AVONDALE, Ariz. - Joey Logano has no shortage of confidence the night before he attempts to win his third Cup Series title. In fact, he feels that the No. 22 team is a threat to the competition.
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"We've got them down, now we just gotta put our foot on their throats," Logano said after qualifying on the front row. "...That's what we got to do. We've got them where we want them right now. We've just got to keep them there."
Logano has multiple reasons for this confidence. The biggest is that he's been in this position multiple times before. He's won two Cup titles, including the first of the Gen 7 era.
Another reason is the amount of time the group has had to prepare. Just like in 2018 and 2022, the No. 22 team won the opening race of the Round of 8. That gave them more than two weeks to prepare for the championship race. This is an advantage that can't be overlooked.
"I feel like we have the upper hand, right, and now I feel like it's coming to life a little bit more, just talking about it, seeing what just happened (in qualifying)," Logano said after securing a front-row start.
"Yeah, I feel like we're in a great spot. Obviously, a lot of things can happen from here, but when you look at what we just accomplished today and getting a solid starting spot, that's something that, one, we should be proud of, but also that's exactly what we're trying to do."
This show of confidence is nothing new for Logano. He had this attitude in 2022 after making the Championship 4 with a win at Las Vegas. The Team Penske driver made it clear that he viewed his team as the favorite to win the title.
"I don't know if cocky is the right word, but confidence is something that I think is so important going into the playoffs when the pressure is on," Logano said during the 2022 Championship 4 Media Day.
"I need to feel like I'm the best, and I need to have reason to feel that way as well."
How did Logano follow up on his bold comments? He went out and won the pole for the championship race. He then led 187 of the 312 laps before winning his second title.
One year later, Logano is starting on the front row again. He won't be on the pole, but he believes he will still deliver another championship-worthy performance.
