Debbie Powers
|
|
Joey Logano Finishes Championship Year 5th In Points Standings
November 17, 2019
Joey Logano did not make it into the Final Four this season, but he represented NASCAR well during his Championship year, always competitive and continuing to give back through his Foundation.
Starting and finishing fifth in the Ford EcoBoost 400 Sunday, the Team Penske driver said, "We had a solid day today. Our Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang handled decent most of the race, especially after we made a few solid adjustments in the second stage. Overall a good year for us, we're obviously disappointed that we didn't get to race for a championship tonight, but we'll use that as motivation and a way to get stronger for next season."
Confident in his Crew Chief Todd Gordon, and the skills of his No. 22 crew, Logano continues to be in the mix every race as a competitor to contend with.
Settling into sixth position after starting on Sunday, he ran just ahead of his two teammates. On lap 17, Logano reported the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang had built loose from the drop of the green flag. Gordon called his driver to pit road on lap 35 for four tires with an air pressure adjustment, and fuel to complete the first stage. Logano then reported he was freer on corner entry and exit while being tighter in the center of the turns.
During the green flag run as the stage continued, Logano fell back to 11th position, where he finished the segment. His team made a significant air pressure adjustment, taking into account the changing track conditions taking place as the day lengthened. They also made a wedge adjustment and added tape to the nose of the No. 22. The wedge adjustment was the wrong direction though and Logano unfortunately was forced to return to pit road prior to the green flag.
During Stage 2, the handling continued to get looser, negatively affecting corner entry and exit. With a caution and 23 laps left, Logano brought the car back to pit road for four tires, air pressure, and a track bar adjustment, reporting at the end of the stage that the car had tightened up significantly with the adjustments. Strong pit work by his crew saw Logano go back out gaining a position into sixth place, a spot he settled into.
Logano slipped back to eighth position by lap 190, telling his team that the Ford Mustang had gone to the tight side. On lap 209, he pitted, taking four tires and fuel, and returned to the track to wait for the field to cycle through pit stops.
Logano reported the car's balance was decent as Stage 3 continued to wind down, and he moved inside the top five, where he continued to run until the checkered flag flew.
Logano's finish was the 200th top 10 in his 339th career start.
Always a giver, Logano, again, through his Foundation, and together with the Homestead Police Dept and Shell Oil Company, provided Thanksgiving dinner and Shell fuel to 100 families.
The FoundatIon gifted Publix gift cards, Shell gift cards, a pumpkin pie, and a teddy bear to each family. As always, Logano and his wife, Brittany, continue to make a difference in the lives of children, and adults, through the Joey Logano Foundation, including the JL Kids Crew, a Grant funding program, Driving Hope Home, the Comfort Care Backpacks program, and 100% of the proceeds to his fan club go towards the Joey Logano Foundation.
Well done, Champ, well done.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Images: License Plate Merry
November 17, 2019
Joey Logano did not make it into the Final Four this season, but he represented NASCAR well during his Championship year, always competitive and continuing to give back through his Foundation.
Starting and finishing fifth in the Ford EcoBoost 400 Sunday, the Team Penske driver said, "We had a solid day today. Our Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang handled decent most of the race, especially after we made a few solid adjustments in the second stage. Overall a good year for us, we're obviously disappointed that we didn't get to race for a championship tonight, but we'll use that as motivation and a way to get stronger for next season."
Confident in his Crew Chief Todd Gordon, and the skills of his No. 22 crew, Logano continues to be in the mix every race as a competitor to contend with.
Settling into sixth position after starting on Sunday, he ran just ahead of his two teammates. On lap 17, Logano reported the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang had built loose from the drop of the green flag. Gordon called his driver to pit road on lap 35 for four tires with an air pressure adjustment, and fuel to complete the first stage. Logano then reported he was freer on corner entry and exit while being tighter in the center of the turns.
During the green flag run as the stage continued, Logano fell back to 11th position, where he finished the segment. His team made a significant air pressure adjustment, taking into account the changing track conditions taking place as the day lengthened. They also made a wedge adjustment and added tape to the nose of the No. 22. The wedge adjustment was the wrong direction though and Logano unfortunately was forced to return to pit road prior to the green flag.
During Stage 2, the handling continued to get looser, negatively affecting corner entry and exit. With a caution and 23 laps left, Logano brought the car back to pit road for four tires, air pressure, and a track bar adjustment, reporting at the end of the stage that the car had tightened up significantly with the adjustments. Strong pit work by his crew saw Logano go back out gaining a position into sixth place, a spot he settled into.
Logano slipped back to eighth position by lap 190, telling his team that the Ford Mustang had gone to the tight side. On lap 209, he pitted, taking four tires and fuel, and returned to the track to wait for the field to cycle through pit stops.
Logano reported the car's balance was decent as Stage 3 continued to wind down, and he moved inside the top five, where he continued to run until the checkered flag flew.
Logano's finish was the 200th top 10 in his 339th career start.
Always a giver, Logano, again, through his Foundation, and together with the Homestead Police Dept and Shell Oil Company, provided Thanksgiving dinner and Shell fuel to 100 families.
The FoundatIon gifted Publix gift cards, Shell gift cards, a pumpkin pie, and a teddy bear to each family. As always, Logano and his wife, Brittany, continue to make a difference in the lives of children, and adults, through the Joey Logano Foundation, including the JL Kids Crew, a Grant funding program, Driving Hope Home, the Comfort Care Backpacks program, and 100% of the proceeds to his fan club go towards the Joey Logano Foundation.
Well done, Champ, well done.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Images: License Plate Merry
|
|
Joey Logano Will Relinquish His Championship Title in Miami, But He's Not Done!
November 10, 2019
"It's a disappointing result. We wanted to be in the hunt during Ford Championship weekend, but at the end of the day we didn't quite get it done. We still had a good year and in times like this you look for ways to get stronger as a team and this is certainly one of those times. This is a great group of guys. We've been together a long time and we'll come back next year even stronger. We'll go down to Homestead and look to close the year out with a win," the 2018 Champ commented after a disappointing finish in Phoenix.
Logano started the Bluegreen Vacation 500 at ISM Raceway in second place and led 93 laps, but no matter the all-out effort of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil team, the defending series champ just didn't have enough at the end of the day.
In the opening six laps, Logano ran second, but slid back to third on lap 7. His car took off tight but started building to a neutral balance by lap 10. The No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang built loose and then swung back to tight when the front tires began wearing. Under the second caution on lap 68, Crew Chief Todd Gordon elected to have Logano come to pit road for four tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment. The Team Penske No. 22 driver restarted fifth and had moved up to fourth place by the time the stage ended at lap 75.
Logano restarted fourth when the race returned to green on lap 82 and one lap later, he took the lead. He led the next 71 laps to win Stage 2 and his advantage was as much as three seconds at times. The No. 22 Mustang was now loose, specifically in Turns 3 and 4. He stayed in the lead despite the car becoming looser in and tighter in the center of the corners during the entire run.
Logano grabbed the lead from Denny Hamlin after Hamlin led lap 154, and led 22 laps, gaining a one-second lead before a caution flag flew on lap 167 for Chase Elliott's spin in Turn 1. On the restart, Logano gave up the lead to Hamlin, dropping behind Kyle Busch on lap 188, and that moved him beneath the Championship 4 cut-line.
Logano continued to fall back and was 11th on lap 224, eventually going a lap down to race leader Hamlin. Forced to continue running under green to maintain their position as the free pass if a caution came out, Gordon called Logano to pit road on lap 246, potentially the final stop of the race. Logano reported his Mustang was too tight and the adjustments his crew made were in the right direction as he began to run down the race leader to unlap himself.
With 17 laps remaining, Logano lost the free pass position when Hamlin lapped Erik Jones. A final caution on lap 304 kept Logano stuck a lap down, but opened up a variety of pit strategies among the contenders.
Logano and his team elected to take the wave around, allowing him to regain his lap and rejoin the field before the green, but with old tires, Logano could not gain the necessary ground to transfer and ultimately the No. 22 came to the start-finish line in ninth place.
Don't ever think that this driver and team will let their disappointment interfere with their determination to win every chance they get, and you can bet that 2020 will see them as strong contenders throughout the season, with their eyes on the Championship title trophy again.
Homestead-Miami
Since joining Team Penske, Logano has one win, two top 10s, and two top 5s at Homestead.
Watch this fierce competitor and his No. 22 crew do their best to be in Victory Lane in the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Miami International Speedway on Sunday at 3 pm (ET) with qualifying set for 2:05 pm (ET) on Saturday. Television coverage will be on NBC.
Logano has been a great ambassador for the sport during his championship year and don't forget his awesome work with the Joey Logano Foundation.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Images: License Plate Merry
November 10, 2019
"It's a disappointing result. We wanted to be in the hunt during Ford Championship weekend, but at the end of the day we didn't quite get it done. We still had a good year and in times like this you look for ways to get stronger as a team and this is certainly one of those times. This is a great group of guys. We've been together a long time and we'll come back next year even stronger. We'll go down to Homestead and look to close the year out with a win," the 2018 Champ commented after a disappointing finish in Phoenix.
Logano started the Bluegreen Vacation 500 at ISM Raceway in second place and led 93 laps, but no matter the all-out effort of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil team, the defending series champ just didn't have enough at the end of the day.
In the opening six laps, Logano ran second, but slid back to third on lap 7. His car took off tight but started building to a neutral balance by lap 10. The No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang built loose and then swung back to tight when the front tires began wearing. Under the second caution on lap 68, Crew Chief Todd Gordon elected to have Logano come to pit road for four tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment. The Team Penske No. 22 driver restarted fifth and had moved up to fourth place by the time the stage ended at lap 75.
Logano restarted fourth when the race returned to green on lap 82 and one lap later, he took the lead. He led the next 71 laps to win Stage 2 and his advantage was as much as three seconds at times. The No. 22 Mustang was now loose, specifically in Turns 3 and 4. He stayed in the lead despite the car becoming looser in and tighter in the center of the corners during the entire run.
Logano grabbed the lead from Denny Hamlin after Hamlin led lap 154, and led 22 laps, gaining a one-second lead before a caution flag flew on lap 167 for Chase Elliott's spin in Turn 1. On the restart, Logano gave up the lead to Hamlin, dropping behind Kyle Busch on lap 188, and that moved him beneath the Championship 4 cut-line.
Logano continued to fall back and was 11th on lap 224, eventually going a lap down to race leader Hamlin. Forced to continue running under green to maintain their position as the free pass if a caution came out, Gordon called Logano to pit road on lap 246, potentially the final stop of the race. Logano reported his Mustang was too tight and the adjustments his crew made were in the right direction as he began to run down the race leader to unlap himself.
With 17 laps remaining, Logano lost the free pass position when Hamlin lapped Erik Jones. A final caution on lap 304 kept Logano stuck a lap down, but opened up a variety of pit strategies among the contenders.
Logano and his team elected to take the wave around, allowing him to regain his lap and rejoin the field before the green, but with old tires, Logano could not gain the necessary ground to transfer and ultimately the No. 22 came to the start-finish line in ninth place.
Don't ever think that this driver and team will let their disappointment interfere with their determination to win every chance they get, and you can bet that 2020 will see them as strong contenders throughout the season, with their eyes on the Championship title trophy again.
Homestead-Miami
Since joining Team Penske, Logano has one win, two top 10s, and two top 5s at Homestead.
Watch this fierce competitor and his No. 22 crew do their best to be in Victory Lane in the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Miami International Speedway on Sunday at 3 pm (ET) with qualifying set for 2:05 pm (ET) on Saturday. Television coverage will be on NBC.
Logano has been a great ambassador for the sport during his championship year and don't forget his awesome work with the Joey Logano Foundation.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Images: License Plate Merry
|
|
|
|
Logano holds final MENCS playoff transfer spot heading into Phoenix
November 3, 2019
Starting 11th and finishing fourth, Joey Logano kept his No. 22 Penske team in the Final Four by locking in the final transfer spot at the end of the day in Texas.
Logano had good and bad turns during the AAA Texas 500 Sunday, running inside the top 10 for most of Stage 1, but sustaining damage on a restart and failing to score points in the stage.
In Stage 2, Logano's AAA Racing crew helped him finish fifth and bring the car home in the final stage in fourth position!
Moving from 11th to seventh position before the first caution flag flew on lap 8, Logano reported the AAA Ford Mustang was good as he worked through traffic. On lap 14, a caution gave the Penske team the opportunity for a pit road stop, where Logano took a splash of fuel, restarting 21st, and working his way to 14th in the first three laps following the caution.
Logano saw his progress slow as his car took a swing to the free side, but a caution on lap 43 allowed the No. 22 crew to make a substantial air pressure adjustment during the pit stop, however, the change didn't help the handling and Logano pitted again on lap 73, under caution, taking four tires and additional air pressure adjustments. He also had to return to pit road near the end of the first stage for repairs due to damage on the left rear he had received during a restart.
Logano started Stage 2 in 13th position after all repairs were completed, running inside the top 10, and reporting the Ford Mustang was slightly tight in Turn 1.
Making their green flag pit stop on lap 148, the team elected to give the No. 22 right side tires and fuel; the AAA Ford Mustang returned to pit road following the stage for four tires, a wedge adjustment, and fuel.
Logano reached the lead in the final segment, but a caution flag brought the AAA Ford Mustang back to pit road for four tires, and he lined up in 5th position on the restart. Reporting an overall loss of grip, he ran in the fourth position as laps wound down in the final stage but gave up the position to pit on lap 306, for right side tires and fuel.
Logano regained fourth position as green flag stops cycled and held off Alex Bowman to bring the No. 22 Ford Mustang home in fourth.
PHOENIX
Logano sits 20 points ahead of the cutoff as NASCAR heads to Phoenix for the first of the last two races of the season.
Ever optimistic, Logano stated after the Texas race, "It is going to be a good battle for sure. We are racing for that last spot just in case someone behind us outside of the top four wins. It will be a good time. Obviously the No.18 team is good, and Kyle (Busch) is a good driver, but I think we are a great team and they are beatable just like everybody else."
Logano has won in Phoenix with Team Penske in November of 2016 and has two top 5s, and four top 10s at the track since joining the organization.
In 2016, Logano earned his first career victory in a must-win situation at ISM Raceway, advancing him to the 2016 Championship Four.
Watch the 2018 Champ give it all he's got on Sunday in the Bluegreen Vacation 500 at ISM Raceway, scheduled to air at 2:30 pm ET. He will be driving the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
November 3, 2019
Starting 11th and finishing fourth, Joey Logano kept his No. 22 Penske team in the Final Four by locking in the final transfer spot at the end of the day in Texas.
Logano had good and bad turns during the AAA Texas 500 Sunday, running inside the top 10 for most of Stage 1, but sustaining damage on a restart and failing to score points in the stage.
In Stage 2, Logano's AAA Racing crew helped him finish fifth and bring the car home in the final stage in fourth position!
Moving from 11th to seventh position before the first caution flag flew on lap 8, Logano reported the AAA Ford Mustang was good as he worked through traffic. On lap 14, a caution gave the Penske team the opportunity for a pit road stop, where Logano took a splash of fuel, restarting 21st, and working his way to 14th in the first three laps following the caution.
Logano saw his progress slow as his car took a swing to the free side, but a caution on lap 43 allowed the No. 22 crew to make a substantial air pressure adjustment during the pit stop, however, the change didn't help the handling and Logano pitted again on lap 73, under caution, taking four tires and additional air pressure adjustments. He also had to return to pit road near the end of the first stage for repairs due to damage on the left rear he had received during a restart.
Logano started Stage 2 in 13th position after all repairs were completed, running inside the top 10, and reporting the Ford Mustang was slightly tight in Turn 1.
Making their green flag pit stop on lap 148, the team elected to give the No. 22 right side tires and fuel; the AAA Ford Mustang returned to pit road following the stage for four tires, a wedge adjustment, and fuel.
Logano reached the lead in the final segment, but a caution flag brought the AAA Ford Mustang back to pit road for four tires, and he lined up in 5th position on the restart. Reporting an overall loss of grip, he ran in the fourth position as laps wound down in the final stage but gave up the position to pit on lap 306, for right side tires and fuel.
Logano regained fourth position as green flag stops cycled and held off Alex Bowman to bring the No. 22 Ford Mustang home in fourth.
PHOENIX
Logano sits 20 points ahead of the cutoff as NASCAR heads to Phoenix for the first of the last two races of the season.
Ever optimistic, Logano stated after the Texas race, "It is going to be a good battle for sure. We are racing for that last spot just in case someone behind us outside of the top four wins. It will be a good time. Obviously the No.18 team is good, and Kyle (Busch) is a good driver, but I think we are a great team and they are beatable just like everybody else."
Logano has won in Phoenix with Team Penske in November of 2016 and has two top 5s, and four top 10s at the track since joining the organization.
In 2016, Logano earned his first career victory in a must-win situation at ISM Raceway, advancing him to the 2016 Championship Four.
Watch the 2018 Champ give it all he's got on Sunday in the Bluegreen Vacation 500 at ISM Raceway, scheduled to air at 2:30 pm ET. He will be driving the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Logano at Texas. Image: License Plate Merry
|
#22 at Texas. Image: License Plate Merry
|
Team Penske hauler at Phoenix. Image: #powerpics
Joey Logano Heads into Texas 4th in the Points Standings
Looking to Lock in to the Championship Weekend!
October 27, 2019
Starting 10th in Martinsville, Joey Logano scored an eighth-place finish after a late-race incident with Denny Hamlin in the First Data 500.
Logano was squeezed into the wall off Turn 4 on lap 458, spinning out two laps later because of a cut tire. Making multiple pit stops during the caution for repairs, he fought through traffic over the final 35 laps. He sits 14 points ahead of fifth-place Kevin Harvick.
Logano reported his Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was fighting loose on both entry and exit in the opening 20 laps. During the first caution on lap 29, Logano hit pit road where his fast No. 22 crew moved him up four spots for the restart on lap 34. However, early in the run, Logano reported his car was looser, and then, 20 laps later, said the balance was improving as he began to move forward through the pack.
When Stage 1 ended on lap 130, Logano was fifth, noting that his No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was loose early in runs but the longer the run, the better he ran. During the third caution on lap 181, the team made wedge and air pressure changes hoping to give their driver more security for the race to the end of the stage. A fourth yellow on lap 253 set up another round of pit stops among the leaders and Logano survived the three-lap dash to the end of Stage 2 to collect a fourth-place finish. Crew Chief Todd Gordon elected not to pit during the stage caution and Logano was third on the restart on lap 268.
Logano moved around teammate Ryan Blaney on the restart for second place, but slipped back to third by lap 325, reporting the car was building tight through the center and snapping off loose. A caution flag on lap 347 allowed the No. 22 crew to make air pressure adjustments to correct the tight condition.
As laps began to wind down in the final stage, Logano fell back to fifth position, still struggling with his Ford Mustang, now too tight and having no rear grip. The ninth caution on lap 450 allowed the team's final stop of the race, where they made a fast, four-tire change, and moved Logano up to fourth position on the restart on lap 455.
On lap 458, Logano was squeezed into the wall off Turn 4 by Hamlin while racing for position. That contact resulted in flat right-side tires and sheet metal damage, and was the cause of Logano's spin on lap 460, bringing out another caution. Logano made multiple stops during the caution for repairs.
In spite of it all, Logano claimed an eighth-place finish, marking his 18th top 10 of the season.
"We had a solid day on pit road and we were able to make some adjustments that at times had our Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang really competitive. I hate the fact that we took damage late in the race because it spoiled a top-five day for my Shell-Pennzoil team. We'll go on to Texas and try to lock into Ford Championship weekend with a win," Logano remarked post-race.
Texas
Logano will drive the No. 22 AAA paint scheme this weekend. His average finish in the last three AAA Texas 500 playoff races is 4th.
"The D-shaped front straightaway at Texas makes the track really wide but there's not really an opportunity to run four-wide on a restart like Kansas. Turns 1 and 2 are much more narrow at Texas, at least from the racing groove part of it, and then you're pretty much wide-open all the way through turns 3 and 4. Texas is just a lot different race track than Kansas and it will race much differently," Logano said of the upcoming race logistics.
You can watch Logano race for the win on Sunday at 3:00 pm ET on NBCSN or follow along on PRN and SiriusXM Ch. 90.
Here's hoping the Champ locks it in for Miami.
Since joining Team Penske, Logano has one win, seven top 5s, and two top 10s in Texas, finishing 17th there in March of this year.
About Texas Motor Speedway: It is a 1.5 mile oval, with a width of 58 feet. It has a 750-foot radius on its turns, and the banking is 20 degrees in Turns 1 and 2, 24 degrees in Turns 3 and 4, and five degrees on the straightaways.
The front stretch is 2,250 feet long and the backstretch is 1,330 feet in length.
There are 45 pit stalls for the MENCS series.
The track sits on 1,500 acres in Fort Worth, Texas.
On Sunday, catch Logano at the AAA Texas Display at Gate 6 at 10:45 am. You can also catch his spotter, TJ Majors, on Sunday at 10:35 am at the Speedway on Trackside Live at Gate 3.
Go grab that checkered flag Joey, and don't forget to check out the Joey Logano Foundation.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Looking to Lock in to the Championship Weekend!
October 27, 2019
Starting 10th in Martinsville, Joey Logano scored an eighth-place finish after a late-race incident with Denny Hamlin in the First Data 500.
Logano was squeezed into the wall off Turn 4 on lap 458, spinning out two laps later because of a cut tire. Making multiple pit stops during the caution for repairs, he fought through traffic over the final 35 laps. He sits 14 points ahead of fifth-place Kevin Harvick.
Logano reported his Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was fighting loose on both entry and exit in the opening 20 laps. During the first caution on lap 29, Logano hit pit road where his fast No. 22 crew moved him up four spots for the restart on lap 34. However, early in the run, Logano reported his car was looser, and then, 20 laps later, said the balance was improving as he began to move forward through the pack.
When Stage 1 ended on lap 130, Logano was fifth, noting that his No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was loose early in runs but the longer the run, the better he ran. During the third caution on lap 181, the team made wedge and air pressure changes hoping to give their driver more security for the race to the end of the stage. A fourth yellow on lap 253 set up another round of pit stops among the leaders and Logano survived the three-lap dash to the end of Stage 2 to collect a fourth-place finish. Crew Chief Todd Gordon elected not to pit during the stage caution and Logano was third on the restart on lap 268.
Logano moved around teammate Ryan Blaney on the restart for second place, but slipped back to third by lap 325, reporting the car was building tight through the center and snapping off loose. A caution flag on lap 347 allowed the No. 22 crew to make air pressure adjustments to correct the tight condition.
As laps began to wind down in the final stage, Logano fell back to fifth position, still struggling with his Ford Mustang, now too tight and having no rear grip. The ninth caution on lap 450 allowed the team's final stop of the race, where they made a fast, four-tire change, and moved Logano up to fourth position on the restart on lap 455.
