Joey Logano has earned his place among motorsports’ elite by securing a nomination for the prestigious 2025 ESPY Awards Best Driver category. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion now faces some of the world’s most accomplished racers when the awards ceremony takes place on July 16, 2025, at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.

The Connecticut native will compete against Formula 1’s Max Verstappen, who has dominated the category by winning the award in both 2023 and 2024; Oscar Piastri, who emerged as a breakout star in 2024 with his first two Formula 1 victories; and Alex Palou, the three-time IndyCar champion who won his third consecutive championship in 2024 and captured his first Indianapolis 500 victory.

Joey Logano’s Championship Path to Recognition

Logano’s nomination comes from his remarkable 2024 season, where he dramatically captured his third NASCAR Cup Series championship. The Team Penske driver’s journey to the title wasn’t easy. He struggled through much of the regular season before finding his championship form when it mattered most.

The 35-year-old also won four races during the 2024 season, including victories at Nashville, Atlanta, Las Vegas, and the championship-clinching triumph at Phoenix Raceway. His championship run was impressive because he barely made the playoffs, securing his spot with a fuel-saving victory at Nashville that went to five overtimes.

Once the playoffs began, Logano transformed into a different driver. He won three of the 10 playoff races, more than any other driver in 2024. His victory at Las Vegas in the opening race of the Round of 8 gave his team crucial momentum heading into the championship finale. At Phoenix, he outlasted teammate and defending champion Ryan Blaney in a thrilling battle that saw Ford secure a one-two finish for the championship.

This championship victory put Logano in exclusive company, making him only the 10th driver in NASCAR history to win three or more Cup Series titles. At 34, he became the fifth driver to capture at least three championships before turning 35 and joining legends Richard Petty, David Pearson, Jimmie Johnson, and Jeff Gordon.

NASCAR’s ESPY Legacy and Current Form

NASCAR drivers have historically dominated the Best Driver ESPY Award category, winning 19 times since the award’s inception in 1993. The series leads all motorsports disciplines in ESPY victories, ahead of Formula 1’s five wins. Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson are tied for the most individual wins, with four each, while Tony Stewart won the award three times.

Logano’s 2025 season has shown flashes of his championship-winning form. After a challenging start, he bounced back with a dramatic overtime victory at Texas Motor Speedway in May, which marked his 37th career Cup Series victory.

Read More: Joey Logano Outduels Kyle Larson and Ryan Blaney to Snag NASCAR’s $1 Million Payday off the Track

The win came from the 27th starting position, marking his first season triumph. Currently ranked 10th in the Cup Series standings with 436 points. He has one win, two top-5 finishes, and four top-10s. Logano is well-positioned for another playoff run.