Joey Logano knows a thing or two about pressure. From a young age, he was pushed to his limits by his father, Tom, who forged his son’s birth certificate so he could compete against older and more experienced drivers. This determination and drive helped Logano become a three-time Cup Series champion, and he’s not the only one who has taken this approach to driver development.
In recent years, the Max Verstappen model of driver development has gained popularity in the racing world. This model focuses on starting drivers at a young age and pushing them to compete at the highest level as soon as possible. Verstappen, who made his Formula One debut at just 17 years old, has become a poster child for this approach. But Logano has a different perspective on this model.
In a recent interview, Logano opened up about his thoughts on the Max Verstappen model and how it compares to his own journey in racing. He believes that while starting young and being pushed to compete at a high level can be beneficial, it’s not the only way to achieve success in the sport.
Logano’s journey in racing began at the age of six when he started racing go-karts. He quickly showed natural talent and a competitive spirit, but it wasn’t until he was 15 that he started racing in the NASCAR Camping World East Series. This is a stark contrast to Verstappen, who was competing in top-level karting championships at the age of 12.
However, Logano’s late start did not hold him back. He won the Camping World East Series championship in his first full season and then moved on to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, where he won the championship in his second season. This success caught the eye of NASCAR teams, and at the age of 18, Logano made his debut in the Cup Series.
While Logano’s journey may have been different from Verstappen’s, he believes that the pressure and challenges he faced along the way have made him a better driver. He acknowledges that the Max Verstappen model can work for some drivers, but it’s not the only path to success.
Logano also believes that starting at a young age can put a lot of pressure on drivers and potentially lead to burnout. He explains that it’s essential to have a balance and not push too hard too soon. Instead, he believes that drivers should focus on developing their skills and gaining experience at each level before moving up.
Logano’s approach to driver development is not just based on his own experience, but also on his observations of other drivers. He has seen many young drivers come into the sport with a lot of hype and pressure, only to struggle and ultimately not reach their full potential. He believes that this is because they were not given the time and opportunity to develop properly.
Despite his differing views on driver development, Logano has a lot of respect for Verstappen and his accomplishments. He acknowledges that the Dutch driver is incredibly talented and has achieved a lot at a young age. However, he also believes that there is more than one path to success in racing, and it’s essential to find what works best for each individual.
In the end, Logano’s story serves as a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to driver development. While the Max Verstappen model may work for some, others may benefit from a slower and more balanced approach. What matters most is finding what works for each driver and allowing them to reach their full potential in their own time.
Joey Logano’s journey in racing is a testament to the power of determination and hard work. From a young age, he was pushed to his limits and faced challenges that have made him the successful driver he is today. While the Max Verstappen model may be gaining popularity, Logano’s story serves as a reminder that there is no substitute for experience and proper development. And that, in the end, is what leads to true success in the world of racing.