Kevin Harvick Exposes Real Reason Behind NASCAR Fans Booing Reigning Champion Joey Logano

NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick pinpointed the reason for fans to boo Joey Logano during races.

Kevin Harvick Exposes Real Reason Behind NASCAR Fans Booing Reigning Champion Joey Logano

Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano (via IMAGO)

Team Penske star Joey Logano is a polarizing figure in NASCAR. The 34-year-old often gets booed by fans during races, despite his decent performances on the track. Many are surprised to see Logano face such treatment by crowds in the sport, considering he has been cleaner as a racer nowadays. However, NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick has outlined the real reason why the Team Penske star is not liked by some.

Harvick reckoned that the main reason for Joey Logano to be booed was his past. The No. 22 driver was infamous for his behavior during his early days in NASCAR. Logano was unafraid of making some controversial comments and would often find himself in certain run-ins and situations. The 34-year-old also has a big fan following that is always ready to defend him online.

I think a lot of that comes from the first part of his career and just the run-ins and situations and some of the timing of some of his comments and things that he said.

Kevin Harvick said on the Happy Hour podcast.

Though, Kevin Harvick insisted that now the Team Penske driver is no longer bothered by the booing. Joey Logano has now become even more confident in himself and his team. Thus, he continues to speak his mind without any fear or concerns. The 34-year-old was even in a war of words with Baseball Hall of Famer Chipper Jones recently. Albeit, the two have mended things after the Cup Series race in Texas.

But none of that bothers him anymore. He is so confident in his ability and his team’s ability to overcome things and do things. He’s not shy about commenting on controversial things or situations or somebody else or whatever that is.

Kevin Harvick added.

Kevin Harvick asserts experience needed to face criticism in NASCAR

Criticism is part of sports. Drivers will always face negative comments from pundits, media and fans alike. Usually, this could have a big impact on a driver’s performance if they let such comments get into their head. Booing especially, can break a driver’s confidence. Logano is not the only one who has faced boos from crowds. 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace has also been subjected to similar treatment.

Joey Logano's first win in the 2025 season at Texas (via NASCAR)
Joey Logano’s first win in the 2025 season at Texas (via NASCAR)

Kevin Harvick highlighted that it takes a lot for a driver to grow mentally and manage such situations. The NASCAR legend laid down a few factors that help someone like Joey Logano in staying confident even after getting booed by crowds. Logano had gained experience in the sport, that allowed him to know how to react. Moreover, he was also one of the best in NASCAR, ensuring that his results do the talking,

I think just being able to control that mentally and being able to deal with that mentally is something that (a) comes with experience, but (b) not a lot of people can do well, especially where we are in today’s NASCAR driver lineup. So he does that part better than most, and in the end, it puts him in a position to win more races than most people.

Kevin Harvick explained.

Joey Logano might be a polarizing figure in NASCAR. However, the Team Penske driver has earned his spot as one of the best drivers in the field right now. Thus, no matter the treatment he receives by fans in the stands, Logano knows what he is capable of. The 34-year-old simply focuses on getting the most out of the car at every race and ensure that is the one who goes to Victory Lane.

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