Joey Logano is demanding answers. Days after Katherine Legge’s crash-marred Cup Series debut at Phoenix Raceway, the two-time NASCAR champion slammed the sport’s willy-nilly driver approval process. The incident, which involved Daniel Suárez and ignited tempers, has reignited debates over balancing safety with opportunity.
Legge, a veteran of IndyCar and IMSA but a NASCAR novice, spun early in the third stage. Her No. 78 Chevrolet collided with Suárez’s Trackhouse Racing car, derailing his top-10 run. While Legge apologized, critics argue her approval highlights a flawed system.
Joey Logano Calls for NASCAR Driver Approval Overhaul
Logano didn’t mince words. “There’s got to be more structure around it,” he said on Saturday, March 15. Comparing NASCAR’s process to Formula 1’s rigorous licensing, he argued inexperienced drivers risk safety.
“I don’t think it’d be right to throw me in an F1 race and without racing one before and giving me 20 minutes of practice. I’m going to be in the way because I don’t know what the heck I’m doing. The same thing for them, though, right?”
During his visit with the media at Las Vegas, @joeylogano shared his opinion on the driver approval process. pic.twitter.com/ZGGHnfjcHf
— Kyle Dalton (@kdsportswriter) March 15, 2025
His frustration mirrors Suárez’s. “You know how I am. I hope girls make it in the sport. I hope. Nothing against her. What is wrong is NASCAR. They cannot allow somebody with no experience to run in the Cup Series — plain and simple,” Suárez told his wife in a vlog episode on his YouTube channel.
The Mexican driver emphasized the danger to pit crews and competitors, questioning the logic behind Legge’s approval for Phoenix’s high-speed oval.
NASCAR’s current criteria lack transparency. While Legge raced part-time in Xfinity in 2024, her Cup debut came with just 20 minutes of practice. Logano suggested mandates like previous Xfinity races or road course experience.
“There’s a line between entertainment and safety. Not only for that particular driver but us that race here every week, for the rest of the drivers out there, and pit crews that are jumping out in front of these cars, playing in traffic,” he said.
Katherine Legge’s Apology, NASCAR’s Rookie Reckoning
Legge, the first female Cup driver since Danica Patrick, called Suárez post-race. Suárez acknowledged her effort but doubled down on blaming NASCAR.
“Daniel was very sweet, actually, very kind and understanding,” she said. “He was like, ‘Listen, I don’t blame you. Of course, what happened was less than ideal for me.’”
The 44-year-old Brit finished 30th, completing 210 laps. Despite the backlash, Legge vows to return, calling the crash a “blip.” NASCAR has approved her future entries to road courses and short tracks but expects more Xfinity seat time.
However, the damage lingers. Logano’s critique underscores a growing rift with veterans like Mike Wallace denied approvals and IndyCar stars like Hélio Castroneves getting fast-tracked. As NASCAR balances inclusivity with credibility, one question looms: Should a driver’s résumé matter more than their marketability? For Logano, the answer is clear. For now, the checkered flag on this debate remains unfurled.