(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Joey Logano Eyes Playoff Redemption at Gateway After Tough Darlington Start
No driver has thrived more in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs than Joey Logano, who owns three championships since the elimination format was introduced in 2014. But for the Team Penske star, the road to glory has never been simple.
Logano knows the pressure all too well as he prepares for Sunday’s race at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis — a 1.25-mile oval better known as Gateway.
The Pressure of Playoff Racing
“At some point in the playoffs, your back will be up against the wall, and it will be do or die,” Logano said, reflecting on the intensity of the postseason.
That urgency will be on full display this weekend, especially after the Southern 500 dealt a crushing blow to several title contenders in the opening round.
Historic Struggles at Darlington
The playoff opener at Darlington Raceway saw a record-low four championship-eligible drivers finish in the top 10, as Toyota cars swept the first four spots.
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For Hendrick Motorsports, it was an especially rough outing. None of its four playoff Chevrolets cracked the top 15 — the first time in Southern 500 history for the team. The best result came from 2020 Cup champion Chase Elliott, who managed only 17th place.
Gateway as a Turning Point
Logano himself finished 20th at Darlington, leaving him in need of a strong bounce-back at Gateway. If history is any guide, he’s well equipped for the challenge.
Of his 37 career Cup victories, an impressive 15 have come in the playoffs, including three that helped secure his 2024 championship run.
