Failed Drug Test Paved the Way for Joey Logano to Become Two-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champion

Joey Logano is currently enjoying his second NASCAR Cup Series title in a 15-year career. However, his journey has been far from easy, especially since he was filling some very big boots. This was when he was roped into the #20 Joe Gibbs Racing car to replace the outgoing Tony Stewart in 2009. Four years later, he moved to the Team Penske stable, driving the #22 car, and the rest was history.

However, he almost did not get the ride at all, as the favorite was AJ Allmendinger. However, there was a stroke of luck for Logano, which was a little devastating for Allmendinger. As it turned out, he had failed a surprise drug test, which pretty much left Team Penske in a tough spot. Fortunately, the team decided to take a gamble on the young hotshot Joey Logano.

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Joey Logano had one former teammate to thank for the chance

The driver’s name cropped up in Team Penske talks, thanks to none other than Brad Keselowski. He had lobbied fiercely for the driver, who had been struggling at Joe Gibbs Racing. It is interesting to note that Logano was 18 years old when he moved to the Cup Series. He had been impressive in the Xfinity Series arena, and JGR elected to promote him up the ranks to their Cup team.

Unfortunately, his fine Xfinity form did not translate into the Cup Series. In the end, he could only notch up two Cup wins in JGR colors, before he lost his #20 seat. Luckily, his performances were enough to earn a nod from Brad Keselowski and convince Team Penske to take a chance. 10 years down the line, Logano has repaid the faith with two Cup titles with the organization. In addition to that, he has amassed 31 Cup Series wins, with 29 of them coming for Team Penske.

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