Joey Logano's attempt to defend his NASCAR Cup Series title ended with an eighth-place finish at Martinsville, eliminating him from the playoffs and ending Team Penske's streak of championships. Despite a strong performance, strategic errors and tire issues contributed to his exit, marking the first time since 2021 that no Team Penske cars are in the Championship 4.
Team Penske drivers Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano face a critical Talladega race to advance in the NASCAR playoffs, with both having strong track histories and the race serving as a pivotal point in the Round of 8, where manufacturer alliances and strategic pit stops will be crucial for their chances of reaching the championship finale.
The NASCAR Cup playoffs begin at New Hampshire with Joey Logano on pole and a focus on whether he or Team Penske can secure a win, while Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing aim to challenge for victory amid strategic and qualifying challenges.
Team Penske has officially signed 23-year-old David Malukas to drive the No. 12 Chevrolet, replacing Will Power, and aims to develop his potential within their successful racing team, with Malukas expressing excitement about the opportunity to race for one of the sport's top teams.
Will Power, a highly successful INDYCAR driver with 45 wins and two championships, will leave Team Penske before the 2026 season after a 17-year tenure, marking a significant change in his racing career.
Will Power, a highly successful INDYCAR driver with 45 wins and two championships, will not return to Team Penske in 2026, marking the end of a 17-year tenure. The team has not announced a replacement, but options like David Malukas are considered likely. Power is exploring new opportunities and has expressed a desire to be in a competitive environment where he can win.
Will Power, a prominent IndyCar driver with a successful career including two championships and the Indy 500, will not return to Team Penske for the 2026 season, ending an 18-year association. The decision was mutual, with Power seeking a new challenge, and his future team remains uncertain, possibly involving a move to Andretti Global.
Ryan Blaney's victory at Daytona signals a strong postseason for Team Penske, continuing a pattern of summer resurgence in NASCAR's Next Gen era, with Blaney showing consistent performance despite earlier setbacks, and setting the stage for the upcoming playoffs.
The article humorously imagines fake congratulatory texts sent to Ryan Blaney, the winner of the 2025 NASCAR regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway, highlighting the playful side of racing culture.
Ryan Blaney won the NASCAR Cup race at Nashville Superspeedway, marking his first victory of the season and the eighth in nine years, leading 139 laps. Team Penske became the first organization to have all its drivers win this season. Carson Hocevar finished second, while Denny Hamlin and Erik Jones also had strong performances. Losers included Justin Haley, Ty Gibbs, and AJ Allmendinger, who faced penalties and poor finishes. The race highlighted key performances and setbacks for various drivers.
Joey Logano defended the NASCAR playoff format after winning his third Cup Series title, despite finishing lower in the regular-season standings. The format, which allows drivers to qualify for the playoffs through wins and points, has been controversial, with some arguing it doesn't reflect a full-season performance. Logano compared it to other sports' playoff systems, emphasizing that his team has mastered the current rules. NASCAR officials confirmed the playoff system will remain, citing the excitement it brings to the sport.
The article humorously imagines fake congratulatory text messages sent to Joey Logano, the driver for Team Penske, following his victory at the Phoenix Raceway, which secured him the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
Joey Logano clinched the 2024 NASCAR Cup championship at Phoenix Raceway, marking his third title. Logano praised his Team Penske crew for their hard work and strategic prowess, particularly during a crucial restart. Ryan Blaney finished second, expressing pride in Team Penske's performance despite falling short. William Byron and Kyle Larson, who finished third and fourth respectively, acknowledged the dominance of the Penske cars. Other drivers, including Tyler Reddick and Martin Truex Jr., reflected on their performances and the challenges faced during the race.
Joey Logano clinched his third NASCAR Cup Series title with a victory at Phoenix Raceway, marking Team Penske's third major motorsports championship in a month. Logano narrowly defeated teammate Ryan Blaney, who was aiming for a consecutive title, by 0.330 seconds. This win makes Logano the 10th driver in NASCAR history to secure three or more championships. The race concluded with Team Penske achieving a historic 1-2 finish in the championship, following recent successes in IMSA and the World Endurance Championship.
Team Penske is poised to achieve a rare feat in the NASCAR Cup Series by potentially winning its third consecutive championship, with drivers Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney both in contention. The team has been a consistent presence in the Championship 4, appearing in eight of the last eleven years. Logano secured his spot with a win in Las Vegas, while Blaney earned his chance by winning at Martinsville. Team Penske, which has no team orders, is focused on providing the best equipment for both drivers as they compete for the title.