On lap 458, Logano was squeezed into the wall off Turn 4 by Hamlin while racing for position. That contact resulted in flat right-side tires and sheet metal damage, and was the cause of Logano's spin on lap 460, bringing out another caution. Logano made multiple stops during the caution for repairs.
In spite of it all, Logano claimed an eighth-place finish, marking his 18th top 10 of the season.
"We had a solid day on pit road and we were able to make some adjustments that at times had our Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang really competitive. I hate the fact that we took damage late in the race because it spoiled a top-five day for my Shell-Pennzoil team. We'll go on to Texas and try to lock into Ford Championship weekend with a win," Logano remarked post-race.
Texas
Logano will drive the No. 22 AAA paint scheme this weekend. His average finish in the last three AAA Texas 500 playoff races is 4th.
"The D-shaped front straightaway at Texas makes the track really wide but there's not really an opportunity to run four-wide on a restart like Kansas. Turns 1 and 2 are much more narrow at Texas, at least from the racing groove part of it, and then you're pretty much wide-open all the way through turns 3 and 4. Texas is just a lot different race track than Kansas and it will race much differently," Logano said of the upcoming race logistics.
You can watch Logano race for the win on Sunday at 3:00 pm ET on NBCSN or follow along on PRN and SiriusXM Ch. 90.
Here's hoping the Champ locks it in for Miami.
Since joining Team Penske, Logano has one win, seven top 5s, and two top 10s in Texas, finishing 17th there in March of this year.
About Texas Motor Speedway: It is a 1.5 mile oval, with a width of 58 feet. It has a 750-foot radius on its turns, and the banking is 20 degrees in Turns 1 and 2, 24 degrees in Turns 3 and 4, and five degrees on the straightaways.
The front stretch is 2,250 feet long and the backstretch is 1,330 feet in length.
There are 45 pit stalls for the MENCS series.
The track sits on 1,500 acres in Fort Worth, Texas.
On Sunday, catch Logano at the AAA Texas Display at Gate 6 at 10:45 am. You can also catch his spotter, TJ Majors, on Sunday at 10:35 am at the Speedway on Trackside Live at Gate 3.
Go grab that checkered flag Joey, and don't forget to check out the Joey Logano Foundation.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Image: #powerpics
Leaderboard heading into Texas. Image: #powerpics
|
Image: License Plate Merry
Image: #powerpics
|
Logano Becomes First Driver to Successfully Defend Championship Since MENCS Playoff Format Adopted in 2014!
October 20, 2019
When the checkered flag flew in Miami in 2018, Joey Logano reigned as the NASCAR Cup Champion. Now the No. 22 Team Penske driver is looking to repeat that accomplishment in 2019 and his quest has brought him into the Round of 8.
Starting 29th in Kansas for the Hollywood Casino 400, Logano quickly moved into the top 20 by lap 8. Quiet on the radio, he reported only a slight brush with the wall at one point. Lap 15 found him stating he was too tight to run the bottom and tight overall around the track. A vibration on lap 32 forced the driver to bring the Shell-Pennzoil Ford to pit road under green for four tires and fuel.
The green flag pit cycle was uninterrupted and Logano returned to the lead lap. On lap 58 he verified with Crew Chief Todd Gordon that his car could make it all the way to the end of the first stage without another stop, and although a caution flag flew with four laps remaining in the first segment, Logano stayed on the track and gained valuable stage points.
Restarting third when the race went green on lap 79, Logano claimed a Stage 1 victory on lap 80.
Gaining 10 points and another valuable playoff point, he pitted during the stage caution and restarted 15th on lap 86, the same position he was in at the end of the first stage.
On lap 117, Logano reported the car was too loose to run the top lane and that good lap times on the bottom depended on clean air. Scoring a seventh-place finish on lap 160 when Stage 2 concluded, the No. 22 driver told his team he needed the Ford Mustang to be a lot tighter for the last stage.
Logano ran inside the top 10 for the first 50 laps of Stage 3, but continued to fight a loose-handling car. Crew chief Todd Gordon called for both track bar and air pressure adjustments during the scheduled green flag stop on lap 217.
Logano headed back to pit road during the fifth caution on lap 254, where the No. 22 crew gave him four tires and an air pressure adjustment because of loose conditions preventing him from running the high line.
A caution on lap 265, the sixth of the day, took the race into NASCAR overtime. As Logano neared the start-finish line and white flag at the first attempt at a green-flag finish, he was sent through the infield grass, collected in an accident of five cars that forced another two-lap dash to the finish.
October 20, 2019
When the checkered flag flew in Miami in 2018, Joey Logano reigned as the NASCAR Cup Champion. Now the No. 22 Team Penske driver is looking to repeat that accomplishment in 2019 and his quest has brought him into the Round of 8.
Starting 29th in Kansas for the Hollywood Casino 400, Logano quickly moved into the top 20 by lap 8. Quiet on the radio, he reported only a slight brush with the wall at one point. Lap 15 found him stating he was too tight to run the bottom and tight overall around the track. A vibration on lap 32 forced the driver to bring the Shell-Pennzoil Ford to pit road under green for four tires and fuel.
The green flag pit cycle was uninterrupted and Logano returned to the lead lap. On lap 58 he verified with Crew Chief Todd Gordon that his car could make it all the way to the end of the first stage without another stop, and although a caution flag flew with four laps remaining in the first segment, Logano stayed on the track and gained valuable stage points.
Restarting third when the race went green on lap 79, Logano claimed a Stage 1 victory on lap 80.
Gaining 10 points and another valuable playoff point, he pitted during the stage caution and restarted 15th on lap 86, the same position he was in at the end of the first stage.
On lap 117, Logano reported the car was too loose to run the top lane and that good lap times on the bottom depended on clean air. Scoring a seventh-place finish on lap 160 when Stage 2 concluded, the No. 22 driver told his team he needed the Ford Mustang to be a lot tighter for the last stage.
Logano ran inside the top 10 for the first 50 laps of Stage 3, but continued to fight a loose-handling car. Crew chief Todd Gordon called for both track bar and air pressure adjustments during the scheduled green flag stop on lap 217.
Logano headed back to pit road during the fifth caution on lap 254, where the No. 22 crew gave him four tires and an air pressure adjustment because of loose conditions preventing him from running the high line.
A caution on lap 265, the sixth of the day, took the race into NASCAR overtime. As Logano neared the start-finish line and white flag at the first attempt at a green-flag finish, he was sent through the infield grass, collected in an accident of five cars that forced another two-lap dash to the finish.
When in doubt throttle out https://t.co/comFNs3scw
— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) October 23, 2019
Awesome crew that they are, the No. 22 guys repaired the Ford Mustang and Logano brought the Shell-Pennzoil car home with a 17th-place finish.
"We needed every point we could get, and it looked like we were in a good spot. Next thing you know they are wrecking on the outside and I get hit and I am going through the grass. I felt comfortable before that. I didn't hit anything, so I got lucky for sure. I have been lucky a few times. We were able to finish Talladega and I parked the thing and there was a hole in the radiator. This was a hard fought and blue-collar round for sure. On to the next round." Logano said in his post-race interview.
He led four laps during the race.
The 2018 champ sits fourth in the current MENCS points standings (-16) and will head to Martinsville this weekend to go for another win.
Logano is no slouch in Martinsville. He won in the fall race in 2018 and has four top 5s and three top 10s since coming on board with Team Penske, along with five poles.
When the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series hits the track this weekend, Logano will be racing on a .526 mile-length track. Pit stalls are 14 feet wide and 28 feet in length. The track is the shortest in the Cup series and has banking of 12 degrees in the turns and zero degrees on the straights. It is owned by ISC and located in Henry County, Ridgeway, VA, sitting just south of the town of Martinsville. Founded in 1947 by the late H. Clay Earles, it is the only track which has hosted MENCS races EVERY year since the division's inception in 1949.
DID YOU KNOW? Martinsville Speedway is the only NASCAR oval track on the entire circuit to have asphalt surfaces on the straightaways, and concrete to cover the turns.
Known as the "Paperclip" due to its small size, tight corners, and unique shape, it offers exciting and close-quarters racing.
You can meet Joey at the James River Equipment Display at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, October 27th, at 10:45 am. Wish him luck on the Half Mile of Mayhem.
FUN FACT: Logano holds the fastest lap record at Martinsville with a time of 18.898 seconds (100.201 mph) on March 28, 2014.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Images: License Plate Merry
|
|
|
Joey Logano Survives Talladega and is 6th in Points Standings (-38) Heading into Kansas
October 13, 2019
Joey Logano earned stage points in both the first and second segments of the 1000Bulbs.com race in Talladega, and led 16 laps, bringing home the Shell-Pennzoil Ford in 11th place on Monday after sustaining significant damage to the Ford Mustang.
Qualifying 10th, Logano found himself outside the top 20 for opening laps before working his way back toward the top 10 in the next 10 laps. Logano powered back to third position by lap 20, following another Ford Performance driver, Kevin Harvick, and teammate Ryan Blaney. The No. 22 Team Penske driver reported the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was a little free landing in the corners and slightly tight on exit. The team elected to pit with most of the other Mustangs on lap 33, with Logano receiving fuel only.
At the end of the green flag pit stop, a caution flag bunched up the field for a run to the end of the first stage. Initially shuffled out, Logano dropped all the way to the back of the pack, but powered to second position at the end of the stage. However, before pit stops could happen, the race was called due to persistent rains, and scheduled to begin again on Monday afternoon.
When Monday found Logano on track again, the No. 22 Team Penske driver came to pit road for four tires and fuel to start the second stage. He immediately found his way to second position the restart, and claimed the lead at lap 73 as the field began to go three-wide behind the leaders. On lap 78, Logano again got shuffled to the back of the top-10, and pitted on lap 93 with fellow Ford Performance teammates for fuel, and a wedge adjustment, to work on the car's loose handling issues.
Late in Stage 2, Logano was in position to take the lead when Alex Bowman blocked him, resulting in contact and a multi-vehicle incident, which brought out the caution and ended the second stage under yellow flag conditions, and the No. 22 driver crossed the line in second place.
Logano re-started in Stage 3 in fifth, in the less-preferred inside line. When the green flag dropped, Logano settled into a single file line around the top groove in ninth position. On lap 121, a caution flag would line him up in the eighth position, restarting on the outside line, and he quickly worked his way up front to take the lead.
Logano brought the Shell-Pennzoil Mustang to pit road on lap 153 in a potential final pit sop, taking fuel only and returning to the track just outside the top-10. But then he was caught up in a multi-vehicle wreck fest on the back stretch, with the No. 22 Ford Mustang sustaining heavy damage. Not to be deterred, the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil crew repaired the damage to the left side of the car and managed to get Logano back out on the track with only one lap lost.
As other lead lap competitors were caught up in additional incidents, Logano, aided by the hard work of the No. 22 crew, finished in 11th position, and moved up 18 points ahead of the cut-off line in points series standings.
Logano remarked, post-race, "I was riding around and everything was good in second place, and, Boom. The next thing I know I'm sideways and up in the air. My team did an amazing job today because when we got done with the crash the hood was up and I couldn't see. The car was barely rolling with four flat tires and everything else, and they got it to where it would run and then got through another crash to get the lucky dog and finished 11th on the day. Two second places in the stages and an 11th-place finish with a crashed race car isn't ideal, but it's way better than it could have been, so I'm proud of that."
Thank goodness NASCAR has steadily improved safety in the cars because watching that on TV was scary. I can't imagine what it was like to literally experience it.
Fun Fact: Joey Logano led 164 laps in back-to-back victories at Kansas Speedway in the fall races of 2014 and 2015.
Logano has claimed the pole in Kansas for Team Penske twice, once in October of 2018, and previously in the spring race of 2015. He has finished first for the team in October of 2014 and October of 2015, and can claim five top fives and a top-10 finish. I'd say he knows a thing or two about racing in the Land of Oz!
HEADS UP FANS: Logano will take part in a Q & A session at the Coca-Cola Racing Fan Stage at Kansas Speedway before the race on Sunday at 10:00 am.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Images: License Plate Merry
October 13, 2019
Joey Logano earned stage points in both the first and second segments of the 1000Bulbs.com race in Talladega, and led 16 laps, bringing home the Shell-Pennzoil Ford in 11th place on Monday after sustaining significant damage to the Ford Mustang.
Qualifying 10th, Logano found himself outside the top 20 for opening laps before working his way back toward the top 10 in the next 10 laps. Logano powered back to third position by lap 20, following another Ford Performance driver, Kevin Harvick, and teammate Ryan Blaney. The No. 22 Team Penske driver reported the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was a little free landing in the corners and slightly tight on exit. The team elected to pit with most of the other Mustangs on lap 33, with Logano receiving fuel only.
At the end of the green flag pit stop, a caution flag bunched up the field for a run to the end of the first stage. Initially shuffled out, Logano dropped all the way to the back of the pack, but powered to second position at the end of the stage. However, before pit stops could happen, the race was called due to persistent rains, and scheduled to begin again on Monday afternoon.
When Monday found Logano on track again, the No. 22 Team Penske driver came to pit road for four tires and fuel to start the second stage. He immediately found his way to second position the restart, and claimed the lead at lap 73 as the field began to go three-wide behind the leaders. On lap 78, Logano again got shuffled to the back of the top-10, and pitted on lap 93 with fellow Ford Performance teammates for fuel, and a wedge adjustment, to work on the car's loose handling issues.
Late in Stage 2, Logano was in position to take the lead when Alex Bowman blocked him, resulting in contact and a multi-vehicle incident, which brought out the caution and ended the second stage under yellow flag conditions, and the No. 22 driver crossed the line in second place.
Logano re-started in Stage 3 in fifth, in the less-preferred inside line. When the green flag dropped, Logano settled into a single file line around the top groove in ninth position. On lap 121, a caution flag would line him up in the eighth position, restarting on the outside line, and he quickly worked his way up front to take the lead.
Logano brought the Shell-Pennzoil Mustang to pit road on lap 153 in a potential final pit sop, taking fuel only and returning to the track just outside the top-10. But then he was caught up in a multi-vehicle wreck fest on the back stretch, with the No. 22 Ford Mustang sustaining heavy damage. Not to be deterred, the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil crew repaired the damage to the left side of the car and managed to get Logano back out on the track with only one lap lost.
As other lead lap competitors were caught up in additional incidents, Logano, aided by the hard work of the No. 22 crew, finished in 11th position, and moved up 18 points ahead of the cut-off line in points series standings.
Logano remarked, post-race, "I was riding around and everything was good in second place, and, Boom. The next thing I know I'm sideways and up in the air. My team did an amazing job today because when we got done with the crash the hood was up and I couldn't see. The car was barely rolling with four flat tires and everything else, and they got it to where it would run and then got through another crash to get the lucky dog and finished 11th on the day. Two second places in the stages and an 11th-place finish with a crashed race car isn't ideal, but it's way better than it could have been, so I'm proud of that."
Thank goodness NASCAR has steadily improved safety in the cars because watching that on TV was scary. I can't imagine what it was like to literally experience it.
Fun Fact: Joey Logano led 164 laps in back-to-back victories at Kansas Speedway in the fall races of 2014 and 2015.
Logano has claimed the pole in Kansas for Team Penske twice, once in October of 2018, and previously in the spring race of 2015. He has finished first for the team in October of 2014 and October of 2015, and can claim five top fives and a top-10 finish. I'd say he knows a thing or two about racing in the Land of Oz!
HEADS UP FANS: Logano will take part in a Q & A session at the Coca-Cola Racing Fan Stage at Kansas Speedway before the race on Sunday at 10:00 am.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Images: License Plate Merry
|
|
That Didn't Go As Planned
Mechanical Failure Leaves Joey Logano With a 34th-Place Finish, 9th (-63) in MENCS Points Standings
October 6, 2019
Dover International Speedway doesn't have Miles the Monster as its mascot for nothing! After qualifying 14th for the Drydene 400, Joey Logano had unexpected mechanical failure on lap two of the three pace laps.
Coming to the start of the race, Logano radioed that something was off with the No. 22 Ford Mustang, and Crew Chief Todd Gordon, after a quick check on pit road, sent him to the garage for repairs.
The fast work of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil team got him back in the race as quickly as possible, in 36th position on lap 24, although without multiple caution flags, he really did not have an opportunity to make up lost laps.
Logano was among the fastest cars on the track for the remainder of the race after repairs were completed, but had a tight-handling condition in traffic, something prevalent at the one-mile concrete oval.
Making up two positions before crossing the finish line in 34th position, Logano is just inside the cut line for the Round of 8, and heads to Talladega Superspeedway and Kansas Speedway, where he has been strong.
"Something back there wasn't doing what it was supposed to do, so we had to fix that and we were 20-something laps down from there. You can't make up 20 laps, that is for sure. Maybe you can get one or two back if things go right. It was a bummer. Things happen. I guess the good news is that I think we are the last one in right now. We definitely used our mulligan. We used the playoff points we accumulated, we just have to be perfect now. We have two really good race tracks coming up though. Talladega is arguably one of our best race tracks and I would say Kansas is as well. We just have to be perfect from here."
Apparently some other drivers weren't happy with Logano trying to maintain position, as laps wound down, but the driver is a competitor and every point counts.
Talladega
Logano has won three times, in 2015, 2016, and 2018, as a Team Penske driver at Talladega. He has three additional top-5 finishes and finished in fourth-place there in April of this year.
Logano is scheduled to appear, along with Matt DiBenedetto, Alex Bowman, Daniel Hemric, Rusty Wallace, and more, in the Talladega Garage Experience in an exclusive Q & A in FR8Auctions Celebrations Plaza near Gatorade Victory Lane on Sunday morning.
You must have Talladega Garage Experience Admission to attend. Check out the Talladega Speedway website for additional information. Garage Experience admissions must be accompanied by corresponding grandstand tickets or infield admissions for the 1000Bulbs 500.
The race is set to begin at 2 pm (ET). Stages are 55/110/188 laps, and the race is 500.08 miles.
Fun facts: Talladega Superspeedway was formerly named Alabama International Motor Speedway, and is located on the former Anniston Air Force Base in the small city of Lincoln.
The track is a tri-oval, constructed in 1969 by ISC, and currently hosts the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Gander Outdoor Truck Series.
Talladega is the longest NASCAR oval, measuring 2.66 miles long, a little more than Daytona, which is 2.5 miles long.
Peak capacity at the track is about 175,000, and the main grandstand currently holds about 80,000.
The track surface is asphalt, with four turns and banking is 33 degrees in turns 1 and 2, 32.4 degrees in turn 3, and 32.5 degrees in turn 4. The tri-oval is 16.5 degrees, and the back straight is 3 degrees.
Bill Elliott set the original track record in 1987 of 0:44.998, driving for Melling Racing.
Rusty Wallace recorded the fastest time by a NASCAR vehicle on a closed oval course in 2004, driving 216.309mph, surpassing the previous record held by Elliott, although he didn't "officially" replace the record as it was a radio test and not a NASCAR-sanctioned event.
NASCAR imposed rule changes to slow cars, after serious incidents, in 1988, requiring restrictor plates. The plates limit the amount of air and fuel entering the intake manifolds of the engine, greatly reducing the power of the cars, and their speed. But it hasn't diminished the competitive racing Talladega is known for, nor has it appeared to have done away with the "Big One."
With extremely tight racing, often three or four wide on the straightaways, close quarters make it very difficult to avoid an incident, with cars being known to go airborne and barrel-roll or slide on their roofs. Thank goodness NASCAR has advanced their safety program immensely as this race has drivers, and fans, on the edge of their seats.
And you can rest assured that the No. 22 driver and team will bring their best to a track they've conquered before. Repeats can be wonderful things.
You can follow the action at home on NBC/NBC SPORTS APP at 2 pm (ET), and on MRN beginning at 1 pm (ET)
Don't forget to also check out the Joey Logano Foundation!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Mechanical Failure Leaves Joey Logano With a 34th-Place Finish, 9th (-63) in MENCS Points Standings
October 6, 2019
Dover International Speedway doesn't have Miles the Monster as its mascot for nothing! After qualifying 14th for the Drydene 400, Joey Logano had unexpected mechanical failure on lap two of the three pace laps.
Coming to the start of the race, Logano radioed that something was off with the No. 22 Ford Mustang, and Crew Chief Todd Gordon, after a quick check on pit road, sent him to the garage for repairs.
The fast work of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil team got him back in the race as quickly as possible, in 36th position on lap 24, although without multiple caution flags, he really did not have an opportunity to make up lost laps.
Logano was among the fastest cars on the track for the remainder of the race after repairs were completed, but had a tight-handling condition in traffic, something prevalent at the one-mile concrete oval.
Making up two positions before crossing the finish line in 34th position, Logano is just inside the cut line for the Round of 8, and heads to Talladega Superspeedway and Kansas Speedway, where he has been strong.
"Something back there wasn't doing what it was supposed to do, so we had to fix that and we were 20-something laps down from there. You can't make up 20 laps, that is for sure. Maybe you can get one or two back if things go right. It was a bummer. Things happen. I guess the good news is that I think we are the last one in right now. We definitely used our mulligan. We used the playoff points we accumulated, we just have to be perfect now. We have two really good race tracks coming up though. Talladega is arguably one of our best race tracks and I would say Kansas is as well. We just have to be perfect from here."
Apparently some other drivers weren't happy with Logano trying to maintain position, as laps wound down, but the driver is a competitor and every point counts.
Talladega
Logano has won three times, in 2015, 2016, and 2018, as a Team Penske driver at Talladega. He has three additional top-5 finishes and finished in fourth-place there in April of this year.
Logano is scheduled to appear, along with Matt DiBenedetto, Alex Bowman, Daniel Hemric, Rusty Wallace, and more, in the Talladega Garage Experience in an exclusive Q & A in FR8Auctions Celebrations Plaza near Gatorade Victory Lane on Sunday morning.
You must have Talladega Garage Experience Admission to attend. Check out the Talladega Speedway website for additional information. Garage Experience admissions must be accompanied by corresponding grandstand tickets or infield admissions for the 1000Bulbs 500.
The race is set to begin at 2 pm (ET). Stages are 55/110/188 laps, and the race is 500.08 miles.
Fun facts: Talladega Superspeedway was formerly named Alabama International Motor Speedway, and is located on the former Anniston Air Force Base in the small city of Lincoln.
The track is a tri-oval, constructed in 1969 by ISC, and currently hosts the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Gander Outdoor Truck Series.
Talladega is the longest NASCAR oval, measuring 2.66 miles long, a little more than Daytona, which is 2.5 miles long.
Peak capacity at the track is about 175,000, and the main grandstand currently holds about 80,000.
The track surface is asphalt, with four turns and banking is 33 degrees in turns 1 and 2, 32.4 degrees in turn 3, and 32.5 degrees in turn 4. The tri-oval is 16.5 degrees, and the back straight is 3 degrees.
