Behind the Scenes: Roger Penske Recounts His Nervousness in the Final Lap at Phoenix
In the high-speed world of motorsports, where every second counts and precision is paramount, it’s easy to forget that the people behind the scenes—the team owners, strategists, and managers—experience the same intense emotions as the drivers. Roger Penske, one of the most iconic figures in racing, recently shared an inside look into the whirlwind of emotions he felt during the final lap of a race at Phoenix Raceway, one that would go down in history as one of the most thrilling and nerve-wracking moments in NASCAR.
Penske, who has built a motorsports empire spanning across IndyCar, NASCAR, and various other disciplines, has seen it all: victories, losses, and championship battles. But when it came down to the closing laps at Phoenix, even he found himself gripping the edge of his seat, hoping for a successful conclusion to a race that held significant implications for his team.
The Build-Up to Phoenix
The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season had been one of the most competitive in recent memory. Roger Penske’s racing team, known for its consistency and ability to deliver top-tier results, was once again in the thick of the championship battle. Heading into the final race at Phoenix, all eyes were on one of Penske’s star drivers, Joey Logano, who had managed to remain in contention for the title despite a season of unpredictable results.
Logano, a veteran driver with multiple Cup Series wins, was up against some of the fiercest competitors in the sport. Yet, Penske’s confidence in Logano and the entire No. 22 team remained unwavering. As the race progressed, it became clear that the championship was within their grasp, but only if they could hold off the late-race charge from other drivers. With each lap that passed, the tension inside the Penske camp mounted.
The Final Lap
As the race neared its conclusion, Logano found himself in a tight battle for position, with a few laps remaining. Despite having been in numerous high-pressure situations, Roger Penske admitted that the intensity of the final moments at Phoenix was unlike anything he had experienced before.
In a recent interview, Penske opened up about his emotions as Logano took to the track for the final lap of the race. “You always think you’re prepared for those moments, but when it’s happening, your heart starts racing,” Penske confessed. “You can hear your breath, you’re watching every move the car makes, and you’re praying that everything falls into place. It’s such a surreal experience. As an owner, you’re not just thinking about the race—you’re thinking about the people who’ve worked so hard to get to this point.”
In the final lap, Penske could do little but watch as Logano navigated the tricky oval. The pressure was immense; Logano had to fend off a determined field of drivers who were all hungry for a win. “You don’t want to say it’s all on one lap, but in some ways, it feels that way. We’ve been building up to this moment for an entire season, and now, in these final few seconds, everything is on the line,” Penske reflected.
Logano, who had been in a fierce battle with a few key competitors in the closing laps, had to make split-second decisions on the track. The pit crew’s flawless strategy earlier in the race had put him in a position to challenge for the lead, but the final lap would ultimately determine whether Penske’s team would secure the championship.
The Nervous Wait
As Logano barreled down the backstretch and into the final turns, Penske recounted the nervousness he felt in those fleeting moments. “It’s almost like time slows down,” Penske said. “You’re watching the car, trying to predict every possible scenario. You know how quickly things can change in NASCAR, and a slip-up on the last lap could end everything.”
From the pit box, Penske could only rely on the instincts of his driver and his team. “We’ve been through so much together, and we trust each other. But in moments like that, you start to question, ‘Did we do everything right? Is there anything we missed?’” he admitted.
As the cars hurtled towards the finish line, the pressure seemed insurmountable. Yet, despite the anxiety building within Penske, he remained focused. “At the end of the day, this is why we race,” he said, speaking to the years of hard work that had built his racing organization into a powerhouse.
Victory and Relief
When the checkered flag finally waved, signaling the end of the race, it was Joey Logano who crossed the line first, securing not only the race win but also the championship title. Penske, who had been quietly watching from the pit, let out a massive sigh of relief. “I don’t know how to describe that feeling,” Penske said with a smile. “It’s a mix of pure joy and relief. You know you’ve made it, but it doesn’t really hit you until you see the car cross the line.”
The Penske team erupted in celebration, with crew members, engineers, and team personnel all embracing the moment. For Penske, it was yet another crowning achievement in a storied career. But the emotions of that final lap, and the intense nervousness he felt, would stay with him long after the champagne had been sprayed and the confetti settled.
A Legacy of Pressure and Triumph
Roger Penske’s recounting of his nerves during the final lap at Phoenix provides a rare glimpse into the pressures faced by team owners at the highest level of motorsport. It’s a reminder that behind every championship win, there are not just drivers navigating high-speed circuits, but entire teams—drivers, crew members, strategists, and owners—who share in the victory and the heartbreak.
For Penske, that final lap at Phoenix was a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. And while his nerves may have been on edge, his belief in his team—and in his driver Joey Logano—was unwavering. The victory not only added another chapter to Penske’s incredible legacy in motorsport but also underscored the unshakable bond between a team owner and
his crew as they chase glory together.
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