Veteran NASCAR driver Mark Martin saw “star” power in Joey Logano when the Connecticut native was barely in his teen years.
That endorsement earned Logano the nickname, “Sliced Bread.” You know, the best thing since…
I’m not a NASCAR insider, but I do ask questions from those in the know.
Crew Chief Greg Zipadelli (Zippy) and I talked Wednesday at Daytona, four days after Logano became the youngest driver at 19 years of age to win a Cup race (LENOX 301).
A little history first. Greg was the crew chief for Tony Stewart before “Smoke” to ownership in what is now Stewart-Haas.
Zipadelli had plenty of talent in his car in Stewart. He won plenty of races with Tony behind the wheel.
Greg would not draw comparisons between Stewart and Logano, because there are few, if any.
Zippy did say that when his newest driver learns to take what he’s being told to the track, Logano will race right to the front.
Considering the two are still getting to know each other, and the learning curve is still in progress, 1 win, 1 top 5, and 4 top 10 finishes is not so bad heading into Daytona.
Success in racing runs synonymous with Logano. He’s won early, and he’s won big in every racing category to now.
When I also spoke with Logano on Wednesday, I saw your typical 19-year-old who is trying to have fun in a business environment.
He’s not naïve. He is just plain humble. While I’ve never asked around, but have observed, there is envy among other drivers.
When Logano won in New Hampshire last week, everyone was quick to point out it was a rain-shortened win. Twenty-eight laps short of the finish.
In other words, Logano got lucky to be front at the right time. As teammate Kyle Busch said, he still collected the big check, kissed the ladies and went home.
But even Logano knows it. To puncture the “rookie” and “teenager” tag, he has to win again.
Logano aims to please. He spoke of what Mark Martin said four years ago. Logano does not want to disappoint Mark Martin.
Some drivers have actually offered Logano congratulations for last week’s win.
Classy Jeff Gordon did on Wednesday, saying that the win was legit despite a shortened one.
Gordon knows what it was like coming on the NASCAR scene, a California kid trying to break in a world dominated by mid-Atlantic natives.
Logano will win his share of races. If not this year, certainly next season.
Don’t be surprised if the near future holds a “Most Popular Driver” award as well.
He is likeable. He is genuine. He also has a great deal of confidence behind that teenage smile.
His goal this year was to become the youngest driver to win a Cup race. He did that.
New goal. Win again, and again, and again.