Bill Elliott set the original track record in 1987 of 0:44.998, driving for Melling Racing.
Rusty Wallace recorded the fastest time by a NASCAR vehicle on a closed oval course in 2004, driving 216.309mph, surpassing the previous record held by Elliott, although he didn't "officially" replace the record as it was a radio test and not a NASCAR-sanctioned event.
NASCAR imposed rule changes to slow cars, after serious incidents, in 1988, requiring restrictor plates. The plates limit the amount of air and fuel entering the intake manifolds of the engine, greatly reducing the power of the cars, and their speed. But it hasn't diminished the competitive racing Talladega is known for, nor has it appeared to have done away with the "Big One."
With extremely tight racing, often three or four wide on the straightaways, close quarters make it very difficult to avoid an incident, with cars being known to go airborne and barrel-roll or slide on their roofs. Thank goodness NASCAR has advanced their safety program immensely as this race has drivers, and fans, on the edge of their seats.
And you can rest assured that the No. 22 driver and team will bring their best to a track they've conquered before. Repeats can be wonderful things.
You can follow the action at home on NBC/NBC SPORTS APP at 2 pm (ET), and on MRN beginning at 1 pm (ET)
Don't forget to also check out the Joey Logano Foundation!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Crew Chief Todd Gordon & Competition Director Travis Geisler. Image courtesy: License Plate Merry / Merry Mendoza.
|
The No. 22 crew hard at work in the Dover garage. Image courtesy: License Plate Merry / Merry Mendoza.
|
Team members roll the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang into the Dover garage. Image courtesy: License Plate Merry / Merry Mendoza.
|
Brutal Heat and a Mistake Bring Joey Logano Home in 10th at the Roval
September 29, 2019
Joey Logano started third in Sunday's Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and held the position during early laps, although he struggled somewhat with the car being too tight in the left-hand corners.
As the run progressed, the No. 22 Mustang became progressively looser off the slow-speed corners, but remained tight on the left-hand turns, and Logano found himself in fifth position by lap 19. Crew chief Todd Gordon elected to keep his driver on the track during Stage 1, and Logano finished the opening segment in fourth, scoring seven points, and officially advancing to the Round of 12.
Leading the opening laps of Stage 2 in his Shell-Pennzoil/Autotrader Ford Mustang, Logano dropped back to fourth position, and made his first pit stop of the day under green on lap 36, for four tires, air pressure adjustments, and two rounds of left rear wedge.
Trouble ensued when Logano left pit lane on lap 37 with lower tire pressures, and the left front wheel locked up, causing damage to the left front fender of the car. Returning to the pits on the next lap for repairs, he also pitted again when a caution flew on lap 43, and the team made further repairs to the left front and left rear of the No. 22.
During the opening laps of Stage 3, Logano continued to struggle with a damaged race car, and again Gordon kept him on the track, this time during a caution on lap 63, with Logano reporting that he was still fighting a tight condition, made worse by the car snapping loose on corner exit.
On lap 75, under green, Logano again pitted for fuel only, the crew made additional repairs to the No. 22, and he returned to the track as other leaders started making their green flag pit stops. A caution flag on lap 90 allowed a pit stop by the No. 22 team under yellow, and Logano took four tires, an air pressure adjustment, and further damage repair.
Logano powered his way back into the top 10 with fresh tires, and claimed a 10th place finish when the checkered flag waved. It is possible that his finish would have been even better had not three cautions occurred over the final 15 laps, which took away his advantage of fresher tires for the final run.
"It was brutal inside the car. The temperature was up for sure. It was a tough day. We had a pretty good Shell-Pennzoil/Autotrader Ford, something that could compete. We were in the top five there the first stage and looked like we were going to have a car that could contend and then I just made a mistake on pit road and hit the wall. It's not speed. I keep saying that. It's not that we're far off on speed, we just have to clean up the races, and today is on me," Logano said in a post-race interview.
Currently the 2018 Champ sits fourth in the points standings, (-17) behind first, finishing Stage 1 in third, Stage 2 in fourth, and Stage 3 in 10th.
Next up for the Team Penske No. 22 team is the Drydene 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, October 6. The race is scheduled to begin at 2:30 (ET) and is the first of the Round of 12.
Logano's best start here since joining Team Penske has been 4th position, and his best finish was in October of last year, claiming 3rd.
Dover, known as "The Monster Mile," is located in Dover, Deleware, and has a capacity of 135,000 depending on configuration. Dover Motorsports owns and operates the one-mile track. The track has a concrete surface, four turns, 24 degree banking in the turns, nine degrees on the straightaways, and Chase Elliott set the most recent lap record, in qualifying, of 21.692 seconds this year. In 2013, Logano set an Xfinity race record of 131.219 mph - go break some records this weekend Champ!
If you're a Logano fan and anywhere near Middlefield, Connecticut, go check out the four-acre corn maze designed by Lyman Orchards! The champ is being celebrated with a maze extending for 2.5 miles, the same distance required to get around Daytona International Speedway. The average time to get through the maze is 20-40 minutes, and has over 230 turns.
One dollar from each admission to the maze will be donated to the American Cancer Society. You can visit Wednesday through Sunday from now through November 3. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4-12, and free for children 3 years of age and younger.
Known for his charitable work, the orchard owner thought it would be a great way to highlight that for the native Connecticut driver!
FACT: Did you know that 100% of the proceeds from the Joey Logano fan club go towards his Foundation? Go Team Logano!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
September 29, 2019
Joey Logano started third in Sunday's Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and held the position during early laps, although he struggled somewhat with the car being too tight in the left-hand corners.
As the run progressed, the No. 22 Mustang became progressively looser off the slow-speed corners, but remained tight on the left-hand turns, and Logano found himself in fifth position by lap 19. Crew chief Todd Gordon elected to keep his driver on the track during Stage 1, and Logano finished the opening segment in fourth, scoring seven points, and officially advancing to the Round of 12.
Leading the opening laps of Stage 2 in his Shell-Pennzoil/Autotrader Ford Mustang, Logano dropped back to fourth position, and made his first pit stop of the day under green on lap 36, for four tires, air pressure adjustments, and two rounds of left rear wedge.
Trouble ensued when Logano left pit lane on lap 37 with lower tire pressures, and the left front wheel locked up, causing damage to the left front fender of the car. Returning to the pits on the next lap for repairs, he also pitted again when a caution flew on lap 43, and the team made further repairs to the left front and left rear of the No. 22.
During the opening laps of Stage 3, Logano continued to struggle with a damaged race car, and again Gordon kept him on the track, this time during a caution on lap 63, with Logano reporting that he was still fighting a tight condition, made worse by the car snapping loose on corner exit.
On lap 75, under green, Logano again pitted for fuel only, the crew made additional repairs to the No. 22, and he returned to the track as other leaders started making their green flag pit stops. A caution flag on lap 90 allowed a pit stop by the No. 22 team under yellow, and Logano took four tires, an air pressure adjustment, and further damage repair.
Logano powered his way back into the top 10 with fresh tires, and claimed a 10th place finish when the checkered flag waved. It is possible that his finish would have been even better had not three cautions occurred over the final 15 laps, which took away his advantage of fresher tires for the final run.
"It was brutal inside the car. The temperature was up for sure. It was a tough day. We had a pretty good Shell-Pennzoil/Autotrader Ford, something that could compete. We were in the top five there the first stage and looked like we were going to have a car that could contend and then I just made a mistake on pit road and hit the wall. It's not speed. I keep saying that. It's not that we're far off on speed, we just have to clean up the races, and today is on me," Logano said in a post-race interview.
Currently the 2018 Champ sits fourth in the points standings, (-17) behind first, finishing Stage 1 in third, Stage 2 in fourth, and Stage 3 in 10th.
Next up for the Team Penske No. 22 team is the Drydene 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, October 6. The race is scheduled to begin at 2:30 (ET) and is the first of the Round of 12.
Logano's best start here since joining Team Penske has been 4th position, and his best finish was in October of last year, claiming 3rd.
Dover, known as "The Monster Mile," is located in Dover, Deleware, and has a capacity of 135,000 depending on configuration. Dover Motorsports owns and operates the one-mile track. The track has a concrete surface, four turns, 24 degree banking in the turns, nine degrees on the straightaways, and Chase Elliott set the most recent lap record, in qualifying, of 21.692 seconds this year. In 2013, Logano set an Xfinity race record of 131.219 mph - go break some records this weekend Champ!
If you're a Logano fan and anywhere near Middlefield, Connecticut, go check out the four-acre corn maze designed by Lyman Orchards! The champ is being celebrated with a maze extending for 2.5 miles, the same distance required to get around Daytona International Speedway. The average time to get through the maze is 20-40 minutes, and has over 230 turns.
One dollar from each admission to the maze will be donated to the American Cancer Society. You can visit Wednesday through Sunday from now through November 3. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4-12, and free for children 3 years of age and younger.
Known for his charitable work, the orchard owner thought it would be a great way to highlight that for the native Connecticut driver!
FACT: Did you know that 100% of the proceeds from the Joey Logano fan club go towards his Foundation? Go Team Logano!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Images: License Plate Merry
|
|
Richmond Not the Run Joey Logano Was Hoping For
September 21, 2019
Joey Logano started 28th in Saturday night's Federated Auto Parts 400 in Richmond, but by lap 72 he was a lap down, running in 20th position.
Logano reported the Shell-Pennzoil Mustang was tight and as the opening run played out, the handling got tighter and Logano could only maintain, finishing the first stage in 24th.
Logano got the free pass at the beginning of Stage 2 after a caution, putting him back on the lead lap. The team gave him four tires and a track bar adjustment, and although Logano said the car took off better, it was still leaning towards the tight side, and continued to progress that way, causing Logano to drop off the lead lap again.
On lap 243, a caution flag would grant Logano the free pass for the second time. He elected to make additional air pressure adjustments, and the team was still hoping to give Logano more turn to help keep the front tires turning longer into the run.
Logano did start working his way forward after all the adjustments, and reached 13th position by lap 285. He reported the car was much better, although still needing a little more front turn. Logano pitted again under a caution lag on lap 315and the team made an additional track bar and air pressure adjustment.
Logano restarted in 13th and quickly grabbed 12th position, running there for most of the stage, and noting the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was slightly free on corner exit. Remaining green to completion, the race saw Logano bring home the Team Penske No. 22 in 12th position.
"It was a rough night. We missed it at the start. I don't know where. We were decent in practice and on the long run I thought we were pretty good, and we go to qualify, and we were tight, and then we start the race and we're really tight," Logano said after the conclusion of the race.
"We put so many rounds and air pressure and we hit everything we could hit to try to get the tight out of it. We got better and we went from not being able to stay on the lead lap and getting a couple lucky dogs and then towards the end we got semi-competitive. I wouldn't say we were good, but a little closer to where we need to be. Overall, I think we had a 50-point cushion, I believe, over the cut line, so that's a nice feeling going into the ROVAL. Maybe we can be a little more aggressive and try to get something there."
Logano heads into Charlotte 6th in the Points Standings, (-82.).
Fun Fact: 99.89% is the percentage of laps completed by Joey Logano in 2019 - Best in the Cup Series. (7859/7868)
In 2018, Logano started the Roval in 15th position, finished Stage 2 in fourth, and brought the No. 22 Ford Mustang home in 10th at the conclusion of the race.
Fans at the race this weekend can catch Logano in a moderated Q & A session at the Ford Stage prior to the Bank of America ROVAL race, Sunday morning at 11 am.
The 109 lap, 248 mile event is scheduled to begin at 2:30 pm (ET) on the 29th with TV coverage on NBCSN. First practice is set for 12:05 pm (ET) on Friday, with Busch Pole Qualifying at 4:40 pm (ET); second practice will be on Saturday at 11:05 am (ET), with final practice set for 2 pm ET.
Since it's this reporter's birthday on the 29th, seeing Logano and the No. 22 team in Victory Lane would be icing on the cake (figuratively, since I don't eat cake).
Four drivers will be eliminated from the playoffs after the conclusion of the race on Sunday - don't look for Logano to be one of them!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
September 21, 2019
Joey Logano started 28th in Saturday night's Federated Auto Parts 400 in Richmond, but by lap 72 he was a lap down, running in 20th position.
Logano reported the Shell-Pennzoil Mustang was tight and as the opening run played out, the handling got tighter and Logano could only maintain, finishing the first stage in 24th.
Logano got the free pass at the beginning of Stage 2 after a caution, putting him back on the lead lap. The team gave him four tires and a track bar adjustment, and although Logano said the car took off better, it was still leaning towards the tight side, and continued to progress that way, causing Logano to drop off the lead lap again.
On lap 243, a caution flag would grant Logano the free pass for the second time. He elected to make additional air pressure adjustments, and the team was still hoping to give Logano more turn to help keep the front tires turning longer into the run.
Logano did start working his way forward after all the adjustments, and reached 13th position by lap 285. He reported the car was much better, although still needing a little more front turn. Logano pitted again under a caution lag on lap 315and the team made an additional track bar and air pressure adjustment.
Logano restarted in 13th and quickly grabbed 12th position, running there for most of the stage, and noting the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was slightly free on corner exit. Remaining green to completion, the race saw Logano bring home the Team Penske No. 22 in 12th position.
"It was a rough night. We missed it at the start. I don't know where. We were decent in practice and on the long run I thought we were pretty good, and we go to qualify, and we were tight, and then we start the race and we're really tight," Logano said after the conclusion of the race.
"We put so many rounds and air pressure and we hit everything we could hit to try to get the tight out of it. We got better and we went from not being able to stay on the lead lap and getting a couple lucky dogs and then towards the end we got semi-competitive. I wouldn't say we were good, but a little closer to where we need to be. Overall, I think we had a 50-point cushion, I believe, over the cut line, so that's a nice feeling going into the ROVAL. Maybe we can be a little more aggressive and try to get something there."
Logano heads into Charlotte 6th in the Points Standings, (-82.).
Fun Fact: 99.89% is the percentage of laps completed by Joey Logano in 2019 - Best in the Cup Series. (7859/7868)
In 2018, Logano started the Roval in 15th position, finished Stage 2 in fourth, and brought the No. 22 Ford Mustang home in 10th at the conclusion of the race.
Fans at the race this weekend can catch Logano in a moderated Q & A session at the Ford Stage prior to the Bank of America ROVAL race, Sunday morning at 11 am.
The 109 lap, 248 mile event is scheduled to begin at 2:30 pm (ET) on the 29th with TV coverage on NBCSN. First practice is set for 12:05 pm (ET) on Friday, with Busch Pole Qualifying at 4:40 pm (ET); second practice will be on Saturday at 11:05 am (ET), with final practice set for 2 pm ET.
Since it's this reporter's birthday on the 29th, seeing Logano and the No. 22 team in Victory Lane would be icing on the cake (figuratively, since I don't eat cake).
Four drivers will be eliminated from the playoffs after the conclusion of the race on Sunday - don't look for Logano to be one of them!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
All images from Richmond courtesy License Plate Merry
|
Crew chief, Todd Gordon
|
|
|
Hopefully What Happened in Vegas, Stays in Vegas
Recapping Joey Logano's South Point Casino 400
September 15, 2019
Even though he had a rocket in the No. 22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang, Joey Logano's luck didn't hold in Sunday's Las Vegas race.
Starting 22nd, Logano powered his way forward to reach the eighth position before lap 10, remaining quiet on the radio and relying on spotter T. J. Majors to guide him. Logano moved into the top five by lap 23, and into third by lap 25.
Logano grabbed the lead on lap 34 and began widening that stretch as green flag stops started, cycling back to the lead once all stops were completed. Reporting he was a bit freer on the second run of the race, Logano continued to run the fastest lap times on the track, and claimed the first stage win by over six seconds on Kevin Harvick in second place.
Logano continued to lead during opening laps of the second stage, reporting the car was still slightly loose through both corners, slightly worse in turns 3 and 4. After pitting from the lead at lap 123 for four tires and fuel, with only slight air pressure adjustments, Logano continued to lead until, with three laps remaining, he got pinned behind two slower cars and gave the lead up, finishing second in the segment.
During the stage-ending stop, the No. 22 team added tape to the nose, did another slight air pressure adjustment, and gave the Ford Mustang four tires, which cycled Logano back to seventh position.
On the ensuing restart, Logano sustained damage and had to return to pit road for extensive repairs, which forced him to restart deep in the field, although he was able to slowly work his way forward to 13th position by lap 125.
When Logano reported the Pennzoil Ford Mustang had swung to the tight side, the team opted to pit early in the window at lap 230 for a four tire stop, along with a track bar adjustment, actions that allowed Logano to move back into the top 10, crossing the finish line in ninth place.
Logano now sits third in the series standings after earning stage points, a stage win, and the ninth final position, only (-7) behind Martin Truex, Jr.
In his post-race interview, Logano, obviously frustrated and disappointed, but still optimistic, stated, "Our car was fast. We were definitely capable of winning this thing, no doubt. We showed that. That is positive. I like that part. We scored a lot of points which is also positive. I don't know where we are in the standings yet but the stages and the finish gives us some points to hopefully give us a little cushion over the next couple races but we have to still be smart to make it to the next round. If we didn't have a wrecked car we would had had a shot at winning. We were really good at the beginning of the race. We drove all the way to the lead and led a bunch of laps. We can be proud of that. We won't let our heads get down on this. It is still a strong day."
Logano and the No. 22 team head to Richmond Raceway this coming weekend in the second of the first three elimination rounds of the Playoffs.
Logano has won twice for Team Penske in Richmond, once in 2014 and again in 2017, and has eight top fives, and two top 10s as well. In April of this year, the 2018 champ started third and finished second. He obviously knows his way around this track!
Richmond Raceway is a 0.75 mile D-shaped asphalt track just outside Richmond, VA. It is owned by ISC. The track opened in 1946, and has four turns, 14 degree banking in the turns, eight degrees on the front stretch, and two degrees on the backstretch. There will be 400 laps, over 300 miles, with Stage 1: 100, Stage 2: 100, and Stage 3: 200 laps.
Fun fact: Former Team Penske driver Sam Hornish, Jr. set the race lap record in 2005 in the IndyCar Series, in 0:15.3197 seconds at 176.244 mph.
The Federated Auto Parts 400 is set to start at 7:30 pm (ET) on Saturday. Download the Richmond Raceway mobile app for Apple or Android, or stay connected to the action on social media.
Or watch your favorite driver on NBCSN. I will be cheering the No. 22 team on for another win towards a repeat Championship!
Note: Always giving back, Logano will once again be doing the JL Kids Crew through his Foundation in Richmond and will welcome William Morton, an 11-year old from Aberdeen, NC as his guest. An avid Logano fan from the beginning, William experienced an unforeseen tragedy earlier this year, forever changing his life. But, despite the challenges now facing him as he learns to adjust to a new normal, William has a positive attitude and continues to succeed at school and persevere in everything he applies himself to.
The Joey Logano Foundation will induct him as a lifetime member of the JL Kids Crew this weekend!
Ever noticed Logano has a heart as big as his smile?
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Recapping Joey Logano's South Point Casino 400
September 15, 2019
Even though he had a rocket in the No. 22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang, Joey Logano's luck didn't hold in Sunday's Las Vegas race.
Starting 22nd, Logano powered his way forward to reach the eighth position before lap 10, remaining quiet on the radio and relying on spotter T. J. Majors to guide him. Logano moved into the top five by lap 23, and into third by lap 25.
Logano grabbed the lead on lap 34 and began widening that stretch as green flag stops started, cycling back to the lead once all stops were completed. Reporting he was a bit freer on the second run of the race, Logano continued to run the fastest lap times on the track, and claimed the first stage win by over six seconds on Kevin Harvick in second place.
Logano continued to lead during opening laps of the second stage, reporting the car was still slightly loose through both corners, slightly worse in turns 3 and 4. After pitting from the lead at lap 123 for four tires and fuel, with only slight air pressure adjustments, Logano continued to lead until, with three laps remaining, he got pinned behind two slower cars and gave the lead up, finishing second in the segment.
During the stage-ending stop, the No. 22 team added tape to the nose, did another slight air pressure adjustment, and gave the Ford Mustang four tires, which cycled Logano back to seventh position.
On the ensuing restart, Logano sustained damage and had to return to pit road for extensive repairs, which forced him to restart deep in the field, although he was able to slowly work his way forward to 13th position by lap 125.
When Logano reported the Pennzoil Ford Mustang had swung to the tight side, the team opted to pit early in the window at lap 230 for a four tire stop, along with a track bar adjustment, actions that allowed Logano to move back into the top 10, crossing the finish line in ninth place.
Logano now sits third in the series standings after earning stage points, a stage win, and the ninth final position, only (-7) behind Martin Truex, Jr.
In his post-race interview, Logano, obviously frustrated and disappointed, but still optimistic, stated, "Our car was fast. We were definitely capable of winning this thing, no doubt. We showed that. That is positive. I like that part. We scored a lot of points which is also positive. I don't know where we are in the standings yet but the stages and the finish gives us some points to hopefully give us a little cushion over the next couple races but we have to still be smart to make it to the next round. If we didn't have a wrecked car we would had had a shot at winning. We were really good at the beginning of the race. We drove all the way to the lead and led a bunch of laps. We can be proud of that. We won't let our heads get down on this. It is still a strong day."
Logano and the No. 22 team head to Richmond Raceway this coming weekend in the second of the first three elimination rounds of the Playoffs.
Logano has won twice for Team Penske in Richmond, once in 2014 and again in 2017, and has eight top fives, and two top 10s as well. In April of this year, the 2018 champ started third and finished second. He obviously knows his way around this track!
Richmond Raceway is a 0.75 mile D-shaped asphalt track just outside Richmond, VA. It is owned by ISC. The track opened in 1946, and has four turns, 14 degree banking in the turns, eight degrees on the front stretch, and two degrees on the backstretch. There will be 400 laps, over 300 miles, with Stage 1: 100, Stage 2: 100, and Stage 3: 200 laps.
Fun fact: Former Team Penske driver Sam Hornish, Jr. set the race lap record in 2005 in the IndyCar Series, in 0:15.3197 seconds at 176.244 mph.
The Federated Auto Parts 400 is set to start at 7:30 pm (ET) on Saturday. Download the Richmond Raceway mobile app for Apple or Android, or stay connected to the action on social media.
Or watch your favorite driver on NBCSN. I will be cheering the No. 22 team on for another win towards a repeat Championship!
Note: Always giving back, Logano will once again be doing the JL Kids Crew through his Foundation in Richmond and will welcome William Morton, an 11-year old from Aberdeen, NC as his guest. An avid Logano fan from the beginning, William experienced an unforeseen tragedy earlier this year, forever changing his life. But, despite the challenges now facing him as he learns to adjust to a new normal, William has a positive attitude and continues to succeed at school and persevere in everything he applies himself to.
The Joey Logano Foundation will induct him as a lifetime member of the JL Kids Crew this weekend!
Ever noticed Logano has a heart as big as his smile?
