Joey Logano Is Getting “Extra Motivation” By Silencing Haters

Team Penske Racing’s Joey Logano is one of the most disrespected NASCAR champions in history. There are significant group of NASCAR fans that believes the No:22 driver didn’t deserve the three Cups he won during the playoffs era and many hopes playoffs going back to the chase model would expose the Ford driver.

He proved the haters wrong by overcoming a struggling start to the year and winning two races in the regular season to get into the championship top-10. Last weeks victory at Bristol has placed him P3 in the table, just 15 points behind leader Kyle Larson. One key motivating factor behind the success has been the Logano haters. He has come a long way so far in the season, but there is still a lot to do to win the title.

Again, that is extra motivation. So, whether they know it or not, when they say what they say, they’re helping me, so thanks. When you hear those comments, I can say they don’t matter, but I’m also like ‘let me prove something to you’ (and) ‘let me show you we can do it in different ways and that this team can do it.’ So again, there is a long way to go and we’re not even in the lead, so the comeback hasn’t actually fully happened but we have come a long way a lot further than I expected.

Joey Logano said after winning pole at Kansas.

Further talking about the haters, Joey Logano pointed out that he either has supporters or haters among the fans, as he has never seen someone with a neutral stance on him. He is confused about the reasons for the dislike shown towards him, even though he has been part of the sport for over two decades and have been involved in some of its biggest controversies.

I think everyone has picked a lane on the 22 car. It’s a good place to be. No one is indecisive on whether they like the 22 or not. They either it’s love or hate (us) and there’s no ‘in the middle’ and good, that’s a great place to be. I’ve been around long enough for everyone to make a decision on that, but I can’t say I completely understand it. Some parts I guess I can and other parts I’m kind of like, that’s not a good enough reason, but it is what it is.

Joey Logano added via motorsport.com.

Joey Logano doesn’t understand why he has so many haters

Later in the same conversation, the veteran admitted that he doesn’t see himself as the villain of NASCAR, even though many portray him like that. He is confused how some people see him as the villain despite the fact that he is one of the most cheerful personals in the garage. Though he understands some hate him for how he won the the titles, a lot of the detractors don’t have a proper reason.

I hate talking about this because I don’t feel like I’m a villain in any way. I’m a pretty happy — the most smiling villain you’ve ever seen. I’m happy. I’m joking around. I have a good time. I don’t see the villain side that people try to put on me. I think it’s just, again, I guess it’s the way we’ve won our championships and that’s just what it is. I don’t know. I don’t know. I assume when we got the pole today, they said, ‘oh, it’s gifted to him today.

Joey Logno said.

The comments from the champion driver are on point and shows the unique relationship the No:22 Ford driver has with the NASCAR community. Many among the fans finds it hard overlook the aggressive past of the veteran, even though they have changed their minds over racer with wilder track records, for one reason or another. It would be interesting if the Penske driver would get the backing he deserves from the community by the time he finally retires.

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