“Joey Logano Ranked Ahead of Me? No Way. That List Isn’t Authentic” – Kyle Larson Responds as the 2024 New Rankings Have Been Released
The latest NASCAR Cup Series driver rankings for 2024 have sparked an uproar, especially in the case of two-time champion Kyle Larson. Known for his raw speed and versatility, Larson has been an undeniable force in the sport since his breakout year in 2021, when he secured his first NASCAR Cup Series Championship. So when the recently released rankings placed him behind fellow veteran Joey Logano, a firestorm of controversy quickly erupted.
Larson, a driver celebrated for his prowess on dirt tracks, superspeedways, and short tracks, made no attempt to hide his frustration. “Joey Logano ranked ahead of me? No way. That list isn’t authentic,” Larson fired back on social media in response to the rankings, which were compiled by a popular motorsports analysis website that weighs a combination of career stats, consistency, and recent performance trends.
The Rankings and the Controversy
The rankings placed Joey Logano in the top 5, ahead of Larson, who was ranked a somewhat controversial 7th. The list used a blend of win totals, playoff appearances, and on-track performance over the past couple of seasons to place drivers in their respective spots. While Logano’s credentials are solid—two Cup Series championships (2018 and 2022) and numerous race wins—it’s Larson’s more recent success that has many questioning the validity of the ranking.
Larson has had a remarkably successful tenure with Hendrick Motorsports, capturing 19 wins since 2020, including victories on a variety of track types. His adaptability across different racing formats, from NASCAR’s Cup Series to sprint cars and dirt events, has made him one of the most well-rounded drivers in recent years. Additionally, Larson was the runner-up in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series standings, finishing just behind champion William Byron, and his reputation as one of the most dynamic talents in the sport is hard to dispute.
On the other hand, Logano has had an impressive career as well, including his 2022 championship run. His aggressive style and ability to navigate high-stakes races have earned him a respected place among the top drivers in NASCAR. However, many fans and analysts believe that while Logano’s victories are undeniable, Larson’s ability to win across a wider variety of tracks—combined with his consistency in the past few seasons—puts him ahead in terms of raw talent.
Larson’s Response: A Call for Authenticity
Kyle Larson, who is never one to shy away from voicing his opinions, took to Twitter and Instagram to express his displeasure with the ranking. “Look, Joey’s a great driver. No disrespect to him or his championships, but if you’re talking pure talent and versatility, there’s no reason why I’m behind him,” Larson wrote in his post. “This isn’t just about wins—it’s about consistency, adaptability, and how you perform across multiple formats. Anyone who’s watched NASCAR over the past couple of years knows I’ve had my fair share of dominant performances.”
Larson’s passionate response raised eyebrows across the NASCAR community, with many fans supporting his sentiment. “Larson is one of the most versatile drivers in NASCAR today. He can win on any track, in any condition, and is constantly evolving,” one fan wrote in a tweet. Another added, “There’s no way you can put someone like Joey Logano ahead of Kyle Larson, especially with how fast he’s been the past couple of seasons. It’s not even close!”
Larson’s ranking controversy has reignited a broader discussion about what truly constitutes greatness in NASCAR. Is it about the number of championships, like Logano’s two titles? Or does raw, undeniable talent and the ability to win in all types of racing environments carry more weight, as Larson’s supporters argue?
Logano’s Defense: Championships Matter
Joey Logano, who has long been a lightning rod for criticism due to his aggressive driving style, didn’t let the criticism from Larson slide quietly. “I’ve won more championships than Kyle,” Logano said when asked about the rankings at a recent press conference. “I’ve been at this for a long time and have been able to show my strength under pressure in playoff situations. That counts for a lot.”
Logano’s defense highlights a key point in NASCAR: championships matter. While Larson’s raw speed is undeniable, Logano’s ability to come through when the stakes are highest in the playoffs is something that often elevates him in these types of rankings. In the world of NASCAR, it’s not just about dominating the regular season, but about performing under the pressure of the playoffs, where Logano has historically excelled.
“It’s about the whole package,” Logano continued. “Consistency, speed, and the ability to handle pressure are all part of being one of the best. I’ve proven that over the years, and my numbers speak for themselves.”
The Rankings Debate: Talent vs. Championships
This debate is part of a much larger conversation that’s become increasingly common in motorsports: how do we measure a driver’s greatness? Is it based on raw talent, or should championships and consistency hold more weight?
For Larson, it’s clear that he believes in the power of adaptability and the ability to win across different disciplines. His diverse racing career—spanning dirt tracks, sprint cars, and stock cars—has given him a unique skill set that many believe sets him apart. He’s the type of driver who can win on a superspeedway one week and take home a trophy on a short track the next. Larson’s argument is that his ability to perform on any surface, in any conditions, makes him one of the most talented drivers in NASCAR today.
However, Logano’s point about championships and high-pressure performance also holds merit. NASCAR is not just about being fast—it’s about being able to navigate the unique challenges of the sport’s format, particularly during the grueling playoff run. Logano’s ability to win two championships in a sport where only one driver can claim the crown each year is something that cannot be overlooked.
Conclusion: The Rankings May Spark Debate, But the Race Goes On
In the end, rankings are subjective, and they often spark heated debates, especially when comparing two drivers as accomplished as Kyle Larson and Joey Logano. While Larson may have his reservations about his current ranking, his passion and desire to prove himself continue to drive him forward. As for Logano, his championship pedigree and consistency in high-pressure situations make him a legitimate contender in any discussion of the sport’s best.
As the 2024 NASCAR season progresses, both drivers will have ample opportunity to settle the debate on the track, with their performances speaking louder than any ranking ever could. For now, the controversy surrounding the rankings is just another chapter in the ongoing rivalry between two of NASCAR’s most talented and determined drivers.
Whether Larson proves his critics wrong by dominating this season, or Logano continues to build on his championship legacy, one thing is certain: the NASCAR Cup Series will be even more thrilling with both of these competitors at the top of their game. The rankings may not have been to Larson’s liking, but it’s clear that when the green flag drops, he’s determined to let his driving do the talking.
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