Comments on: Should Joe Gibbs Racing Re-Sign Joey Logano?

By: Kenseth Leaving RFR; Stenhouse To Cup In 2013 | Lead Lap's NASCAR News

Kenseth Leaving RFR; Stenhouse To Cup In 2013 | Lead Lap's NASCAR News — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:12:41 +0000

[...] up by ESPN speculated that Kenseth could be headed to Joe Gibbs Racing, which could elect not to re-sign Joey Logano, or could start a fourth team for Kenseth, or he could be headed to Penske Racing, which is [...]

By: Michael J Smith

Michael J Smith — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Thanks for commenting, John.

I think re-signing Logano for a Nationwide ride would be a good idea, if he were willing to re-sign to drive in the Nationwide Series full time.

I also think Busch is the best available talent out there, but is he worth the headache? I don’t know; JGR may think so.

I don’t think I would sign Reutimann. I like the guy, but he’s comparable to Logano, though he has one more win. Maybe if Reuti won 4 or 5 races, I would feel more comfortable.

Vickers is intruiging.He has two wins, and seems too talented to not be in a competitive machine. I just wonder why he isn’t getting calls.

By: Josh

Josh — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 03:36:29 +0000

If I were Gibbs, I would resign Joey. However, I would “demote” him in a sense and make him run for the Nationwide title instead like Penske did with Sam Hornish Jr. It would help rebuild his confidence and it would also strengthen the Nationwide program if Brian Scott had a consistent teammate to work with, making Dollar General happy. Joey when he’s ready could run a 4th R&D car in Cup.
Now for the actual 20 car? Kurt Busch is probably the best available talent but there are other drivers like Brian Vickers or David Reutimann who ran well and won races despite inferior equipment. With all these options, I think Joey is going to be shown the door in Cup if he doesn’t step up his game in this upcoming summer stretch of races.

By: Michael J Smith

Michael J Smith — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 01:13:59 +0000

Thanks for commenting Keith.

I like Joey too and I think he has the skills to be successful. But, I think he should’ve run more Nationwide Series races before moving to Cup.

When you have a sponsor like Home Depot on a top tier car, that car needs to be up front, plain and simple. And with Logano, so far, it really hasn’t.

By: Michael J Smith

Michael J Smith — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 01:11:22 +0000

Thanks for reading and for commenting Brian.

I completely agree. He could definitely win some races with Kurt Busch. The question is, will JGR think Busch is worth the headaches he brings? Also, would a sponsor be willing to put up with him? Still, if you have one Busch, why not have two?

By: Keith Murray

Keith Murray — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 20:40:35 +0000

I would have loved to see Joey be successful, but he has no excuses. He had a top-tier, championship crew chief for two years and is driving for a top-tier team. I hate to say it because I like Joey, but JD and the boys need to fill that ride wit a winner. There is too much talent out there to keep fielding a field filler. Nice article.

By: Brian 97

Brian 97 — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 19:56:04 +0000

Joey is and was not ready for Cup. Gibbs needs to put him in the Nationwide Series for a few years more. The problem is that Cup owners push kids into the Cup series too soon. They all have Jeff Gordon syndrome. Bring in youth and burn them out before they are really ready. I really think that Joe Gibbs can do something with Kurt Busch, I really do. He would be an instance success in the 20!

By: Michael J Smith

Michael J Smith — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:33:27 +0000

Thanks for reading and for commenting, Jeff.

You’re absolutely right. Home Depot, and other sponsors, may force JGR’s hand in the matter. HD’s contract expires at the end of the season, if I am not mistaken. So, they may leave. But, if they give JGR an ultimatum to replace the driver or they won’t re-sign, I think they’ll have to get rid of Logano.

It will also depend largely on who is available, and how they feel about their stable of young drivers — whether or not one of them is ready to step up into Cup.

By: Michael J Smith

Michael J Smith — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:26:46 +0000

Thanks for reading and for commenting, Steven.

You make a good point. But, I’m wondering if Joey Logano was moved up to Cup too fast. I think he was, and there’s a good chance that moving Darrell Wallace, Ryan Truex or Ryan Blaney (who I assume you’re talking about) up too quickly would put them in the same boat as Logano.

With that said, I think that in three and a half years, if you haven’t shown what you’re capable of, then there is something wrong with you. I think Logano has had his chance.

By: Jeff Marcosky

Jeff Marcosky — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 09:23:29 +0000

The real question is…at some point Home Depot is going to want to see there car in the winners circle, not getting lapped.

Sure Joey has some Nationwide wins but that has absolutly nothing to do with the Sprint cup ride.

If Home Depot wants another driver then Joe Gibbs Racing releases Lagano and finds another driver. Or,HD leaves and end up at Stewart/Hass where they are rumored to be going anyway.