrast for IndyCar Drivers
Another significant NASCAR Cup Series difference, Logano revealed, is how much less practice NASCAR drivers receive ahead of a race weekend compared to their IndyCar counterparts. He described a sense of disbelief among some IndyCar drivers when they discover just how brief NASCAR’s practice sessions are. Logano outlined these reactions, explaining:
“They’re very surprised when they say, ‘Yeah, we got like 20 minutes, and then we’re going to qualify.’ That’s what we get,”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
“A lot of the drivers are in disbelief when they hear that because they’re used to a lot of practice. We used to have this. I’m okay doing what we’re doing.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
He indicated that such differences in how practice is structured have become a frequent topic of discussion when both series cross paths at the same venue. Over the past several seasons, NASCAR has intentionally trimmed down practice windows, adding to the surprise for those accustomed to the more extensive preparation time typical in IndyCar race weekends.
Vehicle Design Fuels Performance Gaps
Vehicle engineering was another area Logano highlighted as a fundamental factor behind the performance variances. He discussed the core design philosophy that separates an IndyCar from a Cup car, noting the unique chance for fans to observe both styles during the same event. According to Logano:
“Well, obviously, there’s not much to say from an IndyCar to a Cup car,”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
“That’s what makes this weekend so special. You have two completely different things. So if you’re a race fan, where else can you go and see two completely different things within a day of each other?”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
He pointed to characteristics like the compact frame, substantial tires, exceptionally low stance, and high downforce as the main reasons for IndyCar’s speed:
“The cars themselves, you look at them, and they’re small, right? Look how low they are. Their tires are huge. The amount of downforce they have is ridiculous. All those things together are what make their speed just ridiculous.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
Logano also referenced a conversation with IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin, revealing the divergent methods each series requires in braking and cornering:
“I was talking with McLaughlin before the week started here, and he’s like, ‘You guys just kind of cover the brake a little bit?’”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
“I’m like, ‘No bro, we’re on the binders as hard as we can. We’re downshifted. It’s a lot of brake.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
“And he was in disbelief because they’re pinned all the way around. Almost at least. They’re right at it. It’s kind of crazy to hear the differences in driving.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
Significance of the NASCAR Cup Series Differences
The unique contrasts between the NASCAR Cup Series and IndyCar highlight deeper philosophical approaches to motorsports. Differences in car design, sound, speed, preparation, and practice routines shape how teams and drivers perform and connect with their fans. Joey Logano’s insights reveal that even elite drivers remain fascinated by how other racing disciplines operate, especially when their worlds converge on a single race weekend. As these conversations continue, both fan bases and drivers gain a greater appreciation for what makes each series distinct—and why events featuring both can be especially compelling for motorsport enthusiasts.
Joey Logano and I chatted as he watched practice to prepare to be in the FOX Sports booth for the INDYCAR race Saturday (1 p.m. ET, FOX). We talked differences between how an INDYCAR and a Cup car drives. And how about how much practice INDYCAR gets? @IndyCarOnFOX @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/gzzdXUhEd0
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 6, 2026
