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Logano to drive Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 Cup entry in 2009
By Rea White - Associate Editor
Monday, August 25, 2008
Gregory Shamus
Getty Images for NASCAR
Joe Gibbs Racing officials confirmed today that 18-year-old Joey Logano will drive the team's No. 20 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning next season.
Logano has signed a multiyear contract with the team. While JGR officials would not disclose the length of that agreement, President J.D. Gibbs did say it was probably longer than the normal driver contract.
"It's a dream come true," Logano said.
He will compete in at least two Cup races this season, attempting to make the field for the races at Richmond and Atlanta in the team's No. 02 Toyota. He will also compete in the ARCA race at Talladega Superspeedway in order to be eligible for the Daytona 500.
While the driver admits he has a lot to learn, especially about driving in NASCAR's elite series, he'll be aided by the veteran leadership of two-time Cup championship crew chief Greg Zipadelli.
Logano began racing for the organization in the Nationwide Series earlier this season. He has made 10 starts in the series, winning in his third outing and earning seven top-10 finishes and three top-fives.
Logano will replace two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart, who is leaving at season's end to join the newly formed Stewart-Haas Racing team. Logano will work with Stewart's former crew chief, Zipadelli, and the team will continue to be sponsored by The Home Depot.
"For myself and the rest of the guys, we're extremely excited to be with Home Depot for a number of years to come and Joey for a number of years to come … We've had a great 10 years, we've got some pretty good stats to set our goals at right now, and we'll use that for our motivating tools in the future," Zipadelli said.
"… It's a burst of energy for myself and everybody in this team, and we're looking forward to the future."
Zipadelli has been with Stewart since they debuted together and can help Logano as he transitions into the top level of NASCAR competition. Logano has been with the organization as a development driver since he was 15 and has been testing Cup cars this season, sometimes with Zipadelli on hand to work with him.
"I think what we've got here is a seasoned veteran … He is the crew chief and coach, is the way I look at it, of this team," team owner Joe Gibbs said.
The organization says it never seriously considered any other driver to fill the void left by Stewart. Although Logano is new to NASCAR and is young in terms of age, he's a driver with the proven ability to win and to adapt to different cars and different series quickly.
Team President J.D. Gibbs worked to slowly bring the driver along and didn't plan to put him into the Cup ranks until Logano was ready. But after the driver tested with the veterans and after listening to the assessments of Zipadelli and Jimmy Makar, senior vice president of racing operations, Gibbs said he knew that Logano could handle the transition.
"It was probably three years ago when we went to Kansas and did an ARCA test, you could see right then he was very consistent," Zipadelli said of Logano. "He hit his marks and ran the same lap times with the car that he had. I think the biggest thing, he's very open minded. He's not afraid to move around. He'll take what he has and do the best with it. In what we've done so far, it's been a lot of fun."
The driver himself seems to welcome all of the aspects of Cup racing that he will face and has, to date, thrived in the spotlight he immediately captured in his Nationwide debut earlier this season.
"I'm all about the pressure – I'm cool with pressure. I'm moving up to this car now. It's more pressure, but I can handle it. … It's cool to even have your name brought up [for this job] and for all of it to happen," he said. "It's going to be really exciting."
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Comments
38 responses to "Logano to drive Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 Cup entry in 2009". Post a Comment.
chris welch said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 1:34 PMremember caser atwood????????
chris welch said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 1:35 PMcasey, sorry
Frank Alford said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 1:55 PMyes I do, I liked that kid. Makes you wonder if L0gano is really ready for the full-season in cup or should he run a full season in Nationwide first.
anonymous said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 2:08 PMI say a full season in Nationwide first. He says he can handle the pressure, he's been racing since he was 6. Racing is one thing, the sponsor obligations and the personal appearances that go with a Cup driver can be exhausting. Yes, he's only 18 but time will tell. Look at KB, your competition has arrived, the next Wild Thing, or as the media has already dubbed him "Sliced Bread" and Superstar. He will be under a lot of pressure to perform well and succeed.
Juniegirl said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 2:23 PMI like the guy, and I am sure he has loads of talent. I must agree that he should drive maybe a couple of full seasons in Nationwide. JGR should have given someone like Mike Wallace a seat in this ride. He is a fine racer, just needs fine equipment. There are several others who are great but never had a chance in great equipment. JG better be glad they don't trade "aged" coaches in for 18 yr olds. They've hyped this guy up too much. I hope he can stand the pressure.
