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Why Joey Logano’s Performance in New Hampshire Could Be a Glimpse of the Storm up Ahead

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Gowtham Ramalingam | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 4:26 AM ET

For nearly an entire year, a major section of the NASCAR community has beaten and banged up Joey Logano over the supposedly “undeserved” championship he won in 2024. The playoff system, rewarding his average performance throughout the season, wasn’t taken too kindly.

Following the uproar, even the sanctioning body had to put together a committee that is now discussing potential changes to the playoff system. All this is demotivating pressure even for a hardened Cup Series veteran.

While defending himself to a certain degree, Logano had largely taken all the stones thrown at him without much noise. But now, back in the playoffs again, he has begun talking back. Not with words, but his performances on the track.

In New Hampshire on Sunday, the No. 22 driver started from the pole, displayed championship pace, and led a staggering 147 laps. It was the most laps he has led in a race since the 2022 championship finale at the Phoenix Raceway. He also won Stage 2 and finished the race in fourth place.

147 laps is the most Joey Logano has led in a Cup race since Phoenix in November 2022 https://t.co/zxGbZjr32s
— NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights) September 22, 2025

Notably, he entered the race two points below the cutoff line for the Round of 8 and left 24 points above it. Next, going to the Kansas Speedway and the Charlotte Roval, he sits atop a rather comfortable cushion. What makes his position even more impressive is that he now has three consecutive top-5 finishes.

Logano’s Mindset Going Deeper Into the Game

Following race day, Logano was back home enjoying quality time with his children. As he prepares for the next race at the Kansas Speedway, he has a strong understanding of what he must do along with his crew.

I think we made about a billion laps tonight pic.twitter.com/KicKZOYmWb
— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) September 23, 2025

He told the USA Network, “We have got three top fives in a row. It seems like theteam's hitting a stride. The pit stops are incredible. Everyone's doing what they need to do. Just got to get a little bit faster.”

Making up 26 points in the playoffs over the course of a single afternoon is not an ordinary feat. Whether a fan of his or not, one has to concur that Logano is a different beast when it comes to this stage of the competition.

He is further powered by justifiably personal reasons this time around. The desire to prove the world that stood against him wrong must be coursing high. It remains to be seen if that fourth championship is going to fall on his lap.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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