One of the first things Joey Logano mentioned after winning the NASCAR playoff opener was that this time of year is his favorite.
In his first ten playoff appearances, Logano usually made it through the rounds smoothly, winning two Cup titles and never finishing lower than eighth in the standings.
However, last year was different. As the defending Cup champion, Logano was knocked out of the playoffs in the first round for the first time in his career. He found it hard to go to the track for the rest of the season, even though his Team Penske teammate, Ryan Blaney, went on to win the championship.
This year, things are looking up. After a victory in overtime on Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Logano secured a place in the second round of the playoffs.
“That’s how we start the playoffs, boys!” Logano exclaimed. “When it is playoff time, it is our time.”
Logano’s win in the 11th race of the season that ended in overtime matches the record set in 2017. He aims to be the only active three-time Cup champion. Kyle Busch, who is not in the playoffs this year, is the only other driver with two Cup titles.
“We’ve been able to step up when needed and starting the playoffs with a strong statement is important, right?” Logano said.
Ryan Blaney was initially in second place, making it a 1-2 finish for Team Penske and Ford. Blaney helped Logano by pushing him, which prevented Daniel Suarez from winning.
However, after a review, Suarez was moved to second place and Blaney to third. Team owner Roger Penske was not at the race because he was scheduled to attend the Detroit Lions’ NFL home opener later that day.
