What drivers said after 2024 Phoenix NASCAR Cup championship race won by Joey Logano

What drivers said after 2024 Phoenix NASCAR Cup championship race won by Joey Logano

Joey Logano’s victory in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway sparked varied reactions from fellow drivers, who reflected on their own performances and the season as a whole. The comments highlighted their experiences in the high-stakes finale and their outlooks for the future.

 

William Byron:

Byron, who finished third in the championship standings, expressed pride in his team’s effort despite falling short. He admitted that the No. 24 car struggled to compete with the dominant Team Penske vehicles, particularly on short flat tracks like Phoenix. Byron credited his crew chief, Rudy Fugle, for strategic calls that gave them a chance to contend. Reflecting on a successful season, including a Daytona 500 win, Byron identified areas for improvement, especially on tracks similar to Phoenix, and expressed optimism for building on the team’s progress in 2025.

 

Tyler Reddick:

Tyler Reddick, representing 23XI Racing in the Championship 4, finished outside the top positions but remained proud of his team’s flawless execution during the race. He acknowledged the Penske cars’ superiority on Phoenix’s layout and emphasized the importance of offseason work to enhance performance on such tracks. Reddick’s focus on continuous improvement underscored his determination to return stronger next season.

 

Kyle Larson:

Larson, who finished fourth in the race, described the weekend as a battle with car handling. His team made incremental adjustments, improving the car throughout the event, but ultimately, the Penske cars were untouchable. Despite the challenges, Larson commended his team’s resilience and vowed to take lessons learned from the championship race into the next season.

 

Christopher Bell:

Christopher Bell finished fifth and expressed disappointment with the handling of his car in the final laps. He noted his team’s efforts but highlighted the difficulties of staying competitive in a field dominated by Penske’s well-prepared vehicles. Bell remains optimistic about his partnership with the team and plans to use this experience to better strategize for 2025.

 

Joey Logano’s Dominance:

The focus of the race was undoubtedly on Joey Logano, who showcased his expertise on Phoenix’s short flat track. His victory, achieved through strategic driving and car setup, reaffirmed Team Penske’s dominance. Logano’s consistent performance throughout the playoffs culminated in a championship-clinching race that left competitors acknowledging the strength of his car and team.

 

Outlook for 2025:

The drivers’ post-race reflections pointed to a shared goal of improving in areas exposed during the finale. For Byron, it was about bettering performance on challenging track types. Reddick focused on sustaining high levels of execution while finding speed at Phoenix. Larson and Bell highlighted the importance of adaptability and maintaining consistency. As Logano celebrated his championship, the rest of the field looked ahead, determined to close the gap in 2025.

 

The 2024 season finale underscored the competitive nature of NASCAR’s elite, with drivers not only reflecting on their efforts but also using the experience as fuel for future success.