Joey Logano made headlines before the Talladega race after he went off on his critics in an interview with NASCAR analyst Jeff Gluck.
The three-time Cup Series champion was under fire after barely making the Round of Eight in the Cup Series Playoffs. He made it by finishing 20th at the Charlotte ROVAL -one spot ahead of Ross Chastain- but his lackluster postseason and defensive driving drew loud boos from the crowd.
Despite the criticism, Logano didn’t apologize. He said he “played by the rules.” His comments during the pre-race interview went viral, especially his candid and defiant attitude towards the hate he’s getting.
“They hate me because I smile,” he said. “Look what we get to do. This was your childhood dream. You’re gonna complain about your childhood dream? You’re getting paid to drive a race car. And you’re not happy about it. That’s a problem. I don’t get that. I’ll never understand that.”
Joey Logano Stands Firm
Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
The 33-year-old driver doubled down before the Las Vegas race and said he’s not changing who he is to make the haters happy. “I’m like, ‘What do you want me to do? Not smile like this? Not be me?’” he told reporters.
In his recent interview with The Athletic he said, “I’m happy. Scr-w these people.” For Logano, authenticity is more important than popularity. His comments are both defiant and grateful for a career that’s made him one of the most successful and polarizing figures in modern NASCAR.
Logano’s playoff advancement has reignited the debate about the fairness of the NASCAR elimination system which often rewards narrow escapes and strategy.
Some see his attitude as confidence born of experience and others see it as arrogance. But Logano’s comments suggest he thinks the criticism is misplaced and just a symptom of how fans react to success in a high-pressure sport.
The reigning champion is currently 7th in the standings after Vegas and 24 points out of the Championship Four. He’ll need to be tough and get results to calm the haters. But if his comments are any indication, Joey Logano’s not stopping smiling no matter how loud they boo.
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