NASCAR Blood Feud Joey Logano Opens Up About His Rivalry with Kyle Busch We Can Never Be Friends
Joey Logano, the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has spoken candidly about the longstanding rivalry with Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion. The two have been at odds for years, with their battles often spilling over from the track to personal conflicts. Despite competing at the highest level of motorsport since 2009, their relationship has remained fractious, and Logano’s recent remarks shed light on the deeper divide that separates them.
On the Track: The Battle of Ego and Ambition
Logano and Busch’s clashes on the track are legendary. One of the most infamous moments occurred in 2017 when a violent altercation between the two left Busch bloodied after a fight in Las Vegas. Logano was accused by Busch of wrecking him during the race. Since then, their animosity has only deepened, with each race becoming a high-stakes battleground not just for points but for pride.
Logano, however, insists that the rivalry is a natural part of NASCAR’s intense competition. “We are competitors,” he told Graham Bensinger. “Our driving styles aren’t that different, but our approaches are. He may not want to admit it, but we’re pretty comparable.” Yet, despite this similarity in skill, the two can’t be more different when the helmet comes off.
Off the Track: The Stark Contrasts of Personality
Logano’s insight into their personal differences highlights a fascinating contrast. While on the track, both drivers are relentlessly competitive; Logano emphasizes his ability to switch off once the race ends. “When I take my helmet off, I care about a lot of people,” Logano said. “I want to be a nice person, someone who makes others better for knowing me.” This philosophy, Logano believes, is where he and Busch diverge.
In stark contrast, Busch’s mentality off the track appears more entrenched in his competitive nature. Logano points out that while Busch may be seeking to take food off his plate, Logano is simply doing the same to Busch. “He should hate me; I should hate him on the racetrack,” Logano remarked. “But when we take our helmets off, we should be able to get along. We don’t.”
A Divided Future: Championships and Struggles Ahead
As the season’s championship battles continue, Logano’s triumph in 2024 only further emphasized the growing gap between the two. Busch, on the other hand, faced a devastating blow as he failed to make the playoffs. His hopes were dashed in a heartbreaking performance at Darlington, marking yet another setback in his battle for a title.
“I’ve gone back and looked at the stats. The amount of second- and third-place finishes I have in this Next Gen car is disgusting,” Busch lamented, reflecting on the frustrations that have come with being close but unable to secure that elusive win. His dry spell, stretching back to 2023, continues to haunt him, adding to the pressure as he prepares for the 2025 season.
The Rivalry’s Long-Term Impact: More than Just Racing
As both drivers forge ahead into the future of NASCAR, the rivalry between Logano and Busch continues to fuel fan debates. Their personal and professional tensions serve as a reminder that, in the world of competitive sports, egos and relationships can be just as intense as the races themselves.
For now, Logano’s leadership and Busch’s frustration dominate the narrative, with both drivers pushing themselves to their limits in a sport that often rewards ruthless determination and unwavering resolve. What happens next in this rivalry could define their careers, setting the stage for even more high-octane drama in the seasons to come.
