Joey Logano has made it clear that his NASCAR retirement plans do not include leaving the sport anytime soon, even as he approaches his 600th career Cup Series start this Sunday at Dover Motor Speedway. The veteran driver, reflecting on his future, shared insights into what might lead him to step away and how he evaluates his continued presence in one of racing’s premier divisions.

Joey Logano Reflects on His NASCAR Journey and Future

Having claimed three NASCAR Cup Series championships since 2018, Logano continues to compete near the top of the field as he approaches age 35—a point when many drivers begin to contemplate life beyond the track. On Tuesday, he spoke with reporters via Zoom regarding his long-term intentions and mindset about his career longevity.

Logano, who drives the No. 22 Ford for Team Penske and is the reigning series champion, has not only maintained an elite level of performance but has also reinforced his commitment to racing so long as he remains competitive.

“I always say as long as I can win — I really feel like that’s the standard for me,”

—Joey Logano, Series Champion. He emphasized that he values victories above all, stating that winning motivates him to remain in the sport, while the thrill of being a NASCAR champion keeps his competitive fire burning.

The accomplished driver explained that remaining a key asset to his team is essential to his ongoing participation.

“If I can win and be a help to my team, then I want to stick around.”

—Joey Logano, Series Champion. Although he has achieved much, Logano feels there is more to accomplish in NASCAR, acknowledging that staying relevant and successful will be his guiding principle.

He recognized that career longevity depends on continued contributions, both on and off the racetrack.

“As soon as I feel like I’m a drag on the team and I’m not bringing anything to the table anymore, whether that’s on the racetrack or off the racetrack, that’s when I need to get out of the way,”

—Joey Logano, Series Champion. For Logano, self-awareness and the ability to assess his own effectiveness are central to knowing when the time is right to move on.

Facing the Realities of Racing’s Demands Over Time

Even though Logano has just one win so far this season, his record as a clutch competitor makes him a perennial contender when the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs approach in September. These achievements and his recent championships for Team Penske speak to his enduring reputation as one of the sport’s top performers.

Nonetheless, Logano is aware that the demands of racing will eventually catch up to every driver. He was candid about his views on staying in the sport longer than he should.

“I don’t want to stick around and be one of those guys where people say, ‘Man, he went a few years too long,’”

—Joey Logano, Series Champion. He noted that athletes rarely remain at a championship level into their fifties and that realism about physical and competitive abilities is important.

“I would be an idiot to think you can be competing at the top level into your fifties. What athlete has ever done that?”

—Joey Logano, Series Champion.

While acknowledging that eventual change is inevitable, Joey Logano believes he has plenty of racing ahead. At 35, he estimates he could drive for another decade, or perhaps up to 15 more years, before thinking seriously about stepping away.

What Keeps Logano Motivated to Compete

Despite all he has accomplished, Logano continues to feel energized and passionate about his career.

“Something changes at some point, but, right now, I still feel as fresh as ever,”

—Joey Logano, Series Champion. He described feeling sharp and motivated, emphasizing that his emotional investment and drive remain strong.

“I still get emotional about things, so that shows me I care a lot. With those factors still there, when the end is, I don’t know yet.”

—Joey Logano, Series Champion. This passion to win, help his team, and chase more NASCAR Cup Series milestones keeps Logano firmly rooted in his pursuit of victory.

As he nears a significant 600th start milestone and continues to compete for titles under the leadership of iconic NASCAR Hall of Fame figure Roger Penske, fans can expect Joey Logano’s presence in the series to continue for years to come. The ongoing story of his career serves as both an inspiration to younger drivers and a testament to sustained excellence on the track, with Logano’s retirement plans firmly on hold for now.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Does Joey Logano have cerebral palsy?

A. Because his birth was difficult, Joey experienced a brain bleed, resulting in a condition called Cerebral Palsy. This requires him to undergo extensive physical therapy.

Q. What medical condition does Joey Logano have?

A. After his hair didn’t grow back, Logano visited the doctor and received his diagnosis. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition, mostly impacting people under 30.

Q. What illness does Joey Logano have?

A. The problem was a stomach sickness. Despite this, Logano pushed through until the race finished. “I caught the Norovirus stomach bug. I felt fine initially, but right before the race, I knew something was wrong,” Logano told reporters, according to Steven Taranto of CBS Sports.

Q. What disease does Joey Logano have?

A. Joey Logano, the defending NASCAR Cup Series champion, went to the Darlington Raceway infield care center after suffering from norovirus. He mentioned feeling unwell leading up to the 400-mile race, which took place in unusually warm 89-degree weather.