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Image: #powerpics
|
|
A big wheel race featuring Team Penske drivers? This is everything we could have asked for and more. □
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) September 11, 2019
It's the latest #PenskeGames presented by @shellracingus! pic.twitter.com/22satgVqd9
Joey Logano Earns Valuable Points in Indy
Looks to Double-Down in Vegas
September 13, 2019
Joey Logano earned stage points in the first and second segments during Sunday afternoon's Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard, starting fourth and ending second.
Logano led 11 laps and won Stage 1, giving him another valuable playoff point during the regular season's final race. Entering the NASCAR Playoffs fifth in driver standings, Logano is only 17 points behind the leader.
When the green flag dropped on Sunday, Logano jumped from fourth to second, running behind leader Kevin Harvick for the first 12 laps. Logano said his Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang started out a little tight but then swung to loose before tightening back up. Crew Chief Todd Gordon called for right-side tires and an air pressure adjustment during the first caution on lap 13. Logano restarted third on lap 15 and remained there until slipping to fourth on lap 39. At Lap 43, a caution flag saw several leaders head to pit lane, but Logano and Gordon chose to keep the No. 22 on the track and fight for the stage win.
Working perfectly, the strategy saw Logano with the stage win, after a challenge from Kyle Larson. Logano pitted during the stage caution, and when the race went green on lap 56, he started in the middle of the pack. A lap later, Logano moved up to 14th position but reported he was a little free on corner entry and slightly tight from the center off.
In the middle of a green flag pit cycle later in the stage, Logano headed to the pits, gaining the team six positions, and moving the No. 22 Team Penske driver up to sixth place for the restart on lap 95. Logano jumped to fourth position before the fifth caution on lap 97 saw the stage finish under caution.
Settling into third position early in Stage 3, Logano tailed race leader Ryan Blaney and second-place Harvick. During the seventh caution on lap 130, the No. 22 team pitted for four tires and returned Logano to the track right behind Blaney, with a third place restart when the race went green on lap 134.
Battling Bubba Wallace on the restart, the two made contact, and Logano received minor damage to his right-front fender. When another yellow fell on lap 136, Logano restarted from fourth position on lap 139.
Logano got one last chance to pass Harvick when the eighth and final caution came out on lap 148. The two raced side-by-side when the race went green on lap 151 but Harvick managed to get by Logano and drive away, leaving Logano to finish 6.118 seconds behind him.
"Something was vibrating at the end, but the 4 was the best car. We were the second-best car that was still running. I am proud of our Shell-Pennzoil team. We needed a solid day. We have had a rough month. It was nice to be able to finish where we should and have a shot at winning the race. I was hoping for a caution and a green-white-checkered finish at the end. He was just too far up there to catch. It is a good momentum builder for the playoffs coming up. We will head into Vegas, a track we won at the last time we were there and coming off a solid finish here. We are ready to go..." Logano stated after the race ended.
Looks to Double-Down in Vegas
September 13, 2019
Joey Logano earned stage points in the first and second segments during Sunday afternoon's Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard, starting fourth and ending second.
Logano led 11 laps and won Stage 1, giving him another valuable playoff point during the regular season's final race. Entering the NASCAR Playoffs fifth in driver standings, Logano is only 17 points behind the leader.
When the green flag dropped on Sunday, Logano jumped from fourth to second, running behind leader Kevin Harvick for the first 12 laps. Logano said his Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang started out a little tight but then swung to loose before tightening back up. Crew Chief Todd Gordon called for right-side tires and an air pressure adjustment during the first caution on lap 13. Logano restarted third on lap 15 and remained there until slipping to fourth on lap 39. At Lap 43, a caution flag saw several leaders head to pit lane, but Logano and Gordon chose to keep the No. 22 on the track and fight for the stage win.
Working perfectly, the strategy saw Logano with the stage win, after a challenge from Kyle Larson. Logano pitted during the stage caution, and when the race went green on lap 56, he started in the middle of the pack. A lap later, Logano moved up to 14th position but reported he was a little free on corner entry and slightly tight from the center off.
In the middle of a green flag pit cycle later in the stage, Logano headed to the pits, gaining the team six positions, and moving the No. 22 Team Penske driver up to sixth place for the restart on lap 95. Logano jumped to fourth position before the fifth caution on lap 97 saw the stage finish under caution.
Settling into third position early in Stage 3, Logano tailed race leader Ryan Blaney and second-place Harvick. During the seventh caution on lap 130, the No. 22 team pitted for four tires and returned Logano to the track right behind Blaney, with a third place restart when the race went green on lap 134.
Battling Bubba Wallace on the restart, the two made contact, and Logano received minor damage to his right-front fender. When another yellow fell on lap 136, Logano restarted from fourth position on lap 139.
Logano got one last chance to pass Harvick when the eighth and final caution came out on lap 148. The two raced side-by-side when the race went green on lap 151 but Harvick managed to get by Logano and drive away, leaving Logano to finish 6.118 seconds behind him.
"Something was vibrating at the end, but the 4 was the best car. We were the second-best car that was still running. I am proud of our Shell-Pennzoil team. We needed a solid day. We have had a rough month. It was nice to be able to finish where we should and have a shot at winning the race. I was hoping for a caution and a green-white-checkered finish at the end. He was just too far up there to catch. It is a good momentum builder for the playoffs coming up. We will head into Vegas, a track we won at the last time we were there and coming off a solid finish here. We are ready to go..." Logano stated after the race ended.
Image courtesy of License Plate Merry (Merry Mendoza) from Indy.
|
Image: #powerpics
|
Logano participated in the Strip "Burn-outs" Thursday afternoon, earning the top score from the judges, and most importantly, giving his fans the excitement they expected!
Logano also announced this week that he was recently diagnosed with "Alopecia areata," a sudden hair loss that occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles. Kudos to him for addressing the issue straight out and letting his fans know he's okay.
Logano is looking to repeat 2018 and bring home the Championship in November.
Logano has seven top-tens in Vegas since joining Team Penske, and five top-5's, including the win in March earlier this year.
Just for fun: Opening Las Vegas-2 odds: 13-2 for Logano. This reporter isn't putting any cold, hard cash down, but is betting on Logano 100%!
Cup qualifying impound is set for 4:05 pm on Saturday (single vehicle/one lap all positions).
You can catch this first of the three-race Round of 16, Sunday's South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, on NBCSN Sunday with live coverage beginning at 7 pm ET. The race will also stream on the NBC Sports App, and radio coverage will be on PRN and Sirius XM NASCAR radio. You can also follow along on NASCAR.com for live lap-by-lap coverage, the live leaderboard, Drive (featuring in-car cameras), and RaceView (subscription).
Don't forget to set your lineups in Fantasy Live and make your picks in the Props Challenge.
Las Vegas is a 1.5 mile, tri-oval asphalt track with 20-degree banking on the front and backstretches. Built in 1996, the Cup Series has been racing there since 1998.
The race will feature the 2019 rules package with aero ducts and a tapered-spacer engine generating a targeted 550 horsepower. Each team will get three sets of Goodyear Eagle Speedway Radial tires for practice, one for qualifying, and 10 sets for the race (actually 9, plus one transferred from practice or qualifying).
Notable: All six of the active Monster Energy Series drivers with a Las Vegas win, (Logano, Busch, Keselowski, Johnson, Harvick, and Truex, Jr.) are former Cup Series champions!
And so the nail-biting, bring out the worst, and best, from the fans, and drivers begins. Buckle up! It's gonna be wild!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Darlington "throwback..." Joey Logano probably would if he could...
September 1, 2019
Starting 7th in Sunday's 500-mile Bojangles' Southern 500 after a four-hour rain delay, Joey Logano discovered his No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was tight, and settled into eighth place. Logano reported the car had a "plowing tight" condition by the time the competition caution flew on Lap 35. Staying fairly quiet on the radio, Logano said his Mustang would get more and more loose as the run went during opening laps of segment one.
During Stage 2, Logano fought to maintain the longevity of his front tires. A duel with Chase Elliott saw a light brush with the Turn 4 wall, and Logano made an unscheduled pit stop on lap 172 for a cut right-rear tire, from contact with Erik Jones a few laps earlier. Dropping Logano two laps down, the stop shuffled him back to 32nd when the stage ended on lap 100.
Logano fought his way back in Stage 3, and the seventh caution on lap 276 let crew chief Todd Gordon leave Logano on the track to take the wave around, getting the No. 22 Mustang back on the lead lap.
Hoping for another caution to make up the distance and get on the same pit sequence as the leaders was a futile wish; the yellow flag didn't fly and Logano eventually fell a lap down, earning him a 14th-place finish.
Logano now sits 2nd in the points standings, (-64) behind the leader.
Don't count him out-there's a lot of fight and determination left in the 22 team and Logano leads them with enthusiasm and drive and a fierce desire to win!
"It was so tough to pass out there. You could catch another car, but you couldn't get around them. That is frustrating for sure and was another reason we got some damage earlier in the race. You just try so hard to make the passes when you can. We will just keep our heads up and move on to Indy. It would be great to get Roger (Penske) back-to-back victories at the Brickyard." Logano stated after his Darlington night ended.
Logano has never won at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but has finished as high as 2nd for Team Penske.
PS...did you know?...Logano owns and operates Clutch Studios in Huntersville, NC, a state-of-the-art facility that the NASCAR industry uses for partner production shoots and miscellaneous commercial needs.
And as always, Logano and his wife Brittany are tireless in their charitable efforts with the Joey Logano Foundation, which has contributed over $2.7 million to organizations that provide second chances to kids and young adults in crises. In 2018, both Joey and Brittany were honored with the Comcast Community Champion of the Year Award in Miami for their work in giving back to others, something very important to them both.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
September 1, 2019
Starting 7th in Sunday's 500-mile Bojangles' Southern 500 after a four-hour rain delay, Joey Logano discovered his No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was tight, and settled into eighth place. Logano reported the car had a "plowing tight" condition by the time the competition caution flew on Lap 35. Staying fairly quiet on the radio, Logano said his Mustang would get more and more loose as the run went during opening laps of segment one.
During Stage 2, Logano fought to maintain the longevity of his front tires. A duel with Chase Elliott saw a light brush with the Turn 4 wall, and Logano made an unscheduled pit stop on lap 172 for a cut right-rear tire, from contact with Erik Jones a few laps earlier. Dropping Logano two laps down, the stop shuffled him back to 32nd when the stage ended on lap 100.
Logano fought his way back in Stage 3, and the seventh caution on lap 276 let crew chief Todd Gordon leave Logano on the track to take the wave around, getting the No. 22 Mustang back on the lead lap.
Hoping for another caution to make up the distance and get on the same pit sequence as the leaders was a futile wish; the yellow flag didn't fly and Logano eventually fell a lap down, earning him a 14th-place finish.
Logano now sits 2nd in the points standings, (-64) behind the leader.
Don't count him out-there's a lot of fight and determination left in the 22 team and Logano leads them with enthusiasm and drive and a fierce desire to win!
"It was so tough to pass out there. You could catch another car, but you couldn't get around them. That is frustrating for sure and was another reason we got some damage earlier in the race. You just try so hard to make the passes when you can. We will just keep our heads up and move on to Indy. It would be great to get Roger (Penske) back-to-back victories at the Brickyard." Logano stated after his Darlington night ended.
Logano has never won at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but has finished as high as 2nd for Team Penske.
PS...did you know?...Logano owns and operates Clutch Studios in Huntersville, NC, a state-of-the-art facility that the NASCAR industry uses for partner production shoots and miscellaneous commercial needs.
And as always, Logano and his wife Brittany are tireless in their charitable efforts with the Joey Logano Foundation, which has contributed over $2.7 million to organizations that provide second chances to kids and young adults in crises. In 2018, both Joey and Brittany were honored with the Comcast Community Champion of the Year Award in Miami for their work in giving back to others, something very important to them both.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!
Image: Brian Johnson
Image: #powerpics
|
Image: #powerpics
|
Well THAT didn't go as planned...Joey Logano's Bristol Weekend
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Starting 11th in the Bass Bro Shop NRA night race at Bristol Motor Speedway, Joey Logano had every intention of moving the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford forward until...an unscheduled pit stop under green on lap 69 derailed that plan.
Dropping 3 laps down, Logano did manage to get back on the lead lap as the race entered the final quarter, but he lost distance again when he was involved in another incident on lap 364.
Logano moved quickly into the top 10 during Stage 1 opening laps, but by lap 50 had dropped back to ninth, with the car running tight.
On lap 69, a sidewall failure required an unscheduled stop under green and after taking four tires and fuel, returned Logano to the track three laps down. He regained one of the laps on lap 81 when a caution gave him the wave around, and during the stage caution on lap 127, he pitted for a major trackbar adjustment to free the No. 22 Ford Mustang up.
Restarting 29th, two laps down, when Stage 2 went green on lap 134, Logano reported the car was now on the loose side. The Team Penske driver was able to take a wave around again as a result of the third caution on lap 191, and make up another lap to the leaders. When a caution came out on lap 214, Logano was able to pit for four tires and an air pressure adjustment to fight for the free pass position.
Running well enough to earn the free pass back to the lead lap for the remainder of Stage 2, Logano reported his corner exit was tight when the segment concluded on lap 250. Pitting under caution, the team gave him four tires plus a wedge adjustment; the race went green again on lap 259, with Logano in 20th position.
Up to 16th by lap 321, Logano reported the the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was still too tight; then, when things were looking up, he was involved in a three-car incident at lap 364, suffering significant damage to the car's nose, and pitted multiple times under caution to allow his team to make repairs, then returned to the track one lap down.
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Starting 11th in the Bass Bro Shop NRA night race at Bristol Motor Speedway, Joey Logano had every intention of moving the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford forward until...an unscheduled pit stop under green on lap 69 derailed that plan.
Dropping 3 laps down, Logano did manage to get back on the lead lap as the race entered the final quarter, but he lost distance again when he was involved in another incident on lap 364.
Logano moved quickly into the top 10 during Stage 1 opening laps, but by lap 50 had dropped back to ninth, with the car running tight.
On lap 69, a sidewall failure required an unscheduled stop under green and after taking four tires and fuel, returned Logano to the track three laps down. He regained one of the laps on lap 81 when a caution gave him the wave around, and during the stage caution on lap 127, he pitted for a major trackbar adjustment to free the No. 22 Ford Mustang up.
Restarting 29th, two laps down, when Stage 2 went green on lap 134, Logano reported the car was now on the loose side. The Team Penske driver was able to take a wave around again as a result of the third caution on lap 191, and make up another lap to the leaders. When a caution came out on lap 214, Logano was able to pit for four tires and an air pressure adjustment to fight for the free pass position.
Running well enough to earn the free pass back to the lead lap for the remainder of Stage 2, Logano reported his corner exit was tight when the segment concluded on lap 250. Pitting under caution, the team gave him four tires plus a wedge adjustment; the race went green again on lap 259, with Logano in 20th position.
Up to 16th by lap 321, Logano reported the the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was still too tight; then, when things were looking up, he was involved in a three-car incident at lap 364, suffering significant damage to the car's nose, and pitted multiple times under caution to allow his team to make repairs, then returned to the track one lap down.
Image: License Plate Merry
Even with the damage, Logano ran inside the top 20 as the laps ran out, but fell a second lap down on lap 347, fighting a tight-handling Mustang for the remainder of the race.
Logano said post-race, "It was a tough night for our Shell-Pennzoil team. We started the race tight and then we had the right-front tire go down. We were able to get back on the lead lap and kept making adjustments to get better. But once we got the damage late in the race, that pretty much sealed our fate."
With no race this next weekend, and Darlington Raceway to look forward to, you can bet the 22 team will regroup and bring all they'e got in 2 weeks. PS: Can't wait to see the throwback paint scheme!
Logano currently sits 2nd in Points Standings, (-39) behind first place.
Logano did double-duty this weekend in Bristol, piloting the No. 12 Snap-On Tools Ford Mustang for Team Penske in the Xfinity race.
Starting 19th, he finished 36th in Friday night's Food City 300 after an early, multi-car incident ended his evening on lap 37.
Logano raced inside the top 10 during opening laps, running times as fast as the leaders even though he was stuck in traffic. On lap 8, under the first caution, Logano reported the car took off loose, but he was still able to make passes around the high-banked, concrete half-mile.
But, as fate would have it, Logano was unable to avoid a spinning car on lap 37, and his night ended when the right front suspension on the Snap-On Tools Mustang was bent...
Afterwards Logano said, "It's a bummer to end the night that early. I felt like we had a really good Snap-On Tools Mustang. We were at a disadvantage in qualifying rolling out fourth, but we were able to work into the top 10 early, just couldn't avoid that wreck. I hate it for everyone on the Snap-On Tools team. That's a group of employees that work hard every week in the shop and only get to come to the track a few times a year and they brought a really good Ford Mustang tonight, just didn't get a chance to show it."
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
Image: License Plate Merry
Darned If You Don't, Darned If You Do
Fuel Shortage Strategy Fails for Joey Logano and the No. 22 team
August 11, 2019
Starting eighth in the Consumers Energy 400 on Sunday at Michigan International Speedway, Joey Logano had a fast car and raced his way to fourth in the first two laps, running some of the fastest laps among competitors. On lap six, he grabbed third in the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang, but also reported the car was a little free in the center of the turn and slightly tight on exit.
Running third until making a green flag pit stop on lap 42, Logano notified his team that the car was tight, so they made air pressure adjustments and a two-tire pit stop, and Logano finished fourth in Stage 1. Crew Chief Todd Gordon called for four tires plus air pressure adjustments during the stage caution in order to alleviate the tight handling condition.
Logano started Stage 2 in 11th position and reported the Shell-Pennzoil Ford took off free but went to tight through the run. He raced his way back into the top five but slipped back to tenth before making his third pit stop of the day on lap 107. During that stop, the team made air pressure adjustments to the right rear and left front, added fuel to finish the segment, and gave Logano four tires. On lap 117, the second caution set up a one-lap run to finish the stage on lap 120. Taking advantage of the restart, Logano climbed up to fourth place and the team chose not to pit during the stage caution. The Team Penske driver restarted second while the rest of the field needed to pit one more time before the end of the race. On the restart, Logano claimed the lead on lap 127 and led all but one lap, until the sixth, and final caution, waved on lap 150.
Pitting for two tires and fuel during the final caution, while others took fuel only, Logano cycled back to the third position, lining up behind his two teammates, Brad Keselowski and Ryan Blaney. He powered to the lead on lap 154 with a major push from the No. 21 of Paul Menard, and reclaimed the lead over teammate Blaney.
Logano gave up the lead on lap 183 to Kevin Harvick and settled in to second position, well aware he would have to hit pit road for a splash of fuel if the race stayed green.
With no yellow in the closing laps and three laps remaining, Logano pitted for just enough fuel to finish the race. He was credited with a 17th-place finish when the checkered flag fell.
Logano was stoic in his post-race comments, saying, "I needed more gas. The Shell car isn't supposed to run out of gas. The positive is we were way better than we were on Friday and Saturday. The negative is that we almost won the race but ended up finishing 17th. You win some, you lose some. If the caution came out, we would have been in good shape, but it stayed green and it didn't pay off. We played it the other way at Pocono and the caution came out. That is two races where we played it wrong both times."
Logano led 52 laps, claimed eight total stage points. He sits second (-20) in the MENCS playoff points standings.
Next up: Bristol Motor Speedway. Logano has two wins there, in 2014 and 2015, driving for Roger Penske. His finish earlier this year was third, after starting seventh, and leading 146 laps.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
Fuel Shortage Strategy Fails for Joey Logano and the No. 22 team
August 11, 2019
Starting eighth in the Consumers Energy 400 on Sunday at Michigan International Speedway, Joey Logano had a fast car and raced his way to fourth in the first two laps, running some of the fastest laps among competitors. On lap six, he grabbed third in the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang, but also reported the car was a little free in the center of the turn and slightly tight on exit.
Running third until making a green flag pit stop on lap 42, Logano notified his team that the car was tight, so they made air pressure adjustments and a two-tire pit stop, and Logano finished fourth in Stage 1. Crew Chief Todd Gordon called for four tires plus air pressure adjustments during the stage caution in order to alleviate the tight handling condition.
Logano started Stage 2 in 11th position and reported the Shell-Pennzoil Ford took off free but went to tight through the run. He raced his way back into the top five but slipped back to tenth before making his third pit stop of the day on lap 107. During that stop, the team made air pressure adjustments to the right rear and left front, added fuel to finish the segment, and gave Logano four tires. On lap 117, the second caution set up a one-lap run to finish the stage on lap 120. Taking advantage of the restart, Logano climbed up to fourth place and the team chose not to pit during the stage caution. The Team Penske driver restarted second while the rest of the field needed to pit one more time before the end of the race. On the restart, Logano claimed the lead on lap 127 and led all but one lap, until the sixth, and final caution, waved on lap 150.
Pitting for two tires and fuel during the final caution, while others took fuel only, Logano cycled back to the third position, lining up behind his two teammates, Brad Keselowski and Ryan Blaney. He powered to the lead on lap 154 with a major push from the No. 21 of Paul Menard, and reclaimed the lead over teammate Blaney.
Logano gave up the lead on lap 183 to Kevin Harvick and settled in to second position, well aware he would have to hit pit road for a splash of fuel if the race stayed green.
With no yellow in the closing laps and three laps remaining, Logano pitted for just enough fuel to finish the race. He was credited with a 17th-place finish when the checkered flag fell.
Logano was stoic in his post-race comments, saying, "I needed more gas. The Shell car isn't supposed to run out of gas. The positive is we were way better than we were on Friday and Saturday. The negative is that we almost won the race but ended up finishing 17th. You win some, you lose some. If the caution came out, we would have been in good shape, but it stayed green and it didn't pay off. We played it the other way at Pocono and the caution came out. That is two races where we played it wrong both times."
Logano led 52 laps, claimed eight total stage points. He sits second (-20) in the MENCS playoff points standings.
Next up: Bristol Motor Speedway. Logano has two wins there, in 2014 and 2015, driving for Roger Penske. His finish earlier this year was third, after starting seventh, and leading 146 laps.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
Image: License Plate Merry
|
Image: License Plate Merry
|
Frustration Rules Joey Logano's Day at Watkins Glen
August 4, 2019
Finishing in 23rd place, Joey Logano relinquished his NASCAR Cup Series points lead to Kyle Busch by 13 points, holding second place, after a rough day that saw him bring home a 23rd position finish.
Logano started the Go Bowling at The Glen in 21st and was inside the top 15 by lap four of the 90-lap race. He reported the No. 22 Mustang lacked drive-off on the corner exit, but in spite of the handling issues, he worked his way up to 14th position, before making a scheduled green flag pit stop on lap 17, taking four tires, fuel, and getting air pressure adjustments. When Stage 1 ended on Lap 20, Logano had a 29th-place finish. However, the No. 22 team gave him fuel only under the stage caution, and he lined up 14th for the restart on lap 24.
