BACKChamp, Champ, Champ: Panini Athlete Joey Logano Secures Third NASCAR Crown
By CARLOS MENDEZ
Senior Staff Writer
Hang another banner for the 22. Joey Logano won his third championship when he raced to victory at Phoenix on Nov. 10, 2024.
The Panini America NASCAR Brand Ambassador powered his Ford Mustang to the checkers .330 seconds ahead of defending champion Ryan Blaney in a battle of Team Penske stablemates.
“What a race!” said Logano, who added to his 2018 and ’22 titles, becoming the 10th driver with three or more Cup Series championships. “What a Team Penske battle there at the end. He had a lot of long run speed, and it was all I had there to hold him off.”
The Middletown, Conn., driver led 107 laps after starting second on the mile oval, where he also won to claim the stock car crown two years ago. Behind him and Blaney, fellow Championship 4 racers William Byron and Tyler Reddick were third and sixth, respectively, each running in their first Championship 4.
“I don’t know if I’m the best driver, but I’ve got the best team,” Logano said, “and together we’re very well-rounded and can show up when it matters the most. We’ve got a mentally tough team that can make things happen when it matters.”
Logano matched five other drivers who have three titles: David Pearson, Lee Petty, Tony Stewart, Darrell Waltrip and Cale Yarborough. Only four drivers have more: Dale Earnhardt, Jimmie Johnson and Richard Petty with seven each and Jeff Gordon with four.
Blaney was trying to be the 18th multi-time winner in NASCAR history and first repeat winner since Johnson’s fifth of five in a row in 2010.
“At least a Penske car won it, but heck of a battle,” said the 2023 champion. “I hope the fans enjoyed it, and hopefully we can come back even stronger next year.”
Said Byron, the Daytona 500 champion: “Makes you hungrier … also just more experience in what it takes.”
After his best year yet, Reddick said, “A lot to be proud of, but obviously, when you come here, you want to leave a champion.”
Only one did. He’s got a banner to put up.
