Joey Logano Becomes First NASCAR Champion From Connecticut
Joey Logano, a self-proclaimed underdog, emerged as the winner in the NASCAR race at Homestead-Miami Speedway yesterday (November 18), making him the first Connecticut native to become a NASCAR champion.
This was a thrilling season for fans led by Logano, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Bush and Martin Truvex, Jr. — Logano modestly refers to the trio as “The Big Three and Me.” The season culminated in an exciting race on Sunday. In the final 15 laps, Logano pulled away with the closest threat only 1.725 seconds behind.
According to Logano’s website, the Penske-backed, Middletown, CT native is a 10-year racing veteran at just 28-years-old. He began racing Bandoleros in 1999 and eventually became the Bandolero Bandits champion. After that, he moved onto the Legends cars full time, ultimately becoming the youngest pro division champion in Legends history.
Due to regulations, he had to wait until he turned 18 to make his NASCAR Xfinity debut just a few days after his birthday at Dover International Speedway. Shortly thereafter, he became the youngest winner in XFINITY Series history at the Kentucky Speedway.
Winning the 33rd NASCAR championship in Florida was a thrill for Logano as well as for all of his fans in Connecticut. If you’re a racing fan in CT, I’m sure you are looking forward to the season opener at Lime Rock Park on Memorial Day weekend in 2019!