Team Penske started the playoffs strong, but their drivers soon faced difficulties that put them at risk of elimination heading into the top 8. However, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney rallied, securing a spot for Penske in the finals. While many found Logano’s result surprising, NASCAR insider Dale Earnhardt Jr. disagreed.

As a former driver turned NASCAR media mogul, Earnhardt discussed Logano’s finals appearance on his show. His co-hosts expressed some doubt, but Earnhardt confidently defended Logano’s credentials.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. backs up Joey Logano’s spot in the finals

Before Joey Logano clinched the win at Vegas, many insiders believed that this year it would be Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and William Byron in the finals, with a tie between Tyler Reddick and Denny Hamlin for the 4th spot. Team Penske’s recent performance made many believe that they would not be able to make a comeback to defend the title this season; however, they were wrong.

When a co-host at the Dale Jr. Download sounded skeptical about Joey Logano deserving to be in the top 4, another host stepped in to save the day. Reinforcing Joey Logano’s caliber, the co-host said, “I know, but I will never understand people being like, ‘Oh well, just little old Joey Lano found himself in the playoffs.’ Like, he’s—I know he’s a proven two-time champion; he does this all the time.”

On hearing this, the skeptical co-host stated, “I like Joey, and they’re an extremely talented group. Penske this time of year is unbelievable.” But that did not come without Dale Jr. stepping in to say, “I think what’s saving this whole thing is his [Joey Logano’s] credentials.” He then added, “Because if you take his credentials away, it’s really kind of too fluky, right? Um, but he’s got the damn credentials.”

But it was not only his credentials that made him a strong competitor. Dale Jr. has discussed Logano’s entry into the finals several times leading to this moment and hence, Earnhardt Jr. explained, “We knew it was just—you know, he’s dangerous.” It is not easy to become a Cup Series champion in NASCAR without having an aggressive attitude. Joey Logano has proved time and time again that he is a force to be reckoned with and by getting into the finals, he now stands to win the title.

Now that we are heading in for the third last race of the season, Team Penske has decided to make some changes in how they plan to go about their pit stops. Especially after the incident on Pit Road at Vegas, it was time that the announcement was made.

Team Penske No. 22 pit crew to have some changes

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Joey Logano and his No. 22 Team Penske crew are making some adjustments as they gear up for the race at Homestead-Miami. With the recent victory at Las Vegas securing Logano’s place in the Championship 4, this weekend’s race isn’t as crucial for them. However, it’s still important to keep the team’s momentum going, especially with a few shifts happening in the pit crew lineup. Unfortunately, Joe Dilly, the front tire changer, is sidelined due to an injury, forcing the crew to shuffle their lineup to maintain efficiency during pit stops.

In a strategic move, Keiston France, who usually works on Austin Cindric’s crew, is stepping in to replace Dilly for this weekend. Meanwhile, Justin Armwood will transition from the Rick Ware Racing No. 15 team to Cindric’s crew, creating a bit of a musical chairs situation in the pits. It seems like a smart choice to ensure everyone is in top form for the upcoming championship race at Phoenix. With Dilly expected to return in time for that event, the team is clearly prioritizing health and performance over anything else right now.

As Logano continues to make waves in the playoffs, the conversation around his spot in the Championship 4 remains lively. Considering his performance this season, do you think that Joey Logano can be the 2024 Cup Series Champion? Share your thoughts in the comments below.