Within the first lap of Stage 2, Logano damaged the right-front of his Ford Mustang during his trek through the bus stop corner, amidst the tightly bunched pack of other drivers. Pitting twice to repair damage to the right-front fender and toe, Logano still had handling issues and ended up 27th when the segment ended on lap 40.
Logano reported the MoneyLion Ford Mustang was extremely loose and still lacking drive off during lap 48. A little later, he also reported being tight on left turns. Crew Chief Todd Gordon brought Logano to pit road on lap 58 for a wedge adjustment and four-tire change to improve handling.
On lap 63, the final caution of the race, Logano pitted for a chassis adjustment only, restarting 26th on lap 65, and effort not withstanding, was only able to advance to 23rd position over the remaining 25 laps.
"We struggled a bit throughout the weekend getting the handling right on our MoneyLion Ford Mustang. We fought it throughout the race, but what really hurt our chances was the damage right after that restart. Fortunately, we race at Michigan next weekend and that's a track that's been really good to us in the past," Logano said after the race.
Logano has won three times for Team Penske at Michigan, including August 2013, June 2016, and June of this year. In addition to his wins, he also has nine top-10's there since joining the team, and has started on the pole four times, including in June.
This writer is all for seeing him in VL again on Sunday!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
August 4, 2019
Finishing in 23rd place, Joey Logano relinquished his NASCAR Cup Series points lead to Kyle Busch by 13 points, holding second place, after a rough day that saw him bring home a 23rd position finish.
Logano started the Go Bowling at The Glen in 21st and was inside the top 15 by lap four of the 90-lap race. He reported the No. 22 Mustang lacked drive-off on the corner exit, but in spite of the handling issues, he worked his way up to 14th position, before making a scheduled green flag pit stop on lap 17, taking four tires, fuel, and getting air pressure adjustments. When Stage 1 ended on Lap 20, Logano had a 29th-place finish. However, the No. 22 team gave him fuel only under the stage caution, and he lined up 14th for the restart on lap 24.
Within the first lap of Stage 2, Logano damaged the right-front of his Ford Mustang during his trek through the bus stop corner, amidst the tightly bunched pack of other drivers. Pitting twice to repair damage to the right-front fender and toe, Logano still had handling issues and ended up 27th when the segment ended on lap 40.
Logano reported the MoneyLion Ford Mustang was extremely loose and still lacking drive off during lap 48. A little later, he also reported being tight on left turns. Crew Chief Todd Gordon brought Logano to pit road on lap 58 for a wedge adjustment and four-tire change to improve handling.
On lap 63, the final caution of the race, Logano pitted for a chassis adjustment only, restarting 26th on lap 65, and effort not withstanding, was only able to advance to 23rd position over the remaining 25 laps.
"We struggled a bit throughout the weekend getting the handling right on our MoneyLion Ford Mustang. We fought it throughout the race, but what really hurt our chances was the damage right after that restart. Fortunately, we race at Michigan next weekend and that's a track that's been really good to us in the past," Logano said after the race.
Logano has won three times for Team Penske at Michigan, including August 2013, June 2016, and June of this year. In addition to his wins, he also has nine top-10's there since joining the team, and has started on the pole four times, including in June.
This writer is all for seeing him in VL again on Sunday!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
Images: Dawn Charest
Decent Pocono Stage Points Keep Joey Logano 1st in Points Standings
July 28, 2019
It was not the win he was hoping for, but reigning champ Joey Logano maintains his NASCAR Cup Series playoff points lead by six, even after he finished 13th in Pocono Raceway's Gander RV 400 on Sunday.
Starting second, Logano gained stage points in the first two stages, finishing second and third respectively. But his day went downhill starting with a lengthy pit stop on lap 114, which forced him to rally late in the race for a respectable finish.
Logano, in the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford, ran in second position for the opening 23 laps before pitting for right-side tires and an air pressure adjustment. Once he returned to the track, Logano reported his Mustang was free on corner entry but tight on exit. He held firm to second place until Stage 1 ended on lap 50, and scored nine points.
Pitting during the stage caution on lap 52, Logano took four tires, fuel, and a chassis adjustment, hoping to correct the car's handling conditions from the first stage.
In the opening laps of Stage 2, Logano reported he was still fighting loose while running the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford in 10th position. He cycled forward as other cars pitted, and reached the top five by lap 82. When the caution flag flew on lap 85, stage strategy changed, and under the caution, Logano reported he was out of control in dirty air, but in clear air the car was solid. Logano managed to finish third when Stage 2 concluded on lap 100.
Logano wheeled the No. 22 Team Penske Mustang into second position when the race went green on lap 103, but a caution flag brought the field back to pit road at lap 115, again changing the race. Crew chief Todd Gordon ordered a four-tire stop but unfortunately, the air hose for the rear changer tangled with the pit wall fire hose and the extra time spent on pit road cost Logano track position, shuffling him back to 19th position for the restart on lap 118.
Not to be deterred, Logano muscled his way back to 16th position by lap 131, and Gordon instructed his driver to go into aggressive fuel saving mode for the remainder of the race. During the seventh, and final caution, Logano pitted for two tires, restarting 17th and battling back to a 13th-place finish.
"We just lost track position on a late pit stop. It's unfortunate, we had a good car in clean air, struggled a bit in traffic, but I don't think that was different than anyone else in the race. Fortunately, we scored decent stage points in both the first two stages so that minimized the hit on finishing outside the top 10," Logano stated after the race.
Logano and the 22 team head to Watkins Glen next, where Logano finished first for Team Penske in 2015, second in 2016, but 37th in 2018.
The track will host the Go Bowling at The Glen race on Sunday, August 4, when the stars of NASCAR return to the iconic location, one of only two road courses on the circuit.
The Glen had its beginnings in 1948 when a road course was set up through the streets of the village for sports car races, and a permanent course was set up in 1956.
Sitting at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, in Watkins Glen, New York, the track was long known around the world as the home of the Formula One United States Grand Prix.
Owned by ISC, the current layout is very popular among both fans and drivers, known as the Mecca of North American road racing. The track is a 2.45-mile paved road course, with seven turns and a variety of banking, ranging from six to 10 degrees. The length of the frontstretch is 2,150 feet and the backstretch measures 2, 600 feet. Grandstands can seat 38, 900 fans. The latest repaving was in 2015.
Pit stalls are 29 feet in length, 20 feet in width.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
July 28, 2019
It was not the win he was hoping for, but reigning champ Joey Logano maintains his NASCAR Cup Series playoff points lead by six, even after he finished 13th in Pocono Raceway's Gander RV 400 on Sunday.
Starting second, Logano gained stage points in the first two stages, finishing second and third respectively. But his day went downhill starting with a lengthy pit stop on lap 114, which forced him to rally late in the race for a respectable finish.
Logano, in the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford, ran in second position for the opening 23 laps before pitting for right-side tires and an air pressure adjustment. Once he returned to the track, Logano reported his Mustang was free on corner entry but tight on exit. He held firm to second place until Stage 1 ended on lap 50, and scored nine points.
Pitting during the stage caution on lap 52, Logano took four tires, fuel, and a chassis adjustment, hoping to correct the car's handling conditions from the first stage.
In the opening laps of Stage 2, Logano reported he was still fighting loose while running the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford in 10th position. He cycled forward as other cars pitted, and reached the top five by lap 82. When the caution flag flew on lap 85, stage strategy changed, and under the caution, Logano reported he was out of control in dirty air, but in clear air the car was solid. Logano managed to finish third when Stage 2 concluded on lap 100.
Logano wheeled the No. 22 Team Penske Mustang into second position when the race went green on lap 103, but a caution flag brought the field back to pit road at lap 115, again changing the race. Crew chief Todd Gordon ordered a four-tire stop but unfortunately, the air hose for the rear changer tangled with the pit wall fire hose and the extra time spent on pit road cost Logano track position, shuffling him back to 19th position for the restart on lap 118.
Not to be deterred, Logano muscled his way back to 16th position by lap 131, and Gordon instructed his driver to go into aggressive fuel saving mode for the remainder of the race. During the seventh, and final caution, Logano pitted for two tires, restarting 17th and battling back to a 13th-place finish.
"We just lost track position on a late pit stop. It's unfortunate, we had a good car in clean air, struggled a bit in traffic, but I don't think that was different than anyone else in the race. Fortunately, we scored decent stage points in both the first two stages so that minimized the hit on finishing outside the top 10," Logano stated after the race.
Logano and the 22 team head to Watkins Glen next, where Logano finished first for Team Penske in 2015, second in 2016, but 37th in 2018.
The track will host the Go Bowling at The Glen race on Sunday, August 4, when the stars of NASCAR return to the iconic location, one of only two road courses on the circuit.
The Glen had its beginnings in 1948 when a road course was set up through the streets of the village for sports car races, and a permanent course was set up in 1956.
Sitting at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, in Watkins Glen, New York, the track was long known around the world as the home of the Formula One United States Grand Prix.
Owned by ISC, the current layout is very popular among both fans and drivers, known as the Mecca of North American road racing. The track is a 2.45-mile paved road course, with seven turns and a variety of banking, ranging from six to 10 degrees. The length of the frontstretch is 2,150 feet and the backstretch measures 2, 600 feet. Grandstands can seat 38, 900 fans. The latest repaving was in 2015.
Pit stalls are 29 feet in length, 20 feet in width.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
Images: License Plate Merry
|
|
|
|
Not the New Hampshire Finish He Wanted
but Joey Logano Maintains NASCAR Cup Series Lead
July 21, 2019
Starting eighth in the Foxwoods Casino Resort 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, Joey Logano fought handling issues in the No. 22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang for most of the race, but scored his 14th top-ten finish of the 2019 season.
but Joey Logano Maintains NASCAR Cup Series Lead
July 21, 2019
Starting eighth in the Foxwoods Casino Resort 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, Joey Logano fought handling issues in the No. 22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang for most of the race, but scored his 14th top-ten finish of the 2019 season.
Image courtesy of License Plate Merry (aka Merry Mendoza).
Reporting the car was too free on corner entry during the early laps of the race, Logano ran inside the top 10 while his crew developed a strategy to tighten up the No. 22 Mustang. At lap 46, under caution, Logano hit pit road for four tires, fuel, two rounds of track bar adjustments, and returned to the track in ninth position.
Even with the changes, Logano still experienced a loose corner entry condition throughout the remainder of Stage 1, and was in 13th position when the segment ended on lap 75. During the stage caution, he reported the only noticeable handling change was that the car was now tighter on throttle. Logano continued to battle handling conditions and found himself in 16th position at lap 103.
A caution flag on lap 111 provided an opportunity for the No. 22 team to pit for adjustments, and they returned the track bar to the race start position, and made an air pressure adjustment. During a caution prior to the end of Stage 2, Crew Chief Todd Gordon left Logano on the track, and he was able to cycle forward to claim a second-place finish when the segment ended on lap 150, grabbing nine valuable regular season points.
Logano pitted during the stage caution and the team made additional track bar and air pressure adjustments. The No. 22 Team Penske driver then worked his way up to 11th position by lap 170, but reported he was dragging the brake to the center of the corner to keep the car tightened up.
Logano pitted during the seventh caution on lap 215, along with most of the leaders, returning for another wedge adjustment in an effort to improve a car that had been slowly coming to him during the race.
During the ninth and final caution, with 34 laps remaining, Logano came back to pit road for air pressure adjustments and four fresh tires, restarting in 11th position, in the lesser-preferred inside line.
Much improved, the No. 22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang allowed Logano to move forward in the field, running as high as sixth before fading to ninth as the checkered flag dropped.
Logano managed to persevere through his race struggles to maintain a three-point NASCAR Cup Series point standing over Kyle Busch.
"We were off when we unloaded the AAA Insurance Ford and we just kept trying to find a little something here and there to keep moving forward on things and never really did. We qualified eighth and ran about 12th to 15th most of the race. We grabbed some stage points in the second stage and came home ninth, so that's the best we had. I'm a little disappointed with that. I want to be better here, but we learned what not to do and sometimes that's very valuable," Logano said in a post-race interview.
The No. 22 team heads to the Gander RV 400 at Pocono Raceway this upcoming weekend.
Plan ahead, because Logano will be at the Planet Fitness location, 24411 Michigan Ave, in Dearborn, MI on August 8 at 5 pm.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
Even with the changes, Logano still experienced a loose corner entry condition throughout the remainder of Stage 1, and was in 13th position when the segment ended on lap 75. During the stage caution, he reported the only noticeable handling change was that the car was now tighter on throttle. Logano continued to battle handling conditions and found himself in 16th position at lap 103.
A caution flag on lap 111 provided an opportunity for the No. 22 team to pit for adjustments, and they returned the track bar to the race start position, and made an air pressure adjustment. During a caution prior to the end of Stage 2, Crew Chief Todd Gordon left Logano on the track, and he was able to cycle forward to claim a second-place finish when the segment ended on lap 150, grabbing nine valuable regular season points.
Logano pitted during the stage caution and the team made additional track bar and air pressure adjustments. The No. 22 Team Penske driver then worked his way up to 11th position by lap 170, but reported he was dragging the brake to the center of the corner to keep the car tightened up.
Logano pitted during the seventh caution on lap 215, along with most of the leaders, returning for another wedge adjustment in an effort to improve a car that had been slowly coming to him during the race.
During the ninth and final caution, with 34 laps remaining, Logano came back to pit road for air pressure adjustments and four fresh tires, restarting in 11th position, in the lesser-preferred inside line.
Much improved, the No. 22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang allowed Logano to move forward in the field, running as high as sixth before fading to ninth as the checkered flag dropped.
Logano managed to persevere through his race struggles to maintain a three-point NASCAR Cup Series point standing over Kyle Busch.
"We were off when we unloaded the AAA Insurance Ford and we just kept trying to find a little something here and there to keep moving forward on things and never really did. We qualified eighth and ran about 12th to 15th most of the race. We grabbed some stage points in the second stage and came home ninth, so that's the best we had. I'm a little disappointed with that. I want to be better here, but we learned what not to do and sometimes that's very valuable," Logano said in a post-race interview.
The No. 22 team heads to the Gander RV 400 at Pocono Raceway this upcoming weekend.
Plan ahead, because Logano will be at the Planet Fitness location, 24411 Michigan Ave, in Dearborn, MI on August 8 at 5 pm.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
No. 22 Gets "Buschwacked" on Left Rear on Kentucky Restart
July 13, 2019
Joey Logano's hopes of a win in the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway vanished when NASCAR called a late caution for an issue with the No. 43 car Saturday night.
Starting from 11th position, Logano dropped to 13th and reported the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was too tight on fire off.
By lap 10 of the first stage, Logano reported the handling was good as he had worked his way back into the top 10, with lap times equal to or faster than the race leader. On lap 48, with a two tire stop, Logano restarted in sixth for the second half of stage 1, and moved into second place when another restart occurred, along side of race leader Kurt Busch, and ended the stage in second place.
Logano pitted for four tires and fuel under the stage-ending caution on lap 82, while seven cars stayed on track and others pitted for two tires. It lined Logano up in 15th position, his deepest track position of the night to that point. Although he worked his way up to the top 10, Logano was forced to make a four-tire stop on lap 120 under the green, due to a vibration, which turned out to be a chunked right rear tire.
Logano made the four new tires work in his favor and moved back up to fourth position. Under the caution, he reported he needed the front of the car to turn better, but with the track losing grip, could not afford to be any freer in the rear of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Mustang. During the stage ending stop, the team adjusted with air pressure and four tires.
Logano continued his forward momentum, reaching second position before pitting at lap 226 for a two-tire stop along with race leader Kyle Busch.
Logano secured the lead in the final stage with 19 laps remaining after battling with the No. 18 and drove out to an over two-second lead before a caution with six laps to go brought out the yellow flag.
Opting to leave Logano out on the track, Crew Chief Todd Gordon based his decision on the lap times having remained at the top of the field.
Unfortunately, Logano found himself shuffled to the middle on the final restart, and other competitors on fresher tires raced around him, resulting in seventh-place finish for the Shell-Pennzoil team.
"The caution came out at the wrong time. It happens. You try to think through your notebook on how to have a good restart. I thought I was going to have a decent one, but I got stopped on the left rear there when Kyle got into me. That is what it is. That stopped all my momentum. The 1 had a huge run and I didn't have anywhere to go. I couldn't block them all. I tried to stop the 18 on his right rear b side-drafting. I saw the 1 coming and felt like if I could get in front of him that we were so low at the time if I blocked the 1 he would just go to the middle and pass me. I felt like I couldn't stop the 1. I was in a bad spot. Once I got stopped on the left rear on the restart I was a sitting duck and they just went by me on both sides," Logano said in an after-race interview.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
July 13, 2019
Joey Logano's hopes of a win in the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway vanished when NASCAR called a late caution for an issue with the No. 43 car Saturday night.
Starting from 11th position, Logano dropped to 13th and reported the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was too tight on fire off.
By lap 10 of the first stage, Logano reported the handling was good as he had worked his way back into the top 10, with lap times equal to or faster than the race leader. On lap 48, with a two tire stop, Logano restarted in sixth for the second half of stage 1, and moved into second place when another restart occurred, along side of race leader Kurt Busch, and ended the stage in second place.
Logano pitted for four tires and fuel under the stage-ending caution on lap 82, while seven cars stayed on track and others pitted for two tires. It lined Logano up in 15th position, his deepest track position of the night to that point. Although he worked his way up to the top 10, Logano was forced to make a four-tire stop on lap 120 under the green, due to a vibration, which turned out to be a chunked right rear tire.
Logano made the four new tires work in his favor and moved back up to fourth position. Under the caution, he reported he needed the front of the car to turn better, but with the track losing grip, could not afford to be any freer in the rear of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Mustang. During the stage ending stop, the team adjusted with air pressure and four tires.
Logano continued his forward momentum, reaching second position before pitting at lap 226 for a two-tire stop along with race leader Kyle Busch.
Logano secured the lead in the final stage with 19 laps remaining after battling with the No. 18 and drove out to an over two-second lead before a caution with six laps to go brought out the yellow flag.
Opting to leave Logano out on the track, Crew Chief Todd Gordon based his decision on the lap times having remained at the top of the field.
Unfortunately, Logano found himself shuffled to the middle on the final restart, and other competitors on fresher tires raced around him, resulting in seventh-place finish for the Shell-Pennzoil team.
"The caution came out at the wrong time. It happens. You try to think through your notebook on how to have a good restart. I thought I was going to have a decent one, but I got stopped on the left rear there when Kyle got into me. That is what it is. That stopped all my momentum. The 1 had a huge run and I didn't have anywhere to go. I couldn't block them all. I tried to stop the 18 on his right rear b side-drafting. I saw the 1 coming and felt like if I could get in front of him that we were so low at the time if I blocked the 1 he would just go to the middle and pass me. I felt like I couldn't stop the 1. I was in a bad spot. Once I got stopped on the left rear on the restart I was a sitting duck and they just went by me on both sides," Logano said in an after-race interview.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
The No. 22 in the garage at Kentucky. Image courtesy: Tiffany Faw / Ladies of Speed
|
Image courtesy: Tiffany Faw / Ladies of Speed
|
Image courtesy: Tiffany Faw / Ladies of Speed
|
Logano Maintains +18 Point Standing over Kyle Busch after Daytona Fiasco
July 7, 2019
Joey Logano started on the pole on Sunday after inclement weather caused qualifying to be cancelled for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Friday.
July 7, 2019
Joey Logano started on the pole on Sunday after inclement weather caused qualifying to be cancelled for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Friday.
Images courtesy: Merry Mendoza
|
|
|
Flexing the muscle of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang, Logano led 35 of 50 laps in Stage 1 and with an awesome pass, on the final lap of the segment, scored his seventh stage win of the 2019 season!
A late-race incident squashed Logano's hopes of a win when he was caught up in it in the final segment and he ended up settling for a 25th position finish, but holds on to his +18 point lead of Kyle Busch in the points standings.
Logano worked the inside line with drafting help from his team, and with a single file draft, the leaders pulled away from the pack. Logano reported his car was a bit loose while being pushed, but he led until green flag pit stops began on lap 36, when he made a fuel-only pit stop.
Rejoining the field in second place behind Kevin Harvick, Logano stayed there until the final lap of the stage. At the entrance to turn 3, Logano dove to Harvick's inside and beat him to the finish line to grab his seventh stage victory of the 2019 season!
Restarting in fifth position, when the race went green on Lap 55, Logano came back to pit road for a splash of fuel. A multiple car accident on lap 84 brought out the fourth caution of the race and gave Logano the chance to pit for four fresh tires and fuel. Logano settled into 10th position for the remainder of stage 2, stating his car was driving well, but ones he was behind were not. Crew Chief Todd Gordon opted for a two-tire stop during the stage caution, giving Logano the lead when the race went green again on Lap 105.
But the restart was not what Logano hoped it would be. He was shuffled out of line and had to go into offensive mode to work with other Ford drivers. Unable to avoid an 18-car pileup on lap 120, the No. 22 team made extensive repairs to the rear of the Team Penske Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang, but a delay put a lengthy stop to action on the track at Lap 127. Heavy rains and lightning moved in to the area and NASCAR officials ended the race, with Logano ending up in 25th position.
"It was a bummer for sure. We had a really fast Shell-Pennzoil Ford and I thought we were going to get through that one. The front of our Mustang did, but the back just got tagged and that sent us into the wall. Proud of my guys and their attitude though! We brought it to pit road and they fixed it as best they could. We were going to try to make minimum speed with it. We had a great car and all the credit goes to everyone at Team Penske for that," Logano stated post-race.
Logano earned 10 Stage points and 1 Playoff Point for his Daytona effort.
Logano and his No. 22 team head to Kentucky Speedway for the Quaker State 400, presented by WalMart on Saturday, July 13.
In 2018, The Joey Logano Foundation and Kentucky Speedway broke ground to renovate Portland Park for a new activity center in the city.
In 2018, Logano started 19th, and finished stage 2 in 8th position, the race in 10th, and led 5 laps.
The track is owned by SMI and is 1.5 miles of asphalt racing surface. It is 72 feet wide, with 56 feet width in turns 1 and 2. There is 17-degree banking in turns 1 and 2, and 14 degree banking in turns 3 and 4. The backstretch is 1,600 feet and there is descending banking from the entry to exit of turn 4.
The track boasts 87, 000 grandstand seats, 323 luxury suites, 650 RV infield campsites, free parking for more than 30,000 vehicles, as well as other accommodations, and is constructed on 1000 acres.
Fun Fact: Logano, when driving for Gibbs, earned his first NASCAR Nationwide Series and Kentucky Speedway victories in a 300-mile event, becoming the youngest victor in NASCAR Nationwide Series history at 18 years and 21 days. He became the first repeat NASCAR Nationwide Series Victor in track history on June 13, 2009, and maintained his perfect Kentucky Speedway career record in 2010 by taking his third consecutive pole award at the track and earning his third consecutive series victory on June 12. He led 106 of 200 laps and edged Carl Edwards by 0.662 of a second at the finish line!
