When Joey Logano made the jump from Joe Gibbs Racing to Team Penske in 2013, he was searching for a fresh start. Now, over a decade later, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion is reflecting on the move that changed his career. In a conversation with Kevin Harvick, Logano shared a key takeaway from his transition
“When you do something the second time, you’re gonna do better.”
For Logano, that “second time” meant getting another shot with a top-tier NASCAR team after four seasons at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). While his first Cup Series stint with JGR was filled with high expectations—especially as he was labeled the “next big thing” when he replaced Tony Stewart in the No. 20 Toyota at just 18 years old—he struggled to find consistent success. He secured only two wins in those four years and ultimately lost his ride to Matt Kenseth after the 2012 season.
A Fresh Start with Team Penske
Roger Penske saw potential in Logano and gave him a second chance, signing him to drive the No. 22 Ford in 2013. That decision quickly paid off. In his first year with Penske, Logano won at Michigan and made his first playoff appearance. From there, his career took off.
By 2015, he was a legitimate championship contender, winning six races. Three years later, in 2018, he captured his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. In 2022, he repeated the feat, solidifying himself as one of the sport’s elite drivers.
Lessons Learned from the Move
Logano’s success with Penske can be attributed to several factors, but he acknowledges that experience played a crucial role.
“I learned a lot at JGR, but at Penske, I knew what to expect,” Logano explained. “I understood how to handle the pressure, how to communicate better with my team, and how to be a leader.”
His journey proves that sometimes, a second opportunity—especially with the right team and environment—can bring out the best in a driver.
Now, as one of NASCAR’s most accomplished active drivers, Logano continues to be a force on the track, proving that moving on from early struggles can lead to greater success.
