Nov 18th, 2010 by T.C.
7, 6, 5, 4, 3.
No, that isn’t a countdown of some type. Those are Joey Logano’s finishes over the last five races. At this rate, he’ll finish second at Homestead and win the 2011 Daytona 500. How cool would that be?
With all that has been going on over the last few weeks with the championship contenders, Logano’s great finishes have gone almost unnoticed. I say almost because we noticed, as did TNI reader Tim (thanks for the email). If he is able to bring home another top five or top ten finish at Homestead, it will cap off a very solid sophomore season for the young driver from Connecticut.
There seems to be a bit of stigma for young drivers and their sophomore season. Often times, after a good rookie year, the expectations can weigh on a driver and bring down the performances of the second season. But for the driver known as “Sliced Bread,” the second season has been anything but disappointing.
Outside of not having won a race this season like he did in 2009, Logano has improved in every statistical category in 2010. He has more top five and top ten finishes, and his average finish has improved by almost four positions to 16.1 over last year. Logano’s points position (at least as of Phoenix) has also improved by four positions.
I want to point out though that while Logano hasn’t been able to win heading into the 2010 finale, he was certainly more of a contender this season. Don’t forget that his lone win last season came in a rain shortened race at New Hampshire. I certainly don’t want to take anything away from that win, because a W is a W, but he’s shown this season that he has the ability to run up front and win.
Logano’s development from East Series champion to Cup Series contender has been fun to watch. And Joe Gibbs Racing’s decision to match him with a veteran crew chief in Greg Zipadelli and an experienced #20 crew may just lead him to the Chase and a shot at the Cup Series title very soon.
Until then however, we’ll be rooting for Logano at Homestead… To finish second.
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