Here's to NASCAR CUP win Champ!
Logano will sign autographs for fans on behalf of the Coca-Cola Racing Family on Thursday at 5:30 pm at the WalMart in Carrolton, KY at 200 Floyd Drive, Carrolton, KY 41008. One hundred and fifty wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, with a limit of one item to be signed per person, per wristband.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
Joey Logano 18 points ahead of second-place Kyle Busch in Driver Point Standings after Chicago
June 30, 2019
Joey Logano started his No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang 19th in Sunday's Camping World 400 at Chicagoland Speedway and overcame ill-handling conditions early in the race to claim a third-place finish, his ninth top five of the 2019 season. Logano sits first in the points standings, (+19).
Moving forward six positions to 13th in Stage 1, Logano's forward momentum was temporarily halted when lightning and rain moved into the area, halting the race for a little more than three hours.
June 30, 2019
Joey Logano started his No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang 19th in Sunday's Camping World 400 at Chicagoland Speedway and overcame ill-handling conditions early in the race to claim a third-place finish, his ninth top five of the 2019 season. Logano sits first in the points standings, (+19).
Moving forward six positions to 13th in Stage 1, Logano's forward momentum was temporarily halted when lightning and rain moved into the area, halting the race for a little more than three hours.
Images courtesy: Judy Fredericks / LOS
|
|
|
Logano restarted 14th when the race resumed after pitting for four tires and fuel before the track went back green on Lap 16. Logano was inside the top 10 by Lap 20. He climbed as high as sixth but settled back into seventh as he fought a tight Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang. When pit stops began under green on Lap 53, Logano remained on the track, trying to stretch the fuel mileage as deep into the first stage as possible. He pitted during the stage caution, on lap 73 for fuel only and scored an 11th place finish when stage 1 ended on lap 80. |
|
Crew Chief Todd Gordon called for aggressive changes to the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford and the crew made wedge adjustments to both the left and right side of the Mustang. Logano was shuffled back to 17th when the race went green on Lap 85 due to the extra work.
Logano reported that the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang made a rapid swing to the free side after the adjustments. He remained on the loose side throughout much of stage 2, but eventually the balance shifted to neutral before the segment ended on Lap 160. |
|
Calling Logano to pit road during the stage caution, Gordon reversed course on the earlier wedge adjustments.
The No. 22 found new life with the new adjustments and Logano powered up to fourth position, breaking the top-five barrier for the first time during the race. He pitted on lap 216 for his final stop for four tires, fuel, and a piece of tape on the nose. Logano cycled up to third position when the pit cycle was complete, trailing race leader Alex Bowman by only four seconds.
The No. 22 found new life with the new adjustments and Logano powered up to fourth position, breaking the top-five barrier for the first time during the race. He pitted on lap 216 for his final stop for four tires, fuel, and a piece of tape on the nose. Logano cycled up to third position when the pit cycle was complete, trailing race leader Alex Bowman by only four seconds.
Logano remained in third, an admirable rebound from where he was earlier in the race. The finish gave the No. 22 team an 18-point advantage in the regular season standings, with only nine races remaining before the playoff cutoff!
Post-race, Logano said, "It looked like after we had that last green flag cycle things were looking pretty good. We ran down the No. 42. Both of us were catching the No. 88. I just couldn't get to Larson's inside or outside and get a run. I would get right to him but not enough of a run to make a move. I just got tight at the end and he drove away at the end. We were pushing really hard on the front tires and eventually they are going to give out. Congrats to Alex on his first win. There is nothing like that. That is cool for that team."
Qualifying at Daytona International Speedway has been cancelled due to inclement weather, so Logano will lead the pack to the green flag, if and when the race is able to be run. It is scheduled for Saturday, July 6 at 7:30 pm (ET) on NBC, MRN, and Sirius XM Ch. 90.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
Post-race, Logano said, "It looked like after we had that last green flag cycle things were looking pretty good. We ran down the No. 42. Both of us were catching the No. 88. I just couldn't get to Larson's inside or outside and get a run. I would get right to him but not enough of a run to make a move. I just got tight at the end and he drove away at the end. We were pushing really hard on the front tires and eventually they are going to give out. Congrats to Alex on his first win. There is nothing like that. That is cool for that team."
Qualifying at Daytona International Speedway has been cancelled due to inclement weather, so Logano will lead the pack to the green flag, if and when the race is able to be run. It is scheduled for Saturday, July 6 at 7:30 pm (ET) on NBC, MRN, and Sirius XM Ch. 90.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
Not the Weekend He Hoped For
Joey Logano doesn’t strike gold in CA
June 23, 2019
Qualifying third at Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota / Save Mart 350, Logano had a pretty good start on the road course, running in the top 5 for most of the event before alternator issues dropped him down in to 23rd position at the drop of the checkered flag.
Logano maintains the points lead with his Stage 1 and 2 finishes, sitting +1 ahead of second.
Running in the top four for the first ten laps, Logano reported the No 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford was building tight in both the front and rear tires as the race advanced. Logano was forced to give up the fourth position on lap 14, with six laps remaining in the stage, reporting he was losing more front grip than rear.
Logano also reported an alternator issue, and Crew Chief Todd Gordon instructed him to turn off the air conditioning unit and brake fans prior to the end of Stage 1. Under the caution, the 22 crew made a minor air pressure adjustment and changed all four tires. With a slight jacking issue and other cars pitting under green before the stage end, Logano dropped to 24th position, but moved to 13th during the first ten laps of Stage 2.
Quiet on the radio, Logano advanced his still slightly-tight Shell-Pennzoil Ford to fourth position before the end of Stage 2; under caution, he reported the tight condition was causing him problems mostly in the Carousel (brought back this year in celebration of the track’s 50th anniversary).
When the green flag dropped for the final stage of the race, Logano was deep in the field, rolling out 25th after lead lap cars had elected for pit stops under the green. Logano was able to advance to 16th position with 34 laps remaining in the final stage. With 29 laps remaining, Logano made what should have been his final pit stop, taking four tires and fuel, having run competitively throughout the first laps of Stage 3.
However, with 15 laps remaining, the No 22 Team Penske driver was forced to return to pit road for a battery replacement after running the majority of the road course event with a malfunctioning alternator. That stop would ruin an otherwise solid day for Logano, who’d had competitive lap times and run inside the top five throughout the afternoon, placing him in 23rd position when the checkered flag fell.
Maintaining his usual positive attitude after the race, Logano stated, “On the surface it would be easy to get discouraged. We didn’t get the finish we were capable of due to a mechanical failure, but overall we had good speed in our Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang. I’m proud of all my guys and everyone at Team Penske for the gains they made from last year to this year.”
Logano also mixed it up a bit with Comedian Gabriel Iglesias, (Fluffy), in a fun question and answer session before driver intros on Sunday, nailing all six multiple-choice questions, and when Fluffy told him to pick a number between 1 and 50 for a tie-breaker between Logano and Bubba Wallace, Joey laughed and of course said “22!” (My bet was Bubba wouldn’t give that same answer, lol)
Logano and the 22 team head to Chicagoland Speedway this weekend in Joliet, IL to run the Camping World 400 (2 pm CT on Sunday, June 30).
The track is about 30 miles south of downtown Chicago on Old Historic Route 66. It’s a 1.5 mile paved oval, wholly-owned by ISC; it will host NBC’s first broadcast of the 2019 Monster Energy Cup series. Logano finished 8th there in July, 2018.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
Joey Logano doesn’t strike gold in CA
June 23, 2019
Qualifying third at Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota / Save Mart 350, Logano had a pretty good start on the road course, running in the top 5 for most of the event before alternator issues dropped him down in to 23rd position at the drop of the checkered flag.
Logano maintains the points lead with his Stage 1 and 2 finishes, sitting +1 ahead of second.
Running in the top four for the first ten laps, Logano reported the No 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford was building tight in both the front and rear tires as the race advanced. Logano was forced to give up the fourth position on lap 14, with six laps remaining in the stage, reporting he was losing more front grip than rear.
Logano also reported an alternator issue, and Crew Chief Todd Gordon instructed him to turn off the air conditioning unit and brake fans prior to the end of Stage 1. Under the caution, the 22 crew made a minor air pressure adjustment and changed all four tires. With a slight jacking issue and other cars pitting under green before the stage end, Logano dropped to 24th position, but moved to 13th during the first ten laps of Stage 2.
Quiet on the radio, Logano advanced his still slightly-tight Shell-Pennzoil Ford to fourth position before the end of Stage 2; under caution, he reported the tight condition was causing him problems mostly in the Carousel (brought back this year in celebration of the track’s 50th anniversary).
When the green flag dropped for the final stage of the race, Logano was deep in the field, rolling out 25th after lead lap cars had elected for pit stops under the green. Logano was able to advance to 16th position with 34 laps remaining in the final stage. With 29 laps remaining, Logano made what should have been his final pit stop, taking four tires and fuel, having run competitively throughout the first laps of Stage 3.
However, with 15 laps remaining, the No 22 Team Penske driver was forced to return to pit road for a battery replacement after running the majority of the road course event with a malfunctioning alternator. That stop would ruin an otherwise solid day for Logano, who’d had competitive lap times and run inside the top five throughout the afternoon, placing him in 23rd position when the checkered flag fell.
Maintaining his usual positive attitude after the race, Logano stated, “On the surface it would be easy to get discouraged. We didn’t get the finish we were capable of due to a mechanical failure, but overall we had good speed in our Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang. I’m proud of all my guys and everyone at Team Penske for the gains they made from last year to this year.”
Logano also mixed it up a bit with Comedian Gabriel Iglesias, (Fluffy), in a fun question and answer session before driver intros on Sunday, nailing all six multiple-choice questions, and when Fluffy told him to pick a number between 1 and 50 for a tie-breaker between Logano and Bubba Wallace, Joey laughed and of course said “22!” (My bet was Bubba wouldn’t give that same answer, lol)
Logano and the 22 team head to Chicagoland Speedway this weekend in Joliet, IL to run the Camping World 400 (2 pm CT on Sunday, June 30).
The track is about 30 miles south of downtown Chicago on Old Historic Route 66. It’s a 1.5 mile paved oval, wholly-owned by ISC; it will host NBC’s first broadcast of the 2019 Monster Energy Cup series. Logano finished 8th there in July, 2018.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
Image: Debbie Powers
|
|
|
Strategy No Match for Dirty Air and Chaotic Restarts In Pocono
Joey Logano Race Weekend Recap
June 2, 2019
Starting 16th in Sunday’s Pocono 400, Joey Logano powered his way into the top 10 by Lap 3, despite battling dirty air when he was behind other cars.
Pitting from the 10th position on the Lap 20 competition caution, Logano made a 2-tire stop with an air pressure adjustment to loosen up the car. On Lap 30, when the race saw its second caution, Logano reported his car was overall looser and maintained the fifth position.
Logano finished Stage 1 in eighth on Lap 50. The No. 22 crew made an air pressure adjustment to help Logano on corner exit during his pit stop and gained two spots on pit road, but ultimately restarted 14th due to various pit strategies among the leaders. Logano was able to run in the top 10 despite a still-somewhat tight car, and stretching his fuel mileage as other leaders began to pit. Logano ended Stage 2 in second.
Logano reported his No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was as tight as it had been all day when Stage 3 began, yet managed to stay in the top 10. When Logano pitted, his team made air pressure and track bar adjustments, and Logano reported the car was freer, but still fighting tight on corner exit.
When the eighth and final caution flag flew, Logano hit pit road for two right-side tires and tape on the nose of his Ford Mustang. The race went green with nine laps to go, and powering his way to seventh, Logano maintained but could not advance any further, claiming 7th position when Stage 3 ended.
After the race, Logano stated, “It was brutal to pass, really hard in dirty air. It was all about strategy and restarts and you saw some chaotic restarts. The last restart was insane. I was in the middle of it and we were four or five wide down into one and I wasn’t sure where I was supposed to be. You hope it all sorts out and somehow it did. That is where the race is at, trying to get a good restart and then figure out how to get ahead of everyone on strategy.”
The 2018 Champ currently sits 2nd in the points standings, (-4) behind 1st.
Joey Logano Race Weekend Recap
June 2, 2019
Starting 16th in Sunday’s Pocono 400, Joey Logano powered his way into the top 10 by Lap 3, despite battling dirty air when he was behind other cars.
Pitting from the 10th position on the Lap 20 competition caution, Logano made a 2-tire stop with an air pressure adjustment to loosen up the car. On Lap 30, when the race saw its second caution, Logano reported his car was overall looser and maintained the fifth position.
Logano finished Stage 1 in eighth on Lap 50. The No. 22 crew made an air pressure adjustment to help Logano on corner exit during his pit stop and gained two spots on pit road, but ultimately restarted 14th due to various pit strategies among the leaders. Logano was able to run in the top 10 despite a still-somewhat tight car, and stretching his fuel mileage as other leaders began to pit. Logano ended Stage 2 in second.
Logano reported his No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was as tight as it had been all day when Stage 3 began, yet managed to stay in the top 10. When Logano pitted, his team made air pressure and track bar adjustments, and Logano reported the car was freer, but still fighting tight on corner exit.
When the eighth and final caution flag flew, Logano hit pit road for two right-side tires and tape on the nose of his Ford Mustang. The race went green with nine laps to go, and powering his way to seventh, Logano maintained but could not advance any further, claiming 7th position when Stage 3 ended.
After the race, Logano stated, “It was brutal to pass, really hard in dirty air. It was all about strategy and restarts and you saw some chaotic restarts. The last restart was insane. I was in the middle of it and we were four or five wide down into one and I wasn’t sure where I was supposed to be. You hope it all sorts out and somehow it did. That is where the race is at, trying to get a good restart and then figure out how to get ahead of everyone on strategy.”
The 2018 Champ currently sits 2nd in the points standings, (-4) behind 1st.
Photo courtesy of Elaine Bush
|
Logano also showed his heart this weekend through the Joey Logano Foundation and his JL Kids Crew Program. Based on Logano’s determination to give back, this program was created to provide an exclusive, fun-filled day for children who are going through challenging situations ( physically and/or emotionally). Only a few children are selected each year to participate and the program provides a unique, “forever memory” experience for them!
Included are: *JL Kids Crew apparel *Framed JL Kids Crew certificate presented by Joey * Exclusive pit and garage tour *Meet and Greet with Joey *Attend the Drivers’ Meeting with Joey *Become an Honorary Pit Crew Member for the day Alex Raposo was selected to be this year’s first participant in Pocono! |
Alex is 11 years old and watches every single race, always cheering Logano on! Alex lives with autism and being deaf and the unique challenges those bring. The Foundation made one of his dreams come true and gave him a carefree, fun day with Logano and the 22 Team.
I hope the No. 22 Team Penske driver knows the impact he and his Foundation make in the lives of these children...his fans certainly do!
I hope the No. 22 Team Penske driver knows the impact he and his Foundation make in the lives of these children...his fans certainly do!
Logano and his No. 22 team head to Michigan International Speedway this coming weekend for the Firekeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, June 9 at 2 pm(ET). The track has 18-degree banking and 73-foot wide sweeping turns and is set in the Irish Hills. It offers drivers three and four grooves on its two-mile speedway.
FUN FACT: Roger Penske purchased the track in 1973 and invested into it for over 25 years, before selling it to ISC in 1999. The Captain’s visionary impact was put into reality with expanded grandstands, 28 pit terrace suites, an administration building, two ticket offices, a maintenance building, a warehouse, a sign shop, an entertainment shop, a Competition Tire building, and a Motorsports International Building during the time he owned it.
The team takes a week off after Michigan and then heads to Sonoma Raceway in California, celebrating its 50th anniversary, for some mix-it-up, turn left AND right, road course racing, including the Carousel on June 23.
This reporter will be heading that way too. I’ll be feeding them all weekend long so keep your eyes open for pictures! With that being said, I’d better sign off and get some baking done.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
FUN FACT: Roger Penske purchased the track in 1973 and invested into it for over 25 years, before selling it to ISC in 1999. The Captain’s visionary impact was put into reality with expanded grandstands, 28 pit terrace suites, an administration building, two ticket offices, a maintenance building, a warehouse, a sign shop, an entertainment shop, a Competition Tire building, and a Motorsports International Building during the time he owned it.
The team takes a week off after Michigan and then heads to Sonoma Raceway in California, celebrating its 50th anniversary, for some mix-it-up, turn left AND right, road course racing, including the Carousel on June 23.
This reporter will be heading that way too. I’ll be feeding them all weekend long so keep your eyes open for pictures! With that being said, I’d better sign off and get some baking done.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
Joey Logano hopes to cross Coca-Cola 600 off his bucket list
May 18, 2019
After a fourth-place finish in the final stage of the All-Star Race, Joey Logano has his sights set on bringing home the checkered flag in this week’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway!
Starting 10th last weekend in the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang for Team Penske, Logano maneuvered his way to ninth position with the car being tight. Under a caution flag on Lap 25, Logano brought the car to pit road, where the No. 22 team made an air pressure adjustment and gave him four tires.
Restarting in seventh position, Logano moved his way up to fourth in the two-lap dash for position at the end of Stage 1.
Logano settled in to second place behind leader Kevin Harvick in the early laps of stage 2 and remained there. Logano reported his No. 22 Ford Mustang was still too tight at the end of the second stage.
Restarting in second when stage 3 began, Logano quickly took the lead on the second lap and kept it for the win in that stage!
During the stage caution, Logano stayed out to keep the lead and the first car behind him with four fresh tires was in eighth position.
Shuffled back to third position on the final stage restart, Logano had another chance to grab the lead when a caution fell on Lap 74. However, another caution on Lap 76 saw the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil driver hit pit road for sticker tires, and Logano restarted 16th, racing his way into fourth position before the checkered flag dropped.
After the race, Logano stated, in part, “We’ll come back here next week and try to win the Coca-Cola 600, it’s a bucket-list race for me being a Coke driver.”
Logano sits first in driver points, 9 ahead of second place! Looks like the Champ is going for back-to-back titles!
Catch the Coca-Cola 600 on Fox at 6 pm (ET) on Sunday, May 26.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
May 18, 2019
After a fourth-place finish in the final stage of the All-Star Race, Joey Logano has his sights set on bringing home the checkered flag in this week’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway!
Starting 10th last weekend in the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang for Team Penske, Logano maneuvered his way to ninth position with the car being tight. Under a caution flag on Lap 25, Logano brought the car to pit road, where the No. 22 team made an air pressure adjustment and gave him four tires.
Restarting in seventh position, Logano moved his way up to fourth in the two-lap dash for position at the end of Stage 1.
Logano settled in to second place behind leader Kevin Harvick in the early laps of stage 2 and remained there. Logano reported his No. 22 Ford Mustang was still too tight at the end of the second stage.
Restarting in second when stage 3 began, Logano quickly took the lead on the second lap and kept it for the win in that stage!
During the stage caution, Logano stayed out to keep the lead and the first car behind him with four fresh tires was in eighth position.
Shuffled back to third position on the final stage restart, Logano had another chance to grab the lead when a caution fell on Lap 74. However, another caution on Lap 76 saw the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil driver hit pit road for sticker tires, and Logano restarted 16th, racing his way into fourth position before the checkered flag dropped.
After the race, Logano stated, in part, “We’ll come back here next week and try to win the Coca-Cola 600, it’s a bucket-list race for me being a Coke driver.”
Logano sits first in driver points, 9 ahead of second place! Looks like the Champ is going for back-to-back titles!
Catch the Coca-Cola 600 on Fox at 6 pm (ET) on Sunday, May 26.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for NASCAR gear!!
Photos courtesy of Brian Johnson
|
Photos courtesy of Brian Johnson
|
Joey Logano’s week 4/28-5/5/19: Talladega Numbers Don’t Stack Up, White House Visit Imprints “Forever Memories,” and Hoping for a Win During Dover’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
April 28, 2019
Joey Logano qualified the No. 22 MoneyLion Ford Mustang in eighth position for the 500-mile Talladega Superspeedway race last Sunday and finished in fourth.
Logano battled up front with his teammates Brad Keselowski and Ryan Blaney in the opening laps of the race. He took the lead on lap 8, just before the first caution on lap 12.
Crew chief Todd Gordon called for fuel only with Logano going into immediate full-save mode under yellow.
Logano joined a group of Ford Performance cars on lap 48 for fuel in an effort to make it to lap 55 and the end of stage 1. Gordon also ordered a wedge adjustment to secure the No. 22 car’s corner entry and exit. Logano finished Stage 1 in 25th position.
During the opening laps of Stage 2, Logano hung out around the top five and then, showing what the MoneyLion Ford Mustang was capable of, he drove back to the front!
During the pit stop to split the stage, the No. 22 crew gave the car fuel and two right-side tires. Logano reported he was bouncing off the splitter some and needed to have the snappy loose condition corrected. He ended up in 9th position when Stage 2 ended on lap 110.
Taking four tires and a small air pressure adjustment, Logano and the other drivers set the field up to be within one more pit stop to make it to the finish.
Logano reported the MoneyLion Ford Mustang was now looser in the opening laps of Stage 3 than it had been during all previous laps.
Bringing the No. 22 in on lap 133, Logano took 2 tires and fuel and the team made air pressure adjustments to tighten up the MoneyLion Ford’s handling.
Logano worked with his Team Penske teammates and made it back to the front prior to green flag pit stops, cycling back to second.
On lap 167, the driver of the No. 22 grabbed the lead again and with the help of his awesome spotter, T.J.Majors, skillfully worked multiple lanes.
During a caution with six laps to go, Logano, Majors, and Gordon discussed their observations of other competitors during green flag runs.
In the ‘Dega dash to the finish line, Logano briefly led, but ultimately claimed 4th position when the race concluded, out-maneuvering Daniel Hemric and Kurt Busch for the spot.
In a post-race statement, Logano said in part, "It’s tough when the numbers are stacked against you a little bit. The team did a good job and our MoneyLion Mustang was really fast.”
Logano sits 2nd in the points standings, 15 behind the leader.
April 28, 2019
Joey Logano qualified the No. 22 MoneyLion Ford Mustang in eighth position for the 500-mile Talladega Superspeedway race last Sunday and finished in fourth.
Logano battled up front with his teammates Brad Keselowski and Ryan Blaney in the opening laps of the race. He took the lead on lap 8, just before the first caution on lap 12.
Crew chief Todd Gordon called for fuel only with Logano going into immediate full-save mode under yellow.
Logano joined a group of Ford Performance cars on lap 48 for fuel in an effort to make it to lap 55 and the end of stage 1. Gordon also ordered a wedge adjustment to secure the No. 22 car’s corner entry and exit. Logano finished Stage 1 in 25th position.
