Joey Logano had excessive expectations coming into the 2024 season.
Regardless of a first-round playoff exit in 2023, the numbers have been overwhelmingly on his aspect – since NASCAR went to the playoff format in 2014, he is made the Championship 4 in every even-numbered season, bringing dwelling the title in 2018 and 2022.
Nonetheless, 2024 has not been the magical yr that Logano followers thought it had the potential to be. The No. 22 group has solely garnered three top-10 finishes on the season, and Logano at present sits 18th within the playoff standings, 30 points outside of the postseason picture.
There may be one evident ray of hope, nonetheless – brief tracks. Logano completed second at Richmond and sixth at Martinsville, and his brief monitor prowess culminated in a dominant efficiency in NASCAR’s All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro.
Logano led 199 of the race’s 200 laps, and whereas his victory might have been overshadowed by a post-race battle, his win may work wonders for the No. 22 group.
NASCAR’s All-Star Race does not depend for factors, so Logano’s subpar factors standing stays the identical, however along with the $1M verify, Logano additionally acquired a a lot wanted momentum increase from Sunday’s win.
The win proves that Logano’s aforementioned runs at Richmond and Martinsville have been no fluke. If the No. group desires to win a factors race this season, brief monitor races at Richmond, Bristol and Martinsville could also be its greatest shot.
In fact, Logano at all times has an opportunity to point out up anyplace and stink up the present, however his outcomes up to now in 2024 present that the shorter ovals are the place the velocity is.
Midway via the NASCAR Cup Collection common season, Logano is previous the purpose of creating excuses for his sluggish begin, or crediting it to a small pattern dimension of races. At this level within the yr, you might be what your outcomes say you might be.
Nonetheless, one win can change all the pieces. Logano’s win within the All-Star Race might not punch his postseason ticket, however it may very well be a large momentum increase for a veteran trying to wander again into the championship fold.
