For the past three years, Team Penske has been the undisputed powerhouse of NASCAR. Ever since the Next Gen era kicked off, they’ve been on a championship tear, with Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney leading the charge. Penske’s dominance has been frustrating for fans who see Logano, in particular, as an “undeserving champion.” They point to his up-and-down regular-season performances, where he’s inconsistent at best. But then, somehow, when the playoffs roll around, he flips a switch and walks away with another title. After snagging his third Cup Series crown in 2024, people were left scratching their heads, asking: How does he keep getting away with it?

Well, Joey just gave us a hint in an interview that’s turning heads. His explanation? It boils down to four words, and they might just make you rethink everything about Team Penske’s strategy.

“It’s not an accident”: Logano reveals Penske’s championship strategy

In a conversation with Greg Olsen, Logano peeled back the curtain on what makes Team Penske tick—and why they don’t seem to worry much about dominating during the regular season. “Being able to handle pressure is the most important thing, right?” Logano said. “I look at our race team; we show up in the playoffs way more than we do all year long. Our regular season, even this year, was nothing to be happy about, but our playoffs are fantastic.”

Logano’s not wrong. His 2024 season, for example, wasn’t exactly awe-inspiring for most of the year. He only had one win before the playoffs began, and his average finishes didn’t exactly scream “championship favorite.” But once the playoffs started, it was like he turned into a completely different driver. In a season in which most thought Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell were the main protagonists, Logano won three of the last ten races, including the finale at Phoenix Raceway, to secure his third championship from right under their noses.

It’s a pattern Team Penske has perfected. In 2023, Ryan Blaney had a similar story. His regular-season performance was good but didn’t raise many eyebrows, but he hit his stride in the playoffs, winning at Martinsville when it was do-or-die to make the Championship 4. That race saved his season, and he went on to win the title.

Logano hinted that this approach is actually by design. “It’s not an accident that it’s like that,” he explained. “Some people are born to love that pressure. Some people have to learn to love the pressure, and it’s never comfortable.” For Penske, it seems the real game doesn’t start until the playoffs, and they’re okay with saving their best for when it matters most.

“I’m not the fastest driver but…”: Logano reveals why he’s 3x NASCAR champion

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Despite now being a three-time Cup series champion, Joey Logano isn’t shy about admitting that he’s not always the fastest driver out there. “I know I’m not the fastest race car driver on the racetrack. I know that,” he said. But what sets him apart? His ability to handle pressure. “I think I’m the most mentally tough race car driver on the racetrack,” Logano added.

And honestly, his 2024 playoff run backs that up. He didn’t just win races; he won when everything was on the line. At Phoenix, with a championship hanging in the balance, Logano dominated. He led 107 laps and held off Blaney—his own teammate—to seal the deal. That kind of clutch performance is what separates good drivers from great ones.

But it wasn’t just Phoenix. Logano’s entire playoff journey was a masterclass in handling high-stakes moments. While others faltered under the pressure, he thrived, delivering the kind of performances that left no doubt about his championship credentials.

That mental toughness isn’t something you can measure in a stat sheet, but it’s become Logano’s calling card. He’s the guy who might not wow you in June or July but come October and November, he’s the one lifting the trophy.

Logano’s story is about more than just raw talent or luck. It’s about knowing where your strengths lie and leaning into them. Sure, fans might grumble about his regular-season performances or call him an “undeserving champion.” But as Logano himself would probably tell you, it’s not how you start—it’s how you finish.

And boy, does he know how to finish.