During the opening laps of Stage 2, Logano hung out around the top five and then, showing what the MoneyLion Ford Mustang was capable of, he drove back to the front!
During the pit stop to split the stage, the No. 22 crew gave the car fuel and two right-side tires. Logano reported he was bouncing off the splitter some and needed to have the snappy loose condition corrected. He ended up in 9th position when Stage 2 ended on lap 110.
Taking four tires and a small air pressure adjustment, Logano and the other drivers set the field up to be within one more pit stop to make it to the finish.
Logano reported the MoneyLion Ford Mustang was now looser in the opening laps of Stage 3 than it had been during all previous laps.
Bringing the No. 22 in on lap 133, Logano took 2 tires and fuel and the team made air pressure adjustments to tighten up the MoneyLion Ford’s handling.
Logano worked with his Team Penske teammates and made it back to the front prior to green flag pit stops, cycling back to second.
On lap 167, the driver of the No. 22 grabbed the lead again and with the help of his awesome spotter, T.J.Majors, skillfully worked multiple lanes.
During a caution with six laps to go, Logano, Majors, and Gordon discussed their observations of other competitors during green flag runs.
In the ‘Dega dash to the finish line, Logano briefly led, but ultimately claimed 4th position when the race concluded, out-maneuvering Daniel Hemric and Kurt Busch for the spot.
In a post-race statement, Logano said in part, "It’s tough when the numbers are stacked against you a little bit. The team did a good job and our MoneyLion Mustang was really fast.”
Logano sits 2nd in the points standings, 15 behind the leader.
|
|
|
This reporter admires how Logano always has praise for his team and recognizes their efforts.
Apparently our President recognizes those efforts as well, because he mentioned them on Wednesday, during the traditional visit to the White House for the previous year’s NASCAR Cup Championship Team. Logano, “his” First Lady, Brittany, and Roger Penske, Travis Geisler (Competition Director), along with other Penske executives, and the entire 22 team, Mike Helton, and other guests, were welcomed by President Trump, who was presented with one of Logano’s race-worn helmets and an exact replica of his 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Championship trophy by Logano and the President’s long-time friend, Roger Penske.
At the conclusion of the formal ceremony, during which Logano again stated his well-known determination to give back, the President offered his guests the rare opportunity for a personal tour of the Lincoln Bedroom! (Yes, I am SO jealous!) That trademark Logano smile was definitely in place for that event of a lifetime (hopefully only the first of many!)
Now the team heads to Dover International Speedway which celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend! Logano has never won there and you can bet he’s hoping to break THAT tradition.
Logano has finished as low as 42nd and as high as 3rd, but a win has been consistently elusive at The Monster Mile with its 24 degree banking in the turns and 9 degree banking on the straightaways.
The Gander RV 400 MENCS race is scheduled to start at 2 pm (ET) on May 5th.
Head over to the Speedway’s website to check out all the festivities planned and find driver appearances for the 50th anniversary weekend.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
|
|
|
Ill-timed caution keeps Joey Logano from oh-so-close victory in Bristol
April 7, 2019
Joey Logano had a FAST car on Sunday when he hit the track for the Food City 500 in Bristol, TN. Starting in 7th position in the No. 22 Autotrader Ford Mustang, he moved into the top five by lap 15.
Reporting his car fired off tight, but slowly built loose as laps disappeared and rubber accumulated on the concrete half-mile track, Logano was able to pit for four tires and an air pressure adjustment during an early caution on lap 39.
Using the changes to his advantage, Logano moved up to third position, and ran there most of the remaining laps in Stage 1, ending that segment in fourth position at lap 125.
On lap 119, six laps from the finish of Stage 1, a third caution came out allowing Logano to pit, along with most of the leaders, and the team gave him four tires and an air pressure adjustment to help loosen up the No. 22 Autotrader Ford Mustang.
With two laps left in the opening segment when the race returned to green, Logano ended up in fourth position as Stage 1 ended on lap 125.
Early in Stage 2, Logano grabbed the lead from teammate Brad Keselowski on lap 145 and was able to build a four-second advantage, with 65 to go, before hitting lapped traffic.
Lap 214 brought a caution and saw race leaders head to pit road. Logano’s No.22 team made an air pressure adjustment to help the car’s tight condition. The adjustments worked and when the segment ended on lap 250, Logano claimed his third stage win of the 2019 season!
During the stage break, after Logano reported his No. 22 Autotrader Ford Mustang was going to the free side, the team made another air pressure adjustment and Logano was second on the restart when the race went green again on lap 261.
At lap 376, just before the eighth caution of the day, Logano lost his lead to Clint Bowyer. During the yellow flag, Logano reported his car was now tight. Crew Chief Todd Gordon called for another air pressure adjustment and Logano was able to line up third for the restart on lap 382.
Battling his teammate Keselowski, Logano grabbed the lead again on lap 470; however, the final caution on lap 479 saw split strategies among the leaders; having to make a split-second decision. Gordon opted for four tires, while others chose two, or stayed out on the track in what was generally a guessing game of strategy outcomes. Logano restarted in eighth position with fourteen laps to go in Stage 3, and gained position to bring the No. 22 Autotrader Ford Mustang home in third place at the end of the day.
Overall, Logano led 146 laps, claimed his fourth top-five finish of 2019, and gained one playoff point!
In his post-race summary, Logano said, “Right at the end there I thought when we got by the number 2 ( Keselowski) I said ‘If I can just hold him off, that’s the pass for the win.’ I was pretty confident we were going to be able to do that for 15 laps and then the caution came out. What do you do? Do you pit? Do you stay out? You know a few of them are going to stay out. By the time I got to third, those cars were so far ahead of me I was stuck and was not going to get to them. It stinks when you have the fastest car and don’t win, but it’s a team sport and it takes every piece to make it work. We had the car part figured out today, we just missed it on some other ends and just have to keep fighting hard. We got a stage win and led a lot of laps, but you want to win at Bristol so bad! Bristol is the coolest track.”
Logano also paid tribute to Darrell Waltrip this weekend, a gesture that left the veteran racer/retiring announcer with no words, something Waltrip’s co -announcer, Jeff Gordon, said he’d never seen before!
As always, Logano and his wife Brittany, continue their commitment to help others through the Joey Logano Foundation with multiple programs including the JL Kids Crew, along with a grant-funding program, the Comfort Care Backpacks Program, and Driving Hope Home, as well as The Team Logano Fan Club, of which 100% of the proceeds go to the foundation!
The No. 22 team heads to Richmond Raceway next weekend for the 400 lap/300 mile Toyota Owners 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race, scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm on Saturday( ET).
The track is one of the few to hold ALL of its events at night, and is a 0. 75 mile, D-shaped, asphalt race track. It has 4 turns, with 14 degrees of banking in those turns, 8 degrees on the front stretch, and 2 degrees on the back stretch. The track opened October 12, 1946 and is owned by ISC.
Fun fact: The race lap record is held by former Team Penske driver Sam Hornish, Jr. at 0.153197 seconds at 176.244 mph, in 2005, in IndyCar Series qualifying.
Logano led 92 laps in the 2018 spring race in Richmond, finishing Stages 1 and 2 in 1st place, claiming 4th place at the end of the race; September, 2018 found him ending Stages 1 and 2 in 10th place, with a finish in 14th.
Saturday night short-track racing, under the lights? A win could only make Logano’s trademark smile bigger!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
April 7, 2019
Joey Logano had a FAST car on Sunday when he hit the track for the Food City 500 in Bristol, TN. Starting in 7th position in the No. 22 Autotrader Ford Mustang, he moved into the top five by lap 15.
Reporting his car fired off tight, but slowly built loose as laps disappeared and rubber accumulated on the concrete half-mile track, Logano was able to pit for four tires and an air pressure adjustment during an early caution on lap 39.
Using the changes to his advantage, Logano moved up to third position, and ran there most of the remaining laps in Stage 1, ending that segment in fourth position at lap 125.
On lap 119, six laps from the finish of Stage 1, a third caution came out allowing Logano to pit, along with most of the leaders, and the team gave him four tires and an air pressure adjustment to help loosen up the No. 22 Autotrader Ford Mustang.
With two laps left in the opening segment when the race returned to green, Logano ended up in fourth position as Stage 1 ended on lap 125.
Early in Stage 2, Logano grabbed the lead from teammate Brad Keselowski on lap 145 and was able to build a four-second advantage, with 65 to go, before hitting lapped traffic.
Lap 214 brought a caution and saw race leaders head to pit road. Logano’s No.22 team made an air pressure adjustment to help the car’s tight condition. The adjustments worked and when the segment ended on lap 250, Logano claimed his third stage win of the 2019 season!
During the stage break, after Logano reported his No. 22 Autotrader Ford Mustang was going to the free side, the team made another air pressure adjustment and Logano was second on the restart when the race went green again on lap 261.
At lap 376, just before the eighth caution of the day, Logano lost his lead to Clint Bowyer. During the yellow flag, Logano reported his car was now tight. Crew Chief Todd Gordon called for another air pressure adjustment and Logano was able to line up third for the restart on lap 382.
Battling his teammate Keselowski, Logano grabbed the lead again on lap 470; however, the final caution on lap 479 saw split strategies among the leaders; having to make a split-second decision. Gordon opted for four tires, while others chose two, or stayed out on the track in what was generally a guessing game of strategy outcomes. Logano restarted in eighth position with fourteen laps to go in Stage 3, and gained position to bring the No. 22 Autotrader Ford Mustang home in third place at the end of the day.
Overall, Logano led 146 laps, claimed his fourth top-five finish of 2019, and gained one playoff point!
In his post-race summary, Logano said, “Right at the end there I thought when we got by the number 2 ( Keselowski) I said ‘If I can just hold him off, that’s the pass for the win.’ I was pretty confident we were going to be able to do that for 15 laps and then the caution came out. What do you do? Do you pit? Do you stay out? You know a few of them are going to stay out. By the time I got to third, those cars were so far ahead of me I was stuck and was not going to get to them. It stinks when you have the fastest car and don’t win, but it’s a team sport and it takes every piece to make it work. We had the car part figured out today, we just missed it on some other ends and just have to keep fighting hard. We got a stage win and led a lot of laps, but you want to win at Bristol so bad! Bristol is the coolest track.”
Logano also paid tribute to Darrell Waltrip this weekend, a gesture that left the veteran racer/retiring announcer with no words, something Waltrip’s co -announcer, Jeff Gordon, said he’d never seen before!
As always, Logano and his wife Brittany, continue their commitment to help others through the Joey Logano Foundation with multiple programs including the JL Kids Crew, along with a grant-funding program, the Comfort Care Backpacks Program, and Driving Hope Home, as well as The Team Logano Fan Club, of which 100% of the proceeds go to the foundation!
The No. 22 team heads to Richmond Raceway next weekend for the 400 lap/300 mile Toyota Owners 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race, scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm on Saturday( ET).
The track is one of the few to hold ALL of its events at night, and is a 0. 75 mile, D-shaped, asphalt race track. It has 4 turns, with 14 degrees of banking in those turns, 8 degrees on the front stretch, and 2 degrees on the back stretch. The track opened October 12, 1946 and is owned by ISC.
Fun fact: The race lap record is held by former Team Penske driver Sam Hornish, Jr. at 0.153197 seconds at 176.244 mph, in 2005, in IndyCar Series qualifying.
Logano led 92 laps in the 2018 spring race in Richmond, finishing Stages 1 and 2 in 1st place, claiming 4th place at the end of the race; September, 2018 found him ending Stages 1 and 2 in 10th place, with a finish in 14th.
Saturday night short-track racing, under the lights? A win could only make Logano’s trademark smile bigger!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
Courtesy of Merry Mendoza, Bristol, with permission (Trackside Live)
|
Courtesy of Dawn Charest, with permission
|
Joey Logano focuses on the positive despite Texas disappointment
March 31, 2019
Misfortune found Joey Logano and the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang team late in the race on Sunday in the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, despite a Stage 1 win.
Starting in 8th position in the 500-mile, 334-lap race, Logano moved up quickly to 3rd before the first caution on Lap 14. After final practice on Saturday, Crew Chief Todd Gordon and the team had made adjustments and Logano was happy with his car, especially the improved balance. Logano moved up to second on the restart, right behind leader Jimmie Johnson.
During the opening 50 laps, Logano reported the balance was good but that the car had started to swing tight. On the first stop, Gordon called for an air-pressure adjustment on the right rear, and Logano made up time on the race leader. On Lap 83, during a series of green-flag pit stops, Logano grabbed the lead and held on to it for his second stage win of the 2019 season, on Lap 85.
Continuing the top-five run in Stage 2, the driver of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang continued his forward momentum to second place before pitting on lap 145.
On lap 150, an ill-timed third caution put Logano a lap down, but he got the free pass and was able to get back on the lead lap. When Logano pitted during the yellow, Gordon called for a track-bar change and four tires; however, NASCAR ruled the team had an uncontrolled tire and the call sent Logano to the rear of the pack.
When Logano returned to the field, the hood of his Ford Mustang began collapsing at speed in clean air. Under the Stage 2 caution, Logano’s No.22 crew made multiple attempts to resolve the problem, using adhesive patches to hold the hood in place.
Logano, in spite of the unfortunate turn of events, was able to keep the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang in contention for the free pass back onto the lead lap.
On lap 256, during the fifth and final caution, the No. 22 team continued to make repairs and the adjustments worked, greatly improving the handling of the No. 22 Ford Mustang in the final laps of the race.
Logano was able to maintain his free-pass position, but with no additional cautions, was denied the chance to cash in and make up lost distance, winding up in 17th place at the conclusion of the race.
After an end the No. 22 team had hoped would be better, Logano’s outlook was upbeat: “We had race-winning speed early in the race with the Shell-Pennzoil Ford and that’s the positive you take from today. We’ve continued to show up with fast cars at every type of race track and that’s a really good thing. Unfortunately, we just had something break up under the hood and had to spend time fixing that and really hurt the aerodynamics of our Ford Mustang.”
Logano completed 333 of 334 laps, claimed a Stage 1 win, led 8 laps, and sits 4th in the points standings behind 1st (-35).
Logano and the No. 22 team head to Bristol next weekend, where he led 95 laps in August, 2018 and finished in 4th place.
You can bet the No. 22 team is going to give the short track all they’ve got to bring home a win!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
March 31, 2019
Misfortune found Joey Logano and the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang team late in the race on Sunday in the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, despite a Stage 1 win.
Starting in 8th position in the 500-mile, 334-lap race, Logano moved up quickly to 3rd before the first caution on Lap 14. After final practice on Saturday, Crew Chief Todd Gordon and the team had made adjustments and Logano was happy with his car, especially the improved balance. Logano moved up to second on the restart, right behind leader Jimmie Johnson.
During the opening 50 laps, Logano reported the balance was good but that the car had started to swing tight. On the first stop, Gordon called for an air-pressure adjustment on the right rear, and Logano made up time on the race leader. On Lap 83, during a series of green-flag pit stops, Logano grabbed the lead and held on to it for his second stage win of the 2019 season, on Lap 85.
Continuing the top-five run in Stage 2, the driver of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang continued his forward momentum to second place before pitting on lap 145.
On lap 150, an ill-timed third caution put Logano a lap down, but he got the free pass and was able to get back on the lead lap. When Logano pitted during the yellow, Gordon called for a track-bar change and four tires; however, NASCAR ruled the team had an uncontrolled tire and the call sent Logano to the rear of the pack.
When Logano returned to the field, the hood of his Ford Mustang began collapsing at speed in clean air. Under the Stage 2 caution, Logano’s No.22 crew made multiple attempts to resolve the problem, using adhesive patches to hold the hood in place.
Logano, in spite of the unfortunate turn of events, was able to keep the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang in contention for the free pass back onto the lead lap.
On lap 256, during the fifth and final caution, the No. 22 team continued to make repairs and the adjustments worked, greatly improving the handling of the No. 22 Ford Mustang in the final laps of the race.
Logano was able to maintain his free-pass position, but with no additional cautions, was denied the chance to cash in and make up lost distance, winding up in 17th place at the conclusion of the race.
After an end the No. 22 team had hoped would be better, Logano’s outlook was upbeat: “We had race-winning speed early in the race with the Shell-Pennzoil Ford and that’s the positive you take from today. We’ve continued to show up with fast cars at every type of race track and that’s a really good thing. Unfortunately, we just had something break up under the hood and had to spend time fixing that and really hurt the aerodynamics of our Ford Mustang.”
Logano completed 333 of 334 laps, claimed a Stage 1 win, led 8 laps, and sits 4th in the points standings behind 1st (-35).
Logano and the No. 22 team head to Bristol next weekend, where he led 95 laps in August, 2018 and finished in 4th place.
You can bet the No. 22 team is going to give the short track all they’ve got to bring home a win!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
Image: Merry Mendoza, Ladies of Speed
|
Image: Merry Mendoza, Ladies of Speed
|
|
|
Joey Logano Starts 8th, Deep In the Heart of Texas
March 29, 2019
When the green flag falls at Texas Motor Speedway for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 on Sunday, Joey Logano will head out 8th. Logano’s average finishing position in six races since 2015 at this track is 4th.
Logano will wheel the No. 22 SHELL-PENNZOIL Ford Mustang for the 334-lap, 501-mile race.
Logano currently sits 4th in the standings, (-28).
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
March 29, 2019
When the green flag falls at Texas Motor Speedway for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 on Sunday, Joey Logano will head out 8th. Logano’s average finishing position in six races since 2015 at this track is 4th.
Logano will wheel the No. 22 SHELL-PENNZOIL Ford Mustang for the 334-lap, 501-mile race.
Logano currently sits 4th in the standings, (-28).
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
Logano's No. 22 Doesn't Hold It Together at the Paperclip
March 24, 2019
Despite starting on the pole for Sunday's STP 500 in Martinsville, Joey Logano's No. 22 was no match for teammate Brad Keselowski's No. 2 after the first five laps Logano led at the short track!
Logano battled a Mustang that lacked entry security and center turn; dropping outside the top-five, Logano ran as low as sixth before the caution on lap 65. During the round of pit stops on lap 67, the No. 22 team gave Logano four tires and air pressure adjustments, but Logano fought a lack of rear security and the ability to turn, and slipped back to seventh position. Logano reported he needed a BIG adjustment when Stage 1 concluded on lap 130 and he found himself in seventh position. Under the stage caution on lap 134, the No. 22 crew gave the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang two rounds of wedge in the right rear.
Going back to green in Stage 2, the wedge adjustment fixed the corner entry security issue, but Logano reported that he still needed more help rotating the center, especially late in the run. When Stage 2 concluded on lap 260, Logano found himself in 10th position; during the stage caution on lap 265, the No. 22 team made a major chassis adjustment and Crew Chief Todd Gordon changed four tires and added a spring rubber to the right-rear of the car.
On the short run, the adjustments helped the car; Logano was able to run laps comparable to race leader/teammate Keselowski. When a caution flag flew at lap 313, Logano 's team made an air pressure adjustment along with four fresh tires, helping with better center-turn and help with being too loose on exit. The team sent Logano out in eighth position when the race went green again on lap 319.
However, later in that run, Logano began to drop back in the field; he was running in 15th position before the sixth caution of the race brought the leaders to pit road on lap 374 for additional stops. This time the team made major changes, including repairs to the right-front wheel opening after Logano sustained a minor scrape against the wall. The changes didn't really benefit Logano and the No. 22 Mustang was still too free on takeoff, growing really tight during the remaining run.
After continuing to struggle with the handling on the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang for the final stage, Logano brought his car home in 19th place, finishing outside the top-ten for only the second time in the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.
March 24, 2019
Despite starting on the pole for Sunday's STP 500 in Martinsville, Joey Logano's No. 22 was no match for teammate Brad Keselowski's No. 2 after the first five laps Logano led at the short track!
Logano battled a Mustang that lacked entry security and center turn; dropping outside the top-five, Logano ran as low as sixth before the caution on lap 65. During the round of pit stops on lap 67, the No. 22 team gave Logano four tires and air pressure adjustments, but Logano fought a lack of rear security and the ability to turn, and slipped back to seventh position. Logano reported he needed a BIG adjustment when Stage 1 concluded on lap 130 and he found himself in seventh position. Under the stage caution on lap 134, the No. 22 crew gave the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang two rounds of wedge in the right rear.
Going back to green in Stage 2, the wedge adjustment fixed the corner entry security issue, but Logano reported that he still needed more help rotating the center, especially late in the run. When Stage 2 concluded on lap 260, Logano found himself in 10th position; during the stage caution on lap 265, the No. 22 team made a major chassis adjustment and Crew Chief Todd Gordon changed four tires and added a spring rubber to the right-rear of the car.
On the short run, the adjustments helped the car; Logano was able to run laps comparable to race leader/teammate Keselowski. When a caution flag flew at lap 313, Logano 's team made an air pressure adjustment along with four fresh tires, helping with better center-turn and help with being too loose on exit. The team sent Logano out in eighth position when the race went green again on lap 319.
However, later in that run, Logano began to drop back in the field; he was running in 15th position before the sixth caution of the race brought the leaders to pit road on lap 374 for additional stops. This time the team made major changes, including repairs to the right-front wheel opening after Logano sustained a minor scrape against the wall. The changes didn't really benefit Logano and the No. 22 Mustang was still too free on takeoff, growing really tight during the remaining run.
After continuing to struggle with the handling on the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang for the final stage, Logano brought his car home in 19th place, finishing outside the top-ten for only the second time in the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.
Image: Debbie Powers #Powerpics
Logano sits 4th in the Playoff standings (-28) after his disappointing Martinsville finish.
Logano stated, "We struggled today finding the balance on our Shell-Pennzoil Mustang. We'd fire off really loose and then the car would just build tight, I never really had a spot in the run where the handling would come to me. It gives us a couple things to work on before we come back here in the fall."
Logano made his way to Victory Lane to congratulate winning teammate Brad Keselowski on his win.
Be sure to check out all the great things the Joey Logano Foundation does on his Foundation website, and see how you too can make a difference in the life of a child. #secondchances #TeamJL #JLKidscrew
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
Image: Tiffany Faw, Ladies of Speed
|
Image: Terra Jones, Ladies of Speed
|
Logano maintains 2nd in MENCS driver's points standings after California race
(-15 behind first)
March 17, 2019
Starting 5th in the final race of the West Coast Swing on Sunday, Joey Logano brought his No. 22 Auto Club of Southern California Ford Mustang home in 2nd place after running all 200 laps of the Auto Club 400.
A career-best finish at the 2 mile Southern California oval, Logano claimed his third top-five finish of 2019!
As cars fanned out, going four and five-wide at the start of the race, Logano fell back to 13th but fought his way back to 4th by the time green flag stops started on lap 27.
On lap 57, a caution set up a one-lap shootout to conclude Stage 1. Logano and the 22 team earned nine valuable stage points when the green flag flew on lap 60, claiming a second-place finish.