Michael Murray said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 2:58 PMKids got skills no doubt. Can't wait for the Home Depot spots with this baby boy picking out paint chips for elderly ladies. At least Tony's waist line could hold up a Tool belt. Zippy is the glue that will make this Kid win races. It will be odd watching the orange 20 car get pushed around Vs. doing the pushing for the last 9 years. Big shoes to fill!
Andrew Briscoe said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 3:26 PMIt'll be interesting to see what happens, whether he crashes and burns like so many other young racers or if he lives up to the hype. I watched his first NNS start this year, and was pleasantly surprised. Add in that's he's been testing a JGR COT for months, I think he'll be okay.
beth emerson said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 4:54 PMI think lagano is gonna crash and burn. hardly any races in natiowide. i dont care that he has been racing since he was 6. He is gonna be with the big biys next year. i say we are gonna say hello and goodbye within two years. The kid will not make it.
Timothy Schultze said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 5:10 PMWelcome to Daddy Daycare.
AL KNIGHT said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 5:12 PMTHIS BOY NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND THIS IS BIG BOY SPORTS NOW, HE CAN'T HAVE HIS DADDY FELLOWING HIM AROUND ALL THE TIME AS HE DOES NOW. BUT HE WON'T MAKE ANYWAY.
Jimmy Rouse said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 5:31 PMEdwards has his mom.
Thomas Mikulski said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 5:40 PMThis is why I do not watch nascar like I used to. Get some experience FIRST, then show me some respect for the way you drive. Dale SR. has to be rolling over in his grave.
Shane Derr said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 5:49 PMRyan Newman has his dad with him at every event, he has been Ryan's spotter for a while now, not sure why you would have a problem with Joey's father being at track.
S Beau said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 6:27 PMI don't doubt this kid's potential, but seriously, JGR is moving him up WAY too soon. This is also the reason why I'm seriously being put off by the sport, the whole youth movement keeps getting even more ridiculous with each passing year. Also, if anyone ever wonders why the Nationwide series is hurting...here you go. Cause apparently today, 6 months to a year in Nationwide series gets you recognized as a wily vertern?
4da88 said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 6:28 PMFormer driver Randy Lajoie is the one that nicknamed him sliced bread, not the media.
Kim Palmer said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 7:18 PMIt's all about money and attention. Everyone will be attentive to "JoLo" next year and the "Home Depot" car and "Gibbs" and "Yada Yada". My guess is they figure they have another Lebron on their hands and are willing to roll the sponcers money. Hey stranger things have happened, but I agree seasoning seams to be in order here.
Jay said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 9:23 PMI agree that Logano could use more seat time, but don't give Nascar any ideas about making rules. Watch them set a rule that a driver has to run X number of races in either the Nationwide/Truck Series before they can come race Sprint Cup. Though they may need to think about it to keep the Nationwide Series alive
Jay said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 9:25 PMI agree that Logano could use more seat time, but don't give Nascar any ideas about making rules. Watch them set a rule that a driver has to run X number of races in either the Nationwide/Truck Series before they can come race Sprint Cup. Though they may need to think about it to keep the Nationwide Series alive
Jay said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 9:37 PMHere's and idea Nascar might look at, to help groom drivers and save the Nationwide Series. Driver must compete in X number of races in either the Nationwide or Trucks before Cup racing. Not saying Logano can't make it, I think he has the talent. But he would be better with more seat/track time, as well as exposure with a year in Nationwide, like Kesolowski
Richard Gabovitz said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 11:05 PMThis could ruin the kid just like Casey Atwood. A couple good race results doesn't make a person a seasoned veteran. He is still a kid in a big man's game. I hope he doesn't wreck half the field next year. WOW just too much too soon.
Ashley said:
Aug 25, 2008 at 11:06 PMIs there any truth to the rumor that Joey is spending all his off days huddled with veterans Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin & Kyle Busch so he can learn all of JGR's Fine Whines... Like the classic one where Tubby Tony wrecks drivers week after week, then has the audacity to disparage other drivers' abilities? Or the one where Dashing Denny whines that his ENTIRE team should not be allowed in the Chase because HE had a couple of sub-par performances? Or Catty Kyle's extremely complicated combination "PHYSICAL/VERBAL" whine where he dangerously rams into Carl Edwards' car AFTER the race and then complains because he "only" finished second-- even though Edwards clearly had the faster car at the end of the race? Gee, when you discuss Joey's lack of CUP qualifications in WHINY TERMS-- the kid REALLY does have a LOT to learn before he can become another "classy" JGR driver!
