The path to the Cup Series is paved with challenges. Drivers compete in lower-tier leagues like the Xfinity Series and Truck Series. A race car driver needs to have such experiences in his career before they make a move into NASCAR Cup Series.
Recently, four-time ASA National Tour Champion Mark Martin made an appearance with Kelly Earnhardt on Dirty Mo Media. Martin shared insights into the journey of NASCAR drivers and how experiences in different parts of racing can shape a driver’s NASCAR career.
Mark Martin speaks on the pressure to perform early in a driver’s career and talks about the Cup champion who ALMOST wasn’t. 🥵 pic.twitter.com/g28aiDTxKr
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) April 5, 2024
During the conversation with the co-hosts on Dirty Mo Media, Mark used the example of Team Penske driver Joey Logano and how early Logano made his appearance in Tony Stewart’s car at just 18 years old. Mark emphasized that he knew Joey had championship traits within him, but because of this early move, Logano might have missed some important starting racing experiences despite his successful career.
Joey Logano and Tony Stewart’s relations and a bitter turn
Joey Logano idolized Stewart and aspired to emulate him on the racetrack. In a twist of fate, Joey Logano became the chosen successor to Tony Stewart. After the 2008 season, when Stewart switched teams, Joe Gibbs handpicked Logano to drive the No. 20 Home Depot Toyota.
Remarkably, Joey Logano was only 18 years old at the time. Imagine stepping into the shoes of your childhood hero! Their relationship took another twist during their professional careers. In 2013, during a race, Stewart confronted Logano about incidents on the track.
Heated words were exchanged, and crews had to intervene to prevent further escalation. Logano went from idolizing Stewart to facing off with him in intense moments on the racetrack.
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