Joey Logano has stamped his mark on NASCAR once again, claiming his third NASCAR Cup Series championship during the final race held at Phoenix Raceway on November 10, 2024. This victory for Team Penske not only highlights Logano's remarkable skill as a driver but also cements the team's recent string of successes across various motorsports disciplines.
After being eliminated from the playoffs earlier this season, Logano found himself back in contention following the disqualification of another driver, Alex Bowman. This twist of fate allowed him to re-enter the championship chase and he seized the opportunity with both hands. Logano followed up his reinstatement with a win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which secured his place as the first driver locked for the winner-take-all finale, all thanks to the solid performance of his Ford.
During the decisive final race, Logano faced tough competition from his teammate Ryan Blaney, who was hunting for back-to-back titles. Nevertheless, Logano exhibited exemplary control, fending off Blaney over the final laps to clinch the championship by just 0.330 seconds. This win marked him as the tenth driver to secure three or more championships in NASCAR history, joining the ranks alongside former champions like Kyle Busch.
Logano's confidence was evident going on to the Sunday showdown, as he stated, "I feel like our car is strong. We got them down now. We just have to put our foot on their throats." It showcased not only his self-belief but the extensive preparation his team undertook leading up to the final race. Penske’s dominance was palpable as this season marked the first time the organization took both the top spots — Logano and Blaney — on the championship standing, exemplifying the team's strength and competitiveness within NASCAR.
Not only did this victory carry personal importance for Logano, but it also marked Roger Penske’s team’s achievement of three championships within one month across different series including IMSA and World Endurance races. Logano's win at Phoenix wrapped up this successful period for Penske, who remarked, "It’s all about the people. My name might be on the door, but it’s all about the people who make the difference and we sure have them on this team."
Penske’s sentiments echoed the importance of teamwork behind the scenes, hinting at the solidarity and dedication shared by those working on the cars. The tireless contributions from crew members and sponsors, like Shell-Pennzoil, allowed the team to maintain high performance throughout the season.
Penske's history is steeped with remarkable moments since he started his team back in 1968, and this season harks back to earlier triumphs but with the added weight of consistency and reliability. Just shy of achieving complete perfection, Penske noted there’s always room for improvement — echoing the ethos of his team striving to be the best. "We’re not always up like this. Sure, we want to win more. We want to win properly," he said, alluding to the constant pursuit of excellence.
For Logano, being crowned as champion again signals a major personal accomplishment, but he also acknowledged the significance it holds for Penske as a whole. "I don’t know if I’m the best driver but I’ve got the best team. And together, we’re very well-rounded and can show up when it matters the most," he explained, emphasizing the collective purpose driven by everyone at Team Penske.
The race was not without anticipation and anxiety, with Penske expressing concern about his two drivers colliding on the track. Thankfully, both Logano and Blaney managed to navigate the pitfalls of the race without mishap, ensuring Penske's first-ever 1-2 finish at championship level.
The exhilaration didn’t stop there; it was Logano's extensive lead throughout most of the race, leading 107 laps, which underscored the mastery of both the driver and the team during the event. Despite Blaney pushing hard at the end, Logano had built enough of a buffer early, allowing him to stave off challenges as the checkered flag drew closer.
The final stages saw William Byron and Tyler Reddick finishing third and sixth respectively, marking the end of their title hopes for the year. Reddick, who had his eyes on the title, reflected on the experience saying, "Michael was just proud of the effort of our team all year long. Put up a good fight. We didn't make any mistakes…"
With the dust settled from the thrilling finale, Joey Logano's feat of winning three championships resonates not just with personal glory but also highlights how Team Penske is cementing its reputation as NASCAR's dominant force. After this latest triumph, it will be interesting to see how this monumental season influences future competitions and what challenges lie head for the champions of the track.