Worm Dirt said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 1:40 AMJust listen to all you naysayers!!!..... Why are you people always saying, "You CAN'T do this!"...or..."you CAN't do that!"??.....whine...whine....blah blah blah....I mean, where does all of this pessimism come from????? Isn't there another way this situation can turn out folks BESIDES failure???? I mean, if this kid is really made of lightening like so many have said..... then MAYBE....JUST MAYBE.... SOMETHING TRULY GREAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN!!!! I know one thing for sure.....NOTHING GREAT WILL EVER HAPPEN WITHOUT TAKING A RISK!!!! Godspeed brother!!!
anonymous said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 7:28 AM#15 Randy LaJoie is part of the media now. Count how many times Larry Mac calls JL Sliced Bread in a weekend.
Trish Truman said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 8:27 AMWormdirt - you are soooooooooo right!
Kim Palmer said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 8:51 AMI kinda like JoLo. Sounds more "today" than sliced bread.
Jennifer Nelsen said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 10:53 AMWOW. I am a fan of Joey sience he started racing in Nationwide series. He is a great driver. Can not wait to see him in Victroy lane next year in Cup. Maybe make the chase.
chris welch said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 1:20 PMI dont deny that he has some talent. but to the extent that everyone says I question. he has been beating up on local short track racers and lower level nascar series teams that dont have 1/4 of the funding, technology and engineering that his joe gibbs cars have. i know he won a nationwide race, but who hasnt in that 20 car?
Michael Murray said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 2:19 PMChris Welch well said. 99% of the cars the Kid has been in in last 3 year are the best cars of yesterday put under him by Gibbs. A lot of those around these days for the taking. I would find it hard that this Child knows how to do anything on the car outside of pulling his belts tight! Don't be a Johnny come lately fan and jump on this Kids band wagon until we has earned. How can we be fans of Kid that has no story behind him other than Mark Martin giving him props a few years back.....
said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 2:39 PMI think that if you put "Slice Bread" into a good car he can drive, but put him into a not so good car, he will CRASH & BURN!!! Try him out in one of those cars & if he does well, then maybe I will become a believer!!!
Sherry Ebert said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 2:59 PMAnybody can drive good equipment!!! Put "Sliced Bread" into a not so good car & see what he can do!!! I bet that he CRASHES & BURNS!!!
PitFrog said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 5:08 PMTry less caffein, Worm Dirt.
Gladys Bedwell said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 6:42 PMWell whether it is too early for him or not - I wish him luck. He can place 3rd right behind Tony & Ryan. LOL
James Kormann said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 10:25 PM#20, Casey Atwood was an up and coming driver who definitely had great potential .Unfortunately, Ray Evernham screwed him over and basically ruined his career. He essentially did the same to Erin Crocker, although in that case the screwing was literally and figuratively.....
Jayne Deere said:
Aug 27, 2008 at 1:17 AMCup rookies are getting younger and younger all the time. Clearasil and Stridex might want to look into sponsoring a few races. I see that under the new format for the Budweiser Shootout, Joey Logano is eligible to race by default. Doesn't he need to be accompanied by a parent if driving in a race sponsored by a beer company? What happens when someone that young wins, they can't spray him with beer, that would be contributing or at the very least minor consumption. Might have to adopt Indy's milk tradition. Hey Nascar, can the boys have a few cookies with that?
Mark Koop said:
Aug 27, 2008 at 1:38 AMIf you put talented drivers in good cars you get good results. 18 year olds in other pro sports have handled the pressure and become superstars. Why not Logano. It is possible that he won't become a superstar but it's also possible he will. I plan to sit back and enjoy the beginning of what might be a great career.
4da88 said:
Aug 28, 2008 at 12:48 PM#23, oops..my bad.. 'In addition to his racing seat business, Randy is also a part time co-host of The Driver's Seat with John Kernan on Sirius Satellite Radio's NASCAR channel 128. He also did Television Commentary for the ORP and Montreal Busch Series Races'..... However, IMHO, he did not give Joey the nickname in this capacity. Joey brought the nickname with him to NASCAR. And yes the Speed commentators can definitely run things into the ground.
Dan Costello said:
Aug 31, 2008 at 8:01 AMIt seems i have the same views as everyone who's posted be for me, but so i'll just inter laye my opinion. First of all i'm new to the Circle track sport. but no noob to the autmotive world as i have competed, and own me own automotive industry company. Lagano, has increditable amounts of talent which we all seem to reconize, but one thing is true the move to the cupseries would be suicide. I know he's a strong contendor and can hold his own in the field, but he's still wet behind the ears and needs atlest a part-time role in the sprint/nationwide seat.
Dan Costello said:
Aug 31, 2008 at 8:03 AMsorry, not but*