Joey Logano’s recent victory at Texas Motor Speedway was not just a testament to his racing skill, but also a heartfelt tribute to the quiet influence of Brad Keselowski, a friend and former teammate who played a pivotal role in Logano’s NASCAR journey.
Starting from a career-low 27th position, Logano drove his No. 22 Ford to his 37th Cup Series win, tying him with NASCAR legend Bobby Isaac for 23rd on the all-time victory list. Yet, beyond the statistics, this win allowed Logano to reflect on the turning point in his career: Keselowski’s advocacy. When Logano’s career at Joe Gibbs Racing faltered due to sponsorship issues and inconsistent results, his NASCAR future was uncertain. At that critical moment, Keselowski-then a rising star at Team Penske-personally recommended Logano to team owner Roger Penske, urging, “We should get Logano to run with us.” This endorsement changed everything for Logano, opening the door to Team Penske in 2013 and setting him on a path to multiple championships.
After the Texas win, Logano openly credited Keselowski, saying, “He was the one to tell Roger you need to get Joey to drive and you know I owe a lot to him for saying that… It’s neat to keep climbing up through the record books… but I always say it’s more important than just racking wins up-you’ve got to do something with them afterwards and make sure you make an impact in people’s lives the best way you can, but the wins definitely help do that.”
The bond between Logano and Keselowski goes beyond the racetrack. They entered the Cup Series around the same time-Logano in 2008, Keselowski in 2009-and were teammates at Team Penske from 2013 to 2021. Their relationship, built on mutual respect and trust, has endured even as they became rivals on the track and Keselowski moved to RFK Racing as a driver-owner. Logano described Keselowski as one of the few people he completely trusts, stating, “It’s cool that we go out there and race with each other still, and we’re able to separate what we do on the racetrack and what our families are like. It’s neat to be racing against him for my whole career.”
While Logano celebrated his milestone, Keselowski’s day at Texas was marred by a mid-race wreck that ended his hopes for victory. Despite the setback, Keselowski’s resilience and determination to return stronger highlight the competitive spirit that defines both drivers.
Ultimately, Logano’s triumph is a story of perseverance, gratitude, and the transformative power of belief and friendship in the high-stakes world of NASCAR. As he continues to climb the history books, Logano carries with him not just his own talent, but the lasting impact of a silent advocate who saw his potential when others doubted.
