Joey Logano’s 2025 Pennzoil 400 Performance: A Missed Opportunity

Joey Logano, one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers, entered the 2025 Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with high hopes. As a past champion and a driver with multiple wins at this track, expectations were high for the No. 22 Team Penske Ford Mustang.

Logano had a strong car and looked like a contender for the victory. However, despite running up front for much of the race, a critical misstep during the “money stop” derailed his chances. Ultimately, he finished 15th, leaving both Logano and his fans wondering what could have been.

Let’s break down his performance, key moments, and what this result means for the rest of his 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Race Overview: The 2025 Pennzoil 400

The Pennzoil 400, held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, is a 400-mile race on a 1.5-mile oval track, consisting of 267 laps. Known for its high speeds and strategic pit stops, this race often favors teams that can master tire management and pit road execution.

Las Vegas has historically been a strong track for Logano, where he has secured multiple victories and consistently been a front-runner.

Joey Logano’s Performance in the Pennzoil 400

Qualifying: A Strong Start from P2

Logano had a great start to the weekend, securing P2 in qualifying, meaning he started on the front row. This prime starting position put him in a strong position to control the race early.

Stage 1: Holding Steady

As the race began, Logano showed solid pace, maintaining his position within the top five throughout much of Stage 1. He managed his tires well and avoided trouble, ultimately finishing just outside the top 10 at P13 by the end of the stage.

Stage 2: A Competitive Run in P7

In Stage 2, Logano made adjustments to his car and showed improved speed. He battled hard with the top contenders, including Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Ryan Blaney.

By the end of Stage 2, Logano secured a P7 finish, earning valuable stage points that could play a role in the championship standings.

The Final Stage: The “Money Stop” That Changed Everything

As the final stage unfolded, Logano positioned himself well for a shot at victory. He was running inside the top five, and his car had the speed to challenge for the lead.

However, with less than 50 laps to go, the race’s final round of pit stops—often referred to as the “money stop”—proved to be the turning point.

What Went Wrong?

• Slow Pit Stop: During his final pit stop, Logano’s crew encountered issues, costing him several positions.
• Lost Track Position: Instead of rejoining the race inside the top five, he fell outside the top 10.
• Difficult Recovery: With clean air being crucial at Las Vegas, Logano struggled to make up ground in the final laps.

Despite having one of the fastest cars, Logano found himself stuck in traffic, unable to regain momentum.

Final Result: A Disappointing P15

When the checkered flag waved, Logano crossed the finish line in 15th place—a frustrating result for a driver who had the potential to win the race.

Joey Logano’s Reaction

After the race, Logano didn’t hold back in his assessment of what went wrong.

“We had the car to win it, but we failed to execute on the money stop.”

His frustration was evident, as he knew his No. 22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang had the speed to contend for the victory. Pit stops are critical in NASCAR, and even the slightest mistake can cost a driver a shot at winning—which is exactly what happened here.

What This Means for Logano’s 2025 Season

The Good News

• Speed is There: Logano’s car showed race-winning pace, which is a positive sign for the season ahead.
• Strong Qualification: Starting P2 proves that Team Penske is bringing fast cars to intermediate tracks.
• Valuable Stage Points: His Stage 2 finish (P7) gave him important points toward the championship standings.

Areas for Improvement

• Pit Stop Execution: The biggest takeaway is that improving pit stop efficiency will be crucial moving forward.
• Track Position Strategy: Finding ways to stay up front late in races will be key to securing wins.

Despite the disappointing finish, Logano remains a serious contender for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Logano?

Logano and Team Penske will regroup and refocus for the upcoming races, where they will have more opportunities to secure their first win of the season.

Upcoming Races to Watch:

1. Phoenix Raceway—a track where Logano has had strong performances in the past.
2. Atlanta Motor Speedway—another 1.5-mile track that could suit his driving style.
3. Bristol Motor Speedway—a short-track battle where Logano has previously excelled.

Expect Logano to come back stronger and more determined in the next race as he aims to bounce back from this missed opportunity.

Final Thoughts: A Race of “What Ifs”

Joey Logano’s 2025 Pennzoil 400 performance will be remembered as a race of what could have been. He had the car to win, but a critical mistake during the money stop cost him the chance to fight for the victory.

Still, Logano remains one of NASCAR’s elite drivers, and this setback will only fuel his determination to return to Victory Lane.

Fans can expect him to be a serious contender in the races to come—and possibly take another step toward a championship run.

Key Takeaways from Joey Logano’s 2025 Pennzoil 400:

✅ Started P2: A strong qualifying effort.
✅ P7 in Stage 2: Earned valuable stage points.
✅ Had a race-winning car—speed wasn’t the issue.
❌ Pit stop error in final stage: Cost him crucial track position.
❌ Finished P15—a frustrating result for a strong car.

As the season continues, Joey Logano will be one to watch. Can he recover from this setback and take a win soon? NASCAR fans will be watching closely.