Joey Logano wins third career NASCAR Cup Series championship

Joey Logano secured his third career NASCAR Cup Series championship on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. In a thrilling race, Logano held off his teammate and defending champion Ryan Blaney during the final 20 laps to take the checkered flag. Blaney, who had been aiming to become the first driver since Jimmie Johnson (2006-2010) to win back-to-back championships, ultimately fell short.

With this win, Logano joins an elite group of drivers, becoming just the 10th in NASCAR history to win three or more Cup Series titles. His previous championships came in 2018 and 2022, and his third title further solidifies his legacy in the sport.

“It’s amazing, man. I love the playoffs,” Logano said exuberantly in a post-race interview with NBC. “What a race, what a battle with the Team Penske guys at the end. We had a good restart, got ahead of the No. 12 car, and then I just had to hold him off. To get three championships, that’s pretty special.”

Logano’s path to the title wasn’t straightforward. He had been eliminated from the playoffs during the Round of 12 at Charlotte Motor Speedway last month. However, fate intervened when Alex Bowman’s No. 48 car was disqualified after failing to meet weight requirements in post-race inspection. Logano was reinstated into the playoffs as a result.

Just a week later, Logano found redemption by clinching a victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the Round of 8, securing his place in the championship race. This victory marked a critical turning point in his season, propelling him to his third Cup Series title.

Team Penske’s dominance in recent years continued with Logano’s win. The victory marks the third consecutive championship for the powerhouse racing team, following Blaney’s win in 2023. Blaney, while disappointed to finish second, congratulated his teammate and celebrated the continued success of Team Penske.

“I’m worn out, but I’m so happy for Joey and the 22 team,” Blaney said after the race. “Congrats to everyone at Penzoil, Ford, and Roger (Penske). They’ve put together an incredible playoff run. If we had to race somebody for the title, I’m glad it was him. I’m proud that we finished 1-2 for Roger, and it’s amazing that Penske has won three in a row. At least a Penske car won it. It was a heck of a battle, and I hope the fans enjoyed it. We’ll come back stronger next year.”

The championship battle came down to Logano, Blaney, William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports, and Tyler Reddick from the 23XI Racing team, which is co-owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin. Byron finished in third place, while Reddick came in sixth.

Logano, 34, capped off the 2024 season with three race wins, adding a third championship to his resume. His victory further cements his position as one of the top drivers in NASCAR, and his ability to perform under pressure has made him a fan favorite and a respected competitor in the sport.

The win also marked another significant achievement for Team Penske, which has been on a remarkable run of success in recent seasons. With Logano’s third title, the team continues to showcase its dominance, making it clear that they are a force to be reckoned with in the NASCAR Cup Series.

As the NASCAR season concludes, fans and drivers alike are already looking ahead to the 2025 campaign, where Logano will look to defend his title and continue his legacy in the sport. For now, though, the 2024 championship belongs to Joey Logano, a driver who has proven time and again that he has what it takes to win at the highest level.