Driver Joey Logano is currently in his 10th season racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. He’s seeking to recapture the magic of his 2015 campaign when he won six races, including the Daytona 500. In April, he’ll compete in one of NASCAR’s busiest months — with races April 8, 15, 21 and 29, all airing on Fox and FS1.
Logano recently took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with BL about life in the fast lane.
How did you get started in racing?
J.L.: I loved cars as a kid. I had a go-kart, and I absolutely loved it. We weren’t a racing family and we didn’t always know what we were doing, but we tried to figure it out together.
How do you prepare for a big race?
J.L.: Preparation is key in racing. Before any race, I spend a lot of time with my team. We go over our competition, study the racetrack and do our best to be ready for whatever comes at us on race day.
How do you train for races?
J.L.: I work out a lot. You don’t have to be super strong, but lifting weights and endurance is very important. Hydration is also key because it can get up to 135 degrees in the car. On the mental side, I keep in tune with what the car is doing at all times.
A NASCAR race is about three hours of white-knuckle driving. Do you ever have a chance to relax?
J.L.: You really need to be focused every second of the race except for a red flag — when the race is stopped. That’s when my team and I get a chance to talk about how the car is doing and what our strategy is going to be for the rest of the race. The same goes for the pit stop. Executing it perfectly can be a key to winning.
You race a Ford Fusion. How is yours different from ones we see on the streets?
J.L.: About every way possible. Ninety-five percent of the car is custom-built. We make it a lot faster. As a driver, it’s a special opportunity to drive something at its absolute limit and not get a ticket. I don’t take it for granted.
What sort of advice do you have for youth following their passions?
J.L.: Work hard. Don’t be scared of risk. Sports teaches a lot of values about life, and it’s a great experience to get involved in and learn that team atmosphere and how to work together. At first, it’s all about fun. If you want to make it a career, you’ve got to put the work into it. You need to have that desire to be your best.
– Michael Freeman
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