Joey Logano, one of NASCAR’s most celebrated and controversial drivers, is at the center of a storm. Known for his fearless racing and strong opinions, Logano’s latest public involvement has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community. Fans are fuming after the announcement of his partnership with pop star Shawn Mendes. This collaboration has sparked outrage among many NASCAR supporters, who feel betrayed by Logano’s embrace of a celebrity who seems worlds apart from the sport’s traditional roots.
In what many are calling an “unexpected move,” Logano and Mendes have teamed up to create a cross-platform promotional campaign. The collaboration, which will see Logano featured in Mendes‘ upcoming music video and Mendes appearing at NASCAR events, has drawn a mixed bag of reactions. NASCAR enthusiasts are less than thrilled by this unlikely pairing, accusing Logano of losing touch with the sport’s identity in favor of celebrity culture and mainstream appeal.
Shocking Pairing: Logano Meets Mendes
Joey Logano is no stranger to partnerships—he’s been backed by major sponsors throughout his career, from Shell to Pennzoil. However, this new alliance with Shawn Mendes, a global pop icon, is raising more than a few eyebrows. Logano, who’s spent his career building his brand as a driver, is now stepping into a new realm—one that’s firmly entrenched in the pop culture world.
Mendes, known for his chart-topping hits like “Stitches” and “Señorita,” is not the first celebrity many would associate with NASCAR. Unlike drivers’ typical connections to sports figures, car manufacturers, or motorsport personalities, Mendes brings a completely different fanbase—mostly young, mainstream, and non-racing. For NASCAR’s more traditional followers, this partnership feels like an attempt to market the sport to a completely new demographic, leaving behind the loyal fanbase that has supported Logano throughout his career.
The Backlash: NASCAR Fans Are Boiling Over
NASCAR supporters have been quick to express their frustration on social media. For many, the partnership feels out of touch with the values that have made the sport what it is today. “This is a racing community, not a pop concert,” one fan wrote. “Joey Logano is supposed to be one of us, not hanging out with a guy who doesn’t know the difference between a pit stop and a concert interlude.”
Others have criticized Logano for what they see as a sellout move. “It’s clear where his priorities are—money and fame,” another fan stated. “NASCAR isn’t about pop culture; it’s about the drivers and their skills on the track, not who they’re hanging out with off of it.”
The most vocal critics argue that Logano’s focus on celebrity endorsements over genuine racing passion could harm the image of NASCAR. “What’s next? NASCAR’s going to be all about fashion lines and TikTok collaborations? Leave the pop stars out of it,” they added.
A Bold Move That Could Backfire
Joey Logano’s partnership with Shawn Mendes may have seemed like a clever way to broaden NASCAR’s appeal, but it has clearly stirred up a hornet’s nest among traditional fans. The question now is whether Logano and NASCAR can navigate the growing divide between their loyal base and the push for mainstream exposure.
In the world of motorsports, loyalty to fans is paramount. As the sport evolves, it’s unclear whether the gamble to embrace pop culture will help NASCAR expand its reach—or whether it will alienate the very supporters who have made it the icon it is today. The fallout from this controversy will likely have long-lasting effects, not only on Logano’s career but also on NASCAR’s approach to celebrity-driven marketing.
