Joey Logano has opened up about his strong relationship with crew chief Paul Wolfe, a partnership that has yielded impressive results since they were paired for the 2020 NASCAR season. Together, they have secured 14 victories and two NASCAR Cup championships, in 2022 and 2024, as they head into the playoffs, beginning with the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway this Sunday.
Team owner Roger Penske made a strategic decision to combine Logano and Wolfe, who had previously worked with Logano’s then-teammate Brad Keselowski. Under Wolfe, Keselowski achieved 29 wins and the 2012 NASCAR Cup championship. Since their partnership began, Logano and Wolfe have developed a bond akin to brotherhood, characterized by mutual respect and a shared desire for success.
Building a Competitive Partnership
The competitive nature of both Logano and Wolfe has been crucial to their success. Logano describes Wolfe as having a “never enough attitude,” which motivates him to continuously improve. “It’s like having a big brother that you want to make proud,” he explained during a recent media event. Logano appreciates Wolfe’s high expectations, not just on the racetrack but in all aspects of life.
Wolfe’s disciplined lifestyle and commitment to excellence serve as an example for Logano. “His house, everything he’s put together perfectly. The guy works out. He’s disciplined. It’s ridiculous,” Logano said, highlighting the influence Wolfe has had on his own approach to racing and personal life.
Logano’s journey in NASCAR has seen significant changes, especially when he transitioned from Joe Gibbs Racing after the 2012 season. Penske quickly offered him a position, pairing him with crew chief Todd Gordon, with whom he achieved 21 wins and the 2018 championship. The 2020 reshuffle placed Wolfe at the helm of Logano’s team, setting the stage for their current success.
Honesty and Open Communication
A key element of Logano and Wolfe’s relationship is transparency. Logano emphasizes the importance of honesty, stating, “As soon as you start making up stories or lying to each other, that’s the end.” This straightforward communication has allowed them to navigate challenges, including a less-than-ideal season leading into the playoffs.
Despite qualifying for the playoffs with a victory at Texas earlier this season, Logano’s record reflects only one win, three top-five finishes, and seven top-10 finishes. Despite these struggles, both are optimistic about turning their fortunes around. Logano has demonstrated resilience in previous playoff seasons, and both he and Wolfe are determined to reclaim their championship status.
“You’ve got to have those hard conversations,” Logano noted, comparing their relationship to a marriage. He recognizes that addressing conflicts is necessary for growth. “I think there’s never a moment that I feel like Paul hasn’t been honest with me,” he added, acknowledging the importance of tackling issues head-on, even when uncomfortable.
As they prepare for the playoffs, the duo remains focused on their ultimate goal: winning another championship. With the right combination of competitive spirit, open communication, and a deep bond, Logano and Wolfe are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming races.
