Joey Logano 2016 Review
By Richard Tix
Season Grade: A-
Season Preview: "I have Joey Logano back in the Final Four in 2016, much like 2014. Last year I was between BK and him making the final, and the one I picked would be the Champion. I went BK, but I would have been wrong either way. That's how crazy the new Chase is. I am not sure 2016 will be as successful as 2015 was according to the basic stats, but JoLo will have another nice season. I see 3-5 wins, 17-18 top 5's, and 20-22 Top 10's which are all down from 2015, but he could end up further in the Chase."
Season Review: In general terms I was almost spot on with JoLo in 2016. His numbers were a bit down from 2015 but he advanced back to the final four again (second time in three years). When it came down to it, Joey Logano had a shot once again at his first Cup Championship but couldn't seal the deal. In reality, most of this had to do with the fact that he didn't have a run in with a certain driver at Kansas this season. After not having a run in with another driver at Kansas he in turn didn't get pile drived into a corner at Loudon. I would say those two things may have helped him, just a bit, in 2016.
JoLo gave everything he had late in the race at Homestead to try and make something happen, but couldn't put himself in position to beat out Jimmie Johnson. However disappointing Homestead was, he still put in one heck of a season. I do want to note, that situation was not caused by, or at fault by Joey Logano. Both he and Carl thought they were doing what needed to be done to win a Championship. But, onwards... He and Brad Keselowski once again had fast Penske Ford's all season long and JoLo performed when it mattered late in the season.
2016 marked Joey's third straight impressive year showing glimpses of the future of NASCAR. He is still only 26 years old and is at the top of a talented young crop of drivers with loads of talent that include Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, and Kyle Larson.
Logano now has 17 career wins with 14 of those coming in the last three seasons. That is an average of 4.66 wins a season which is a nice pace for a guy entering what should be his prime years. I still think a NASCAR Championship is on the near horizon for Joey and the No. 22 team, but more on that in the upcoming 2017 previews!
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