In the high-stakes world of NASCAR, few names carry as much weight as Joey Logano. A three-time Cup Series champion, Logano has cemented his place among the sport’s all-time greats. However, his story could have been drastically different if not for one pivotal figure—Brad Keselowski.
Back in 2012, Logano’s future in NASCAR was hanging by a thread. Struggling at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), he was on the verge of being replaced. But when others doubted, Keselowski saw potential, setting off a chain of events that would alter the course of Team Penske’s history forever.
Despite Logano’s undeniable talent, his results in the Cup Series weren’t living up to expectations. Critics began labeling him a bust, questioning whether he had what it took to succeed at the highest level. He needed a fresh start—and Keselowski was the only one who believed he deserved it.
One decision. One career. One team’s future—forever changed.
Joey Logano’s Rocky Road at Joe Gibbs Racing
Before becoming a NASCAR champion, Logano endured a difficult four-year stint at JGR (2009–2012). The young driver failed to meet expectations, often overshadowed by veteran teammates. As a result, JGR began eyeing Matt Kenseth as his replacement, leaving Logano uncertain about his career’s direction.
At the time, Joe Gibbs Racing was one of the top teams in NASCAR, but Logano never quite found his rhythm. Driving the iconic No. 20 car once piloted by Tony Stewart, he was burdened by comparisons to the two-time champion. The pressure was immense, and Logano struggled to deliver consistent results.
By 2012, his seat was in jeopardy. Rumors swirled about JGR looking to replace him with Matt Kenseth, a proven veteran. If that happened, Logano’s career at the Cup level could have ended prematurely.
Enter Brad Keselowski.
At the time, Keselowski had just won the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series championship for Team Penske. But instead of basking in his own success, he made a bold pitch to Roger Penske—he wanted Logano on the team.
Without Keselowski’s intervention, Logano could have been out of NASCAR’s top ranks for good!
Keselowski’s Game-Changing Pitch to Roger Penske
As JGR hesitated on Logano’s fate, Keselowski made his move. He directly approached Roger Penske, advocating for Logano’s signing:
“Brad Keselowski was the one that came to me and said, ‘Look, we should get Logano to run with us.’” – Roger Penske on Happy Hour with Kevin Harvick.
At first, Penske wasn’t fully convinced. He knew Logano had potential, but with his inconsistent results at JGR, was he worth the risk? Penske agreed to wait, as Joe Gibbs suggested there was still a possibility for Logano to stay. But Keselowski wasn’t willing to risk losing him.
Behind the scenes, Keselowski championed Logano’s cause, pushing hard for Penske to act.
- He highlighted Logano’s raw talent.
- He believed Logano simply needed the right environment.
- He argued that Team Penske could mold him into an elite driver.
And when JGR officially let Logano go, Penske wasted no time, signing him for the 2013 seasonA single decision from Keselowski didn’t just save Logano’s career—it reshaped Team Penske’s future!
Logano’s Rise to Dominance Under Team Penske
The move to Team Penske wasn’t just a lifeline—it was the start of Logano’s legendary career.
His Penske debut season in 2013 proved he was no fluke. Logano secured a victory at Michigan International Speedway, qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs, and showed flashes of brilliance.
Then came the breakthrough year in 2015, when Logano:
- Won six races
- Dominated the regular season
- Established himself as a legitimate title contender
Finally, in 2018, he reached the pinnacle of NASCAR by capturing his first Cup Series championship.
The success didn’t stop there.
- 2022: Wins his second championship, further solidifying his legacy.
- 2023: Helps teammate Ryan Blaney win the Cup Series title, showcasing his leadership.
- 2025 Daytona Duel: Instead of making an aggressive move for himself, Logano pushed teammate Austin Cindric to victory.
Beyond the wins, Logano evolved into a true team leader. Penske highlighted his selfless approach to racing:
“He had one goal, and that was to be a leader… He understands that we’re running three cars and only one can win. But if the team wins, he wins.” – Roger Penske
From an uncertain future at JGR to a selfless leader at Penske—Logano’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable!
Logano’s Enduring Legacy and the What-If Scenario
As Joey Logano continues to dominate NASCAR, it’s impossible to ignore the critical role Brad Keselowski played in shaping his career. Without Keselowski’s backing, Logano might have never landed at Team Penske, and NASCAR history would look very different.
Imagine a world where Logano never joined Penske. Would he have landed another full-time Cup Series ride? Would he have been relegated to lower-tier series, struggling to regain relevance? The harsh reality is that many talented drivers never get a second chance, and Logano was treading on the edge of obscurity.
Instead, under Team Penske’s guidance, Logano not only revived his career but became a multi-time Cup champion, proving Keselowski’s instincts right. His ability to adapt, lead, and win has solidified his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
As Logano continues to chase more championships, the ripple effect of Keselowski’s decision is undeniable. One moment, one belief, one opportunity—and NASCAR’s history was rewritten.
The Lasting Impact of Keselowski’s Vision
Today, Team Penske is one of NASCAR’s most dominant forces—and Keselowski’s bold move played a major role in shaping that success.
- Three championships in the last six years
- Multiple Team Penske titles
- A powerhouse driver lineup, built around Logano
Keselowski’s eye for talent didn’t just save Logano’s career—it shaped the future of NASCAR.
Had Keselowski not stepped in, would Penske have won three of the last six Cup Series titles? Would Logano have reached his full potential?
