Joey Logano, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s most recognized names, is known for his consistency, aggression, and ability to deliver in clutch moments. However, a closer look at his 2023 season reveals a surprising statistic: Logano averaged just 2.9 better finishes than Joey Gase and the part-time NY Racing team. For a driver with Logano’s pedigree, this narrow margin raises questions about his performance consistency and the challenges of competing at NASCAR’s highest level.
Let’s dive into the factors behind this surprising comparison and what it might mean for Logano’s status as one of NASCAR’s elite.
Logano’s 2023 Season: A Mixed Bag
Joey Logano entered the 2023 season with high expectations. As the reigning champion, he was widely considered a favorite to contend for back-to-back titles. However, his campaign was far from smooth. Logano managed to secure only one victory during the season, far below the dominance he displayed in previous years.
His average finish of 16.7—a noticeable dip compared to his championship-winning form—left many fans and analysts questioning whether the Penske Racing driver had lost some of his edge. While Logano showed flashes of brilliance, such as strong performances on short tracks and superspeedways, inconsistency plagued his season.
The Joey Gase and NY Racing Comparison
Joey Gase, a perennial underdog in the NASCAR Cup Series, competes with limited resources and primarily for part-time teams like NY Racing. Gase’s equipment and budget are nowhere near the level of Team Penske, making the 2.9 average finish difference between him and Logano even more surprising.
Gase’s average finish of 19.6 in his limited starts in 2023 reflects his ability to make the most of his opportunities, even with inferior resources. The narrow gap between Gase and Logano underscores the challenges that even top-tier teams like Penske face in NASCAR’s increasingly competitive landscape.
Joey Gase: The Underdog Factor
Joey Gase’s 2023 season, while modest by elite standards, deserves recognition. Competing with NY Racing—a team operating on a shoestring budget—Gase managed respectable results that highlighted his skill as a driver. His ability to bring the car home in one piece and occasionally outperform better-funded teams demonstrates the growing parity in NASCAR.
What Does This Say About Logano’s Legacy?
While the comparison to Joey Gase might seem like a knock on Logano, it also reflects the evolving nature of NASCAR. In a sport where equipment, strategy, and luck play significant roles, even a champion like Logano can face tough seasons.
Logano’s 2023 struggles don’t diminish his career achievements, but they do serve as a reminder that no driver is immune to the challenges of a highly competitive field. If anything, this season may motivate Logano to return stronger in 2024.
Conclusion
Joey Logano’s 2023 season, marked by an average finish just 2.9 better than Joey Gase’s, highlights the unpredictable and fiercely competitive nature of modern NASCAR. While Logano’s struggles may seem surprising for a champion of his caliber, they underscore the challenges of adapting to new cars, maintaining team performance, and fending off hungry competitors.
As Logano looks to rebound in 2024, his determination and experience will undoubtedly fuel his quest for redemption. Meanwhile, Joey Gase’s performance is a testament to the grit and talent that thrive even in the face of adversity. This unexpected comparison serves as a reminder that in NASCAR, anything can happen—and often does.
