Pocky's Paddock
A NASCAR BLOG BY Bob Pockrass
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No pressure on Logano
Jun
18
Congratulations to Joey Logano. He’s doing what everyone expected him to do as he won in just his third Nationwide Series race.
Throughout his high-profile rise through NASCAR’s lower ranks, people asked Logano about handling the pressure of expectations. He politely responded that the expectations have always been there, so it’s just second nature.
But in reality, there isn’t that much pressure on Logano compared to other 18- and 19-year-old aspiring drivers. Logano already has what we would imagine is a pretty solid contract with Joe Gibbs Racing. If he wrecks four cars, there’s a fifth car waiting for him. He certainly isn’t racing for his dinner every week.
Pressure is having a one-race, fill-in deal with an established team in hopes of making a splash, knowing that a wreck or two likely will result in a pink slip. Pressure is driving for the family-owned team knowing that how one finishes will determine whether the rent on the shop gets paid. Pressure is knowing that a one-race sponsor wants a top-10 finish to sign up for more races.
Logano deserves all the praise for his accomplishments. He has performed well in the spotlight. But pressure? Let’s leave that to guys who don’t know whether they’ll be racing next week.
Throughout his high-profile rise through NASCAR’s lower ranks, people asked Logano about handling the pressure of expectations. He politely responded that the expectations have always been there, so it’s just second nature.
But in reality, there isn’t that much pressure on Logano compared to other 18- and 19-year-old aspiring drivers. Logano already has what we would imagine is a pretty solid contract with Joe Gibbs Racing. If he wrecks four cars, there’s a fifth car waiting for him. He certainly isn’t racing for his dinner every week.
Pressure is having a one-race, fill-in deal with an established team in hopes of making a splash, knowing that a wreck or two likely will result in a pink slip. Pressure is driving for the family-owned team knowing that how one finishes will determine whether the rent on the shop gets paid. Pressure is knowing that a one-race sponsor wants a top-10 finish to sign up for more races.
Logano deserves all the praise for his accomplishments. He has performed well in the spotlight. But pressure? Let’s leave that to guys who don’t know whether they’ll be racing next week.
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Comments
5 responses to "No pressure on Logano"
Worm Dirt said:
Jun 18, 2008 at 1:42 PMWow.... I just wasted two minutes of my life reading comments from a man sitting in an office cubicle trying to SUBTLY downplay the ACHIEVEMENTS of an 18 year-old! You can split hairs over what type of pressure is more RIGHTEOUS and NOBLE all you want, but you're embarassing yourself. I mean, if there's some cat out there racing for his "dinner" or "the rent" as you MELODRAMITICALLY cite, then why not tell their story to highlight THEIR OWN MERITS. But, using this to try to bring Lagano down a bit is a just a new & sad level of hackery. EVEN for you pickross.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportCharles OBrien said:
Jun 21, 2008 at 7:01 AMWorm Dirt...your name is appropriate. Pockrass is right on the money. The guy lives in the garage, not the cubicle. He knows. You don't.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportWorm Dirt said:
Jun 21, 2008 at 4:52 PMWhat does Pockrass living in his parent's garage have to do with anything Charles?? Anyway, would you care to explain WHY you think I'm 'WRONG'... Am I missing something here? Isn't the overall message of this blog.... that one man's pressure is MORE RIGHTEOUS AND NOBLE than another man's pressure? To me, it just seems like a ridiculous comparison and a PESIMISTIC and UNNECESSARY swipe at a young man who is living the dream. The SAME DREAM that those in the garage who are scraping by are seeking. Why insult the drivers that are fighting and scraping for a shot with this blog that is blatantly trying to appeal to jealous tendencies that they may or may not have. I want to think that those men are above that kind of thing, but maybe i'm wrong.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportGary Manke said:
Jun 27, 2008 at 5:58 PMMaybe Logano should stop dreaming and concentrate more on being a better driver on the track. He is a good driver and needs to get more experience. He also is in very good equipment. Look at Casey Mears, why can't he win? Is he in bad cars or is he a bad driver compared to Kyle Busch?
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» Confirm Abuse ReportWorm Dirt said:
Jun 27, 2008 at 9:33 PMGary....I DON'T UNDERSTAND YOUR ARGUMENT, but I can't resist responding.... Comparing Casey Mears to Kyle Busch is like comparing Bob Packrass to William Shakespeare!! Apologists for Casey Mears always lean on the same old CRUTCH...about how he SUFFERS from constantly changing teams and crew chiefs etc. and how IF ONLY he had some CONSISTENCY, he would win! Well, the under-rated Kyle Busch (Yes, i just said 'underated') doesn't seem to have a problem winning with different teams or crew chiefs or in different style cars etc etc SOMETIMES on the SAME WEEKEND! Being "marketable" and saying the "right things" in front of the camera kept Mears at Hendricks over Kyle last year, but...EVENTUALLY you have to ACTUALLY PERFORM ON THE TRACK! NOthing personal, just FACTS!
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