Though it might seem from the outside that the lives of NASCAR drivers are full of thrill and excitement, being one isn’t that easy. The psychological challenges that come with media pressure are unparalleled. It is one thing to comment as a spectator and another to be on the track, with dozens of cars zooming around at breakneck speeds, and keep up with the expectations. Joey Logano knows it all as he has been racing since the age of six.
The 32-year-old has come a long way in his career, having won the NASCAR Cup Series twice already. Without a doubt, he still has loads to offer and is always an exciting watch. Having said that, he wouldn’t have found himself in this position had his former boss Joe Gibbs not helped him out at a crucial stage.
Joe Gibbs did a huge favor
The Team Penske superstar recently had an interview with Graham Bensinger. Citing his personal experience, Logano discussed how the finances in pursuing a career in NASCAR are crazy. He said, “It’s tough for the owners, it’s tough for the drivers, right? I had a great opportunity with my dad and all that but also yeah look at the timing of when it happened.
I got signed when I was 15 years old to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing. They bought all my Pro Cup Stuff for three years. They paid for my development, you know. If that didn’t happen that’s 750 to a million dollars a year to run what I was running for three years. That’s a pretty big strain on your family at that point, right?
And like were we going to be able to do that, I don’t know but I don’t know how much longer the old man was going to be alright with doing that, right?” Logano had a point there as it is no cakewalk to become a NASCAR driver let alone the technicalities of it. Joe Gibbs turned out to be the savior here.
Logano made the right call
In line with the Joe Gibbs story, Joey Logano shared some more interesting stories about his earlier days in racing. He recalled the time when he had won the Pro Cup race at 15 and was flooded with offers the next day.
Joey Logano, whose NASCAR career began at Joe Gibbs Racing, learned prior to the race that Coy Gibbs had died.
Logano: “I don’t know what to say. Just really sad.” pic.twitter.com/17q4BqJm2b
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 7, 2022
Joe Gibbs Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing had all lined up for his signature. At that age, it is pretty unusual to have such a high demand but guess that’s what makes Logano so special.
WATCH THIS STORY | “You’re Not as Good…” – Joey Logano Reveals the Impact of Early Success on His 15-Year-Old Self
Eventually, the 2015 Daytona 500 winner made the correct call by joining JGR. It is only understandable how he is so thankful to Joe Gibbs for the position he is in right now. It only makes one wonder how stressful it can get for a NASCAR driver and his family.
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