In Stage 2, Logano grabbed the lead for the first time, passing Kyle Busch on lap 71; one lap later, Busch passed Logano again and the No. 22 driver settled in to 2nd place. Logano fought a tight condition throughout Stage 2 and dropped to 5th during green flag pit stops, ending up 4th as the second stage concluded on lap 120.
Still battling tight conditions in the No. 22 Ford Mustang, Logano was able to maintain 3rd as the final stage began, chasing fellow Ford drivers (teammate) Brad Keselowski and Kevin Harvick.
Crew chief Todd Gordon continued making air pressure and track bar adjustments and was able to aid the 22 Ford Mustang allowing Logano to run up front and give the fans an exciting battle for the lead against Keselowski and Harvick with 30 laps to go.
Racing side-by-side with teammate Keselowski on lap 174, momentum for the two cars slowed and Busch was able to take advantage and slide in to first place on lap 175. Logano pulled away from Keselowski and rode comfortably in 2nd place till the checkered flag flew.
“We were racing hard and no matter who got to the lead, the 18 was going to pass us. He was the best car today. We have some work to do to get faster but the team did a great job today. We held strong today with the Auto Club Ford Mustang. You want to win at the home track of your sponsor. We gave it a solid run. The last few laps you are running up against the wall and he ( Busch) had a big enough lead to kind of cruise a little and you are just hoping a lapped car gets in his way” Logano said after the race concluded.
Logano and the 22 team will head to Martinsville Speedway, the half-mile track in Ridgeway, VA, this weekend for the STP 500 on Sunday, March 25. Logano has a 13.5 average at short tracks.
To date, Logano, in the NASCAR Cup Series, has run 368 races, claimed 22 victories, grabbed the pole 20 times, claimed 107 top-5 finishes, 183 top-10 finishes, led 5219 laps, and in 2018, claimed his first NASCAR Cup Series Championship!
In October 2018, at 28, with his Martinsville win sparking major controversy between his and Martin Truex, Jr’s fans, Logano became the 41st driver to claim 20 Cup Series wins, AND the first driver to punch his ticket to the Championship round for 2018, and we all know how THAT turned out!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
(-15 behind first)
March 17, 2019
Starting 5th in the final race of the West Coast Swing on Sunday, Joey Logano brought his No. 22 Auto Club of Southern California Ford Mustang home in 2nd place after running all 200 laps of the Auto Club 400.
A career-best finish at the 2 mile Southern California oval, Logano claimed his third top-five finish of 2019!
As cars fanned out, going four and five-wide at the start of the race, Logano fell back to 13th but fought his way back to 4th by the time green flag stops started on lap 27.
On lap 57, a caution set up a one-lap shootout to conclude Stage 1. Logano and the 22 team earned nine valuable stage points when the green flag flew on lap 60, claiming a second-place finish.
In Stage 2, Logano grabbed the lead for the first time, passing Kyle Busch on lap 71; one lap later, Busch passed Logano again and the No. 22 driver settled in to 2nd place. Logano fought a tight condition throughout Stage 2 and dropped to 5th during green flag pit stops, ending up 4th as the second stage concluded on lap 120.
Still battling tight conditions in the No. 22 Ford Mustang, Logano was able to maintain 3rd as the final stage began, chasing fellow Ford drivers (teammate) Brad Keselowski and Kevin Harvick.
Crew chief Todd Gordon continued making air pressure and track bar adjustments and was able to aid the 22 Ford Mustang allowing Logano to run up front and give the fans an exciting battle for the lead against Keselowski and Harvick with 30 laps to go.
Racing side-by-side with teammate Keselowski on lap 174, momentum for the two cars slowed and Busch was able to take advantage and slide in to first place on lap 175. Logano pulled away from Keselowski and rode comfortably in 2nd place till the checkered flag flew.
“We were racing hard and no matter who got to the lead, the 18 was going to pass us. He was the best car today. We have some work to do to get faster but the team did a great job today. We held strong today with the Auto Club Ford Mustang. You want to win at the home track of your sponsor. We gave it a solid run. The last few laps you are running up against the wall and he ( Busch) had a big enough lead to kind of cruise a little and you are just hoping a lapped car gets in his way” Logano said after the race concluded.
Logano and the 22 team will head to Martinsville Speedway, the half-mile track in Ridgeway, VA, this weekend for the STP 500 on Sunday, March 25. Logano has a 13.5 average at short tracks.
To date, Logano, in the NASCAR Cup Series, has run 368 races, claimed 22 victories, grabbed the pole 20 times, claimed 107 top-5 finishes, 183 top-10 finishes, led 5219 laps, and in 2018, claimed his first NASCAR Cup Series Championship!
In October 2018, at 28, with his Martinsville win sparking major controversy between his and Martin Truex, Jr’s fans, Logano became the 41st driver to claim 20 Cup Series wins, AND the first driver to punch his ticket to the Championship round for 2018, and we all know how THAT turned out!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
Image: Debbie Powers #powerpics
DUELING in the desert no oasis for Joey Logano, but earns him a 10th place finish @ ISM!
March 10, 2018
Starting from 12th position in Phoenix in the Ticket Guardian 500 at ISM Raceway, Joey Logano initially reported the No 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was giving him a battle as a loose-handling car unless he was tucked up closely to the car in front of him, swinging the handling tight. At lap 13, Logano reported the handling was coming to him, providing a really good turn around the speedway.
Climbing the leaderboard in the second run of the afternoon, Logano reached the top five when the second caution of the race was displayed on lap 65. Under that caution, Logano said his balance was better than the first run, especially with turn-in and drive-off. Nearing the conclusion of Stage 1, crew chief Todd Gordon elected to leave Logano on the track to battle for the stage win, and the driver of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang ultimately finished third when the segment ended on lap 75.
During Stage 2, Logano carried forward momentum, reaching the eighth position before the caution flag flew on lap 149. The green flag racing ended prematurely on lap 150. Under that caution, Logano told his team his car was really good in clean air but he fought being tight and keeping his front tires working in traffic on long runs. Gordon called for another air pressure adjustment to continue working on the overall drive package in the No 22.
During opening laps of Stage 3, Logano again rallied back, climbing into the top five, using the low lane on two restarts to move into fifth position. However, a slow pit stop and a mix of pit strategies by fellow competitors collaborated to drop Logano outside of the top 15 for the first time during the race.
The race concluded with a 74-lap green flag run to the finish. The final laps found Logano steadily working his way through traffic, methodically picking off positions.
Logano brought the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang home in the 10th position, claiming his third top-10 in the four races run this year.
Logano stated, "It was really hard to pass. You would start to catch a car and just stop. That big spoiler on the back just makes it really challenging to get to the car in front of you and make something happen, so restarts became everything. If you can get through the first couple laps, you were fine. It's just very challenging behind a car to keep up to speed. You're better off just getting there and riding and hopefully that car ahead of you falls off enough to where you can maybe get close enough to make a move or wait until there's a lapped car and try to make a pass." Logano was unable to lead any laps of the 312 total and did not earn any playoff points during the Phoenix race: he sits 2nd in playoff points, -6 behind the leader.
Logano and the No 22 team head to California for the last race of the West Coast swing, which culminates at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana on Sunday, 3/17 at 3:30 pm (ET) and airs on Fox.
Logano also continues his Foundation's mission, investing in organizations offering second chances to children and young adults during times of crisis, working to inspire others to live a life of generosity!
Want to catch Logano in person? He will be at a Planet Fitness Autograph Session, in Temecula, CA, 40355 Winchester Rd, 92591, on March 13th @ 5 pm. He will also be at a Planet Fitness Autograph Session on March 14th, @ 5 pm, @ 14940 Summit Ave, Fontana, CA 92336.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
March 10, 2018
Starting from 12th position in Phoenix in the Ticket Guardian 500 at ISM Raceway, Joey Logano initially reported the No 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang was giving him a battle as a loose-handling car unless he was tucked up closely to the car in front of him, swinging the handling tight. At lap 13, Logano reported the handling was coming to him, providing a really good turn around the speedway.
Climbing the leaderboard in the second run of the afternoon, Logano reached the top five when the second caution of the race was displayed on lap 65. Under that caution, Logano said his balance was better than the first run, especially with turn-in and drive-off. Nearing the conclusion of Stage 1, crew chief Todd Gordon elected to leave Logano on the track to battle for the stage win, and the driver of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang ultimately finished third when the segment ended on lap 75.
During Stage 2, Logano carried forward momentum, reaching the eighth position before the caution flag flew on lap 149. The green flag racing ended prematurely on lap 150. Under that caution, Logano told his team his car was really good in clean air but he fought being tight and keeping his front tires working in traffic on long runs. Gordon called for another air pressure adjustment to continue working on the overall drive package in the No 22.
During opening laps of Stage 3, Logano again rallied back, climbing into the top five, using the low lane on two restarts to move into fifth position. However, a slow pit stop and a mix of pit strategies by fellow competitors collaborated to drop Logano outside of the top 15 for the first time during the race.
The race concluded with a 74-lap green flag run to the finish. The final laps found Logano steadily working his way through traffic, methodically picking off positions.
Logano brought the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang home in the 10th position, claiming his third top-10 in the four races run this year.
Logano stated, "It was really hard to pass. You would start to catch a car and just stop. That big spoiler on the back just makes it really challenging to get to the car in front of you and make something happen, so restarts became everything. If you can get through the first couple laps, you were fine. It's just very challenging behind a car to keep up to speed. You're better off just getting there and riding and hopefully that car ahead of you falls off enough to where you can maybe get close enough to make a move or wait until there's a lapped car and try to make a pass." Logano was unable to lead any laps of the 312 total and did not earn any playoff points during the Phoenix race: he sits 2nd in playoff points, -6 behind the leader.
Logano and the No 22 team head to California for the last race of the West Coast swing, which culminates at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana on Sunday, 3/17 at 3:30 pm (ET) and airs on Fox.
Logano also continues his Foundation's mission, investing in organizations offering second chances to children and young adults during times of crisis, working to inspire others to live a life of generosity!
Want to catch Logano in person? He will be at a Planet Fitness Autograph Session, in Temecula, CA, 40355 Winchester Rd, 92591, on March 13th @ 5 pm. He will also be at a Planet Fitness Autograph Session on March 14th, @ 5 pm, @ 14940 Summit Ave, Fontana, CA 92336.
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
|
|
Jackpot!
Double deuces were the odds that couldn't be beat
Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas
March 3, 2019
Joey Logano has no intention of what happened in Vegas, staying in Vegas.
Starting 10th in Sunday's Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Logano completed 267 of the 267 laps, placing 3rd in Stage 1, winning Stage 2 (his first stage win of 2019), and rolling the No 22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang into Victory Lane after leading 86 total race laps, and also claimed his 22nd career win.
Dropping to 13th in the first stage, Logano had raced his way inside the top five by lap 30. He described his Pennzoil Mustang as slightly free during the first run, but the car had good balance all the way around the 1.5 mile speedway.
When the green flag pit cycle started, crew chief Todd Gordon decided to run long, and Logano cycled to the lead at lap 43, allowing him to lead 7 laps before pitting. No changes were made to the car and Logano hit the track again with four fresh tires to finish the first stage.
On the second stop of the race, the team made an air pressure adjustment and provided a little more drivability to the No 22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang.
At the beginning of the 2nd stage, Logano had a vigorous battle with teammate Brad Keselowski, and he was able to lead until lap 120 when the No 22's handling became extremely tight, forcing Logano to relinquish the lead just before pitting at lap 124. An air pressure adjustment was made in hopes it would free up the car in clean air.
After the rest of the leaders pitted, Logano was able to retake the lead and keep it to the end of Stage 2, grabbing the 22 team's first stage win of 2019.
Under caution, Logano reported that at the end of that run, the splitter had gotten off the race track, but needed that to happen earlier in the run to help the turn of the Pennzoil Mustang.
During the opening laps of Stage 3, Logano settled in to third position, behind the two leaders, staying quiet on the radio, feeling out the adjustments from the previous pit stop. Finally able to move forward, Logano re-took the lead on lap 210, with the field nearing potentially the last pit stop of the afternoon.
The Pennzoil crew executed on that final pit stop and positioned Logano for a battle to the finish, which played out to feature all green flag racing. Fending off last week's winner and teammate Brad Keselowski, Logano secured his 22nd career victory and secured a place in the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup series playoffs.
Logano said, "Oh, there was no debate. I was going to tear up the landscaping here. The talk was last night we had a big Pennzoil dinner, and the talk was I was going to do some donuts in the grass at the end of the race. At the end of the race, not during the race. So to be able to do that was super cool."
"Great photo op, but I'm all about the big smokey burn-out, so I said, well, I've got to do the big smokey burn-out first and I also didn't want to go through the grass and have the splitter dig in and completely destroy everything and go flipping, I thought. I just saw it going wrong in my mind. I said I've got to do a cool burn-out, which I thought was super cool. I don't know if you guys saw it, but I got dizzy and that was neat, and then I made a couple donuts in the grass. That was cool."
Logano picked up 6 playoff points and Team Penske's second NASCAR Cup win of 2019.
The 2018 Champ is off to a great start in 2019!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
Double deuces were the odds that couldn't be beat
Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas
March 3, 2019
Joey Logano has no intention of what happened in Vegas, staying in Vegas.
Starting 10th in Sunday's Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Logano completed 267 of the 267 laps, placing 3rd in Stage 1, winning Stage 2 (his first stage win of 2019), and rolling the No 22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang into Victory Lane after leading 86 total race laps, and also claimed his 22nd career win.
Dropping to 13th in the first stage, Logano had raced his way inside the top five by lap 30. He described his Pennzoil Mustang as slightly free during the first run, but the car had good balance all the way around the 1.5 mile speedway.
When the green flag pit cycle started, crew chief Todd Gordon decided to run long, and Logano cycled to the lead at lap 43, allowing him to lead 7 laps before pitting. No changes were made to the car and Logano hit the track again with four fresh tires to finish the first stage.
On the second stop of the race, the team made an air pressure adjustment and provided a little more drivability to the No 22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang.
At the beginning of the 2nd stage, Logano had a vigorous battle with teammate Brad Keselowski, and he was able to lead until lap 120 when the No 22's handling became extremely tight, forcing Logano to relinquish the lead just before pitting at lap 124. An air pressure adjustment was made in hopes it would free up the car in clean air.
After the rest of the leaders pitted, Logano was able to retake the lead and keep it to the end of Stage 2, grabbing the 22 team's first stage win of 2019.
Under caution, Logano reported that at the end of that run, the splitter had gotten off the race track, but needed that to happen earlier in the run to help the turn of the Pennzoil Mustang.
During the opening laps of Stage 3, Logano settled in to third position, behind the two leaders, staying quiet on the radio, feeling out the adjustments from the previous pit stop. Finally able to move forward, Logano re-took the lead on lap 210, with the field nearing potentially the last pit stop of the afternoon.
The Pennzoil crew executed on that final pit stop and positioned Logano for a battle to the finish, which played out to feature all green flag racing. Fending off last week's winner and teammate Brad Keselowski, Logano secured his 22nd career victory and secured a place in the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup series playoffs.
Logano said, "Oh, there was no debate. I was going to tear up the landscaping here. The talk was last night we had a big Pennzoil dinner, and the talk was I was going to do some donuts in the grass at the end of the race. At the end of the race, not during the race. So to be able to do that was super cool."
"Great photo op, but I'm all about the big smokey burn-out, so I said, well, I've got to do the big smokey burn-out first and I also didn't want to go through the grass and have the splitter dig in and completely destroy everything and go flipping, I thought. I just saw it going wrong in my mind. I said I've got to do a cool burn-out, which I thought was super cool. I don't know if you guys saw it, but I got dizzy and that was neat, and then I made a couple donuts in the grass. That was cool."
Logano picked up 6 playoff points and Team Penske's second NASCAR Cup win of 2019.
The 2018 Champ is off to a great start in 2019!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
Image: Rachel Schuoler // Ladies of Speed
|
Image: Rachel Schuoler // Ladies of Speed
|
Excellent sponsor moment caught by Rachel Schuoler // LOS Photographer @rachelrgmphotography on Instagram
|
Image: Walter Cox, with permission
|
Image: Walter Cox, with permission
Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500
February 24, 2019
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Blocked pit boxes and loose rear wheels brought Joey Logano a 23rd place finish this past weekend.
Starting in 27th, Logano lost no time gaining 11 positions in the first 8 laps of the race, moving up to 16th. By the lap 35 competition caution, he had reached the top 10.
The team made an air pressure adjustment and added tape to the nose to correct the loose condition Logano experienced in clean air; however, Logano was blocked in his pit box and lost several positions on that stop.
Throughout the second half of Stage 1, Logano picked up all his lost track positions and moved up to the 7th position by the stage break on lap 85, and gained 4 valuable points. Again, the team found themselves blocked in on pit road and dropped Logano to the back end of the top 20.
In Stage 2, Logano worked his way forward, believing he had, as he described, "probably the best car here" and only reporting being slightly free through most of the run.
In Stage 3, Logano climbed to third position, behind teammate Ryan Blaney and the No 19 of Martin Truex, Jr. Logano was quiet on the radio for the opening laps. With 72 laps remaining in the final stage, Logano gave up the third position to teammate Brad Keselowski in the No 2 Autotrader Fusion, who had steadily become one of the best cars in the race.
As the No 22 team was preparing to pit on Lap 272, a caution flag was displayed for a pit road incident It was perfect timing for Logano as he and the No 1 were the only two cars still on the lead lap due to the rest of the field having pitted.
On the restart, Logano was able to keep the lead with only 41 laps remaining, but had to make an unscheduled pit stop due to loose rear wheels from the previous stop; this dropped Logano off the lead lap and he found himself in position to fight for the lucky dog spot. The team had to pit on the white flag lap to confirm all remaining lug nuts were tight.
In his post-race statement, Logano stated: "We brought a really fast Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang today. We won the track position battle all day after getting blocked in on the first two stops."
We were really strong on the long run, could pass cars and put ourselves in position to win. That part gives me confidence in what we prepared in the off-season on this new engine and aero package. Unfortunately, the loose wheel ended the day we should have had."
Logano and the 22 Team head to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the Pennzoil 400 next weekend. Fans can also see their favorite driver's hauler on Feb 28th beginning @ 6 pm Pacific Time as it makes its way north up the Strip before making its way through downtown Vegas via 4th Street, crossing over Fremont Street and then hitting the highway heading to the 1.5 mile speedway.
If you're attending the second annual Ultimate Vegas Sports Weekend @ the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, you'll be able to see the parade as you enjoy appearances from NASCAR drivers and other athletes involved in the five-sport extravaganza.
Logano will make an appearance on the Neon Garage Stage on Saturday, March 2nd, @ 10:30 am ( pass required); he will also be on the stage again on Sunday, March 3rd as he joins NASCAR Trackside Live @ 9:45 am ( pass required).
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
February 24, 2019
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Blocked pit boxes and loose rear wheels brought Joey Logano a 23rd place finish this past weekend.
Starting in 27th, Logano lost no time gaining 11 positions in the first 8 laps of the race, moving up to 16th. By the lap 35 competition caution, he had reached the top 10.
The team made an air pressure adjustment and added tape to the nose to correct the loose condition Logano experienced in clean air; however, Logano was blocked in his pit box and lost several positions on that stop.
Throughout the second half of Stage 1, Logano picked up all his lost track positions and moved up to the 7th position by the stage break on lap 85, and gained 4 valuable points. Again, the team found themselves blocked in on pit road and dropped Logano to the back end of the top 20.
In Stage 2, Logano worked his way forward, believing he had, as he described, "probably the best car here" and only reporting being slightly free through most of the run.
In Stage 3, Logano climbed to third position, behind teammate Ryan Blaney and the No 19 of Martin Truex, Jr. Logano was quiet on the radio for the opening laps. With 72 laps remaining in the final stage, Logano gave up the third position to teammate Brad Keselowski in the No 2 Autotrader Fusion, who had steadily become one of the best cars in the race.
As the No 22 team was preparing to pit on Lap 272, a caution flag was displayed for a pit road incident It was perfect timing for Logano as he and the No 1 were the only two cars still on the lead lap due to the rest of the field having pitted.
On the restart, Logano was able to keep the lead with only 41 laps remaining, but had to make an unscheduled pit stop due to loose rear wheels from the previous stop; this dropped Logano off the lead lap and he found himself in position to fight for the lucky dog spot. The team had to pit on the white flag lap to confirm all remaining lug nuts were tight.
In his post-race statement, Logano stated: "We brought a really fast Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang today. We won the track position battle all day after getting blocked in on the first two stops."
We were really strong on the long run, could pass cars and put ourselves in position to win. That part gives me confidence in what we prepared in the off-season on this new engine and aero package. Unfortunately, the loose wheel ended the day we should have had."
Logano and the 22 Team head to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the Pennzoil 400 next weekend. Fans can also see their favorite driver's hauler on Feb 28th beginning @ 6 pm Pacific Time as it makes its way north up the Strip before making its way through downtown Vegas via 4th Street, crossing over Fremont Street and then hitting the highway heading to the 1.5 mile speedway.
If you're attending the second annual Ultimate Vegas Sports Weekend @ the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, you'll be able to see the parade as you enjoy appearances from NASCAR drivers and other athletes involved in the five-sport extravaganza.
Logano will make an appearance on the Neon Garage Stage on Saturday, March 2nd, @ 10:30 am ( pass required); he will also be on the stage again on Sunday, March 3rd as he joins NASCAR Trackside Live @ 9:45 am ( pass required).
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
|
|
Can-Am Duels
February 14, 2019
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. definitely knows what he’s talking about when it comes to TJ Major's spotting skills. This veteran spotter became the 'eye in the sky' for Joey Logano when Earnhardt, Jr. retired.
And so, the Champ begins the 2019 NASCAR season as a winner. The #22 team captured the win at Daytona International Speedway in the Can-Am Duel #2.
In Logano’s Daytona 500 win in 2015, he led only 31 laps, but that last lap captured the checkered flag.
Logano will start 4th, next to Kevin Harvick, in the 61st running of the Great American Race when the green flag drops Sunday @ 2:30 ET
Go get that win, Champ!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
February 14, 2019
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. definitely knows what he’s talking about when it comes to TJ Major's spotting skills. This veteran spotter became the 'eye in the sky' for Joey Logano when Earnhardt, Jr. retired.
And so, the Champ begins the 2019 NASCAR season as a winner. The #22 team captured the win at Daytona International Speedway in the Can-Am Duel #2.
In Logano’s Daytona 500 win in 2015, he led only 31 laps, but that last lap captured the checkered flag.
Logano will start 4th, next to Kevin Harvick, in the 61st running of the Great American Race when the green flag drops Sunday @ 2:30 ET
Go get that win, Champ!
Follow and chat with me here: @DebbiePowers11
SHOP HERE for new 2019 NASCAR gear!!
|
|
