Joey Logano, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, recently shared his thoughts on rookie Connor Zilisch's struggles. On Harvick's Happy Hour Podcast, Logano acknowledged Zilisch's rapid rise in the O'Reilly Series.
What happened?
Logano drew parallels between Zilisch's career path and his own, noting that both drivers experienced dominant success in lower-tier series before hitting a wall in elite Cup competition.
Logano won his third race in the lower series, and Zilisch had a 10-win season with JR Motorsports. However, Zilisch has struggled in his rookie NASCAR Cup season, only managing his first top-10 finish last weekend in Sonoma.
Why it matters for Joey Logano
Logano argued that the jump from the O'Reilly series to the Cup series is the largest in motorsports, with no equal in terms of talent level. He warned fans and teams not to judge young talent too quickly.
The Penske star believes Zilisch has amazing talent but needs time to develop. Logano's comments came after Zilisch's first top-10 finish on June 11.
What comes next?
NASCAR has announced a rule change to revamp the Next Gen car's bumper structural configuration for upcoming short-track events. Logano noted that the previous configuration allowed trailing cars to blast the rear bumpers of leading vehicles with no consequence.
The revised specification will debut on July 19 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Logano hopes the change will improve safety and make racing more competitive.
Logano also applauded NASCAR's decision to overhaul the short-track bumper rule, saying it will make the sport safer. The change is set to be implemented at several upcoming events, including Richmond Raceway on August 15 and Bristol Motor Speedway on September 19.
The NASCAR Cup Series driver core has been pushing for this change, and Logano believes it will have a positive impact on the sport. With the new rule in place, drivers will need to adapt their strategies for tight-quarters racing.
As the season progresses, Logano will be keeping a close eye on Zilisch's development. The rookie driver has shown promise, but Logano knows that success in the Cup series takes time.
On June 11, Zilisch finished in the top 10 for the first time in his rookie season. Logano finished second in the same race, demonstrating his own skill and experience in the Cup series.
The upcoming short-track events will be a test for Zilisch and other drivers, as they navigate the new bumper configuration and compete for top spots. Logano's comments serve as a reminder that success in the Cup series is not immediate, but rather the result of hard work and dedication.
As the NASCAR season continues, fans can expect to see more exciting racing and developments from Logano and Zilisch. With the new rule in place, the sport is poised to become even more competitive and thrilling.
Logano's experience and insight into the sport make him a valuable resource for young drivers like Zilisch. As Zilisch continues to develop, he will likely look to Logano and other veteran drivers for guidance and support.
The NASCAR Cup Series is known for its intense competition and high-speed racing. With drivers like Logano and Zilisch on the track, fans can expect to see plenty of action and excitement in the upcoming events.
The revised bumper configuration is set to make its debut on July 19, and fans will be watching closely to see how it affects the racing. Logano's comments on the change have been well-received, and many are eager to see the impact it will have on the sport.