In a heart-pounding season finale at Phoenix Raceway, Joey Logano showcased his unwavering determination and skill to secure his third NASCAR Cup Series championship. The 34-year-old Connecticut native held off a fierce challenge from Team Penske teammate Ryan Blaney in the closing laps, crossing the finish line just 0.330 seconds ahead to clinch the title.
A Battle of Penske Proportions
The championship showdown marked a historic moment for Team Penske, as it was the first time the organization had two drivers finish 1-2 in the final standings. Roger Penske, the legendary team owner, had plenty to celebrate, with his squad now boasting three consecutive Cup Series titles, following Logano’s triumph in 2022 and Blaney’s victory last year.
I love the playoffs, I love it man. What a team, what a Penske battle there at the end. Three of them? That’s truly special.
Joey Logano, 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
The race for the championship was a four-way battle between Logano, Blaney, William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports, and Tyler Reddick from the 23XI Racing team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. While Byron finished third and Reddick sixth, it was the Penske duo that stole the show, with Logano leading 107 laps en route to victory.
Logano’s Controversial Path to Glory
Logano’s presence in the Championship 4 was not without controversy. After being eliminated from the playoffs following the second round, he was reinstated when Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports failed post-race inspection at Charlotte. This second chance proved to be the turning point for the No. 22 team.
Our team is better under pressure. The race started in Vegas for us. The amount of work and effort that went into building this race car right here, the amount of time, I don’t think anyone works harder than us.
Joey Logano, reflecting on his team’s dedication
Logano capitalized on his reprieve, winning at Las Vegas Motor Speedway the following week to become the first driver locked into the championship race. This early qualification allowed his team three weeks to prepare for the season finale at Phoenix, a luxury that proved invaluable.
A Championship Pedigree
With this latest victory, Logano joins an elite group of drivers who have won three or more NASCAR Cup Series championships. His name now stands alongside legends such as Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, and Richard Petty, cementing his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
- Logano is the 10th driver in NASCAR history to win three or more championships
- He breaks a tie with Kyle Busch as the only active drivers with multiple titles
I don’t know if I’m the best driver but I’ve got the best team. And together, we’re very well-rounded and can show up when it matters the most.
Joey Logano, acknowledging his team’s role in his success
The Future of Team Penske
As the confetti settles on Logano’s championship celebration, attention turns to the future of Team Penske. With three consecutive titles under their belt, the organization has established itself as a powerhouse in the NASCAR Cup Series. The question now becomes, can they maintain this level of success and build a dynasty that rivals the likes of Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: with Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney leading the charge, Team Penske has the talent, resources, and determination to continue their winning ways for years to come. As the NASCAR landscape continues to evolve, the Penske organization appears well-positioned to adapt and thrive, setting the stage for a new era of dominance in the sport.
