In a dramatic finish at Phoenix Raceway, Joey Logano secured his third NASCAR Cup Series championship on Sunday, outdueling teammate Ryan Blaney in a nail-biting conclusion to the 2024 season. The victory marks a historic achievement for both Logano and Team Penske, which has now captured three consecutive championships in the Next-Gen car era.

Logano’s path to victory showcased both skill and resilience, particularly during a crucial restart on Lap 259. Starting from sixth position, he executed a masterful move, charging through the field past several competitors including Championship 4 contender William Byron to seize the lead. Despite intense pressure from Blaney in the closing laps, Logano maintained his composure to cross the finish line 0.330 seconds ahead of his teammate.

“I love the Playoffs, I love it, man,” an elated Logano exclaimed after the race. “What a Team Penske battle there at the end. Had a good restart and was able to get in front of the 12 (Blaney).”

The victory places Logano in elite company, tying NASCAR Hall of Famers Lee Petty, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, and Tony Stewart with three championships. Only four drivers in NASCAR history have achieved more titles: Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Sr., and Jimmie Johnson with seven each, and Jeff Gordon with four.

The race wasn’t without its challenges for Logano’s team. They overcame pit road issues, including having to replace an ill jackman mid-race, demonstrating the mental toughness that Logano praised in his post-race comments. “I’ve got the best team,” he said. “I don’t know if I’m the best driver, but I’ve got the best team, and together we’re very well-rounded and can show up when it matters the most.”

The championship was particularly remarkable given Logano’s unusual journey through the playoffs. Initially eliminated at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, he received a second chance when Alex Bowman’s car failed post-race inspection. Logano capitalized on this opportunity by winning at Las Vegas to secure his spot in the Championship 4.

The race also marked several significant endings in NASCAR, including Martin Truex Jr.’s final race as a full-time driver, Kyle Busch’s streak of 19 consecutive years with at least one Cup victory coming to an end, and Stewart-Haas Racing’s final operation as a team. Additionally, it was the last race for Jeff Striegle in the MRN booth, Greg Stucker as Goodyear’s director of racing, and FedEx’s sponsorship of Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 car.

William Byron finished third, while Tyler Reddick, the fourth Championship 4 contender, finished sixth and was never a serious factor in the race. The victory adds another chapter to Team Penske’s impressive legacy and cements Logano’s place among NASCAR’s most successful active drivers.

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images