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Joey Logano has a history of working in the booth.
NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano said the differences between IndyCar and NASCAR become clear the moment the cars hit the track. Speed, sound, and preparation all stand out right away.
Logano spoke about those contrasts during a media session with FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass. The driver described how the two series operate very differently, even when they share the same race weekend. He pointed to how the cars perform, how teams prepare during practice, and how drivers approach the race itself.
The discussion also highlighted how drivers from both series react when they learn more about each other’s routines. Logano said some IndyCar drivers are surprised by NASCAR’s shorter practice sessions.
Joey Logano Says Speed and Sound Stand Out Immediately
Logano said the first thing that stands out when watching IndyCar machines on track is how fast they move.
“They’re going really fast, for one,” Logano told Pockrass. “They’re a little quieter than what our race cars are like. Those are the biggest things you notice. There’s this cultural difference.”
He explained that the contrast between the two series is noticeable not only in the cars themselves but also in how teams operate during a race weekend.
“Just different, right? The way they have things set up, the way they prepare for their practice, and what they look at. Those types of things. It’s just a little bit different than what we do,” Logano said. “So I’m interested to see the race tomorrow and kind of see their strategies and how they play their race out.”
The differences in sound and speed stem from the cars’ designs and how each series approaches racing. While NASCAR Cup cars are heavier and louder, IndyCars focus heavily on aerodynamic performance and high speed.
NASCAR Cup Series Practice Differences Surprise IndyCar Drivers
Logano also described how drivers from the IndyCar side react when they learn how little practice time NASCAR teams get before qualifying. According to Logano, the reaction is often disbelief.
“They’re very surprised when they say, ‘Yeah, we got like 20 minutes, and then we’re going to qualify.’ That’s what we get,” Logano said. “A lot of the drivers are in disbelief when they hear that because they’re used to a lot of practice. We used to have this. I’m okay doing what we’re doing.”
IndyCar teams often run longer practice sessions during race weekends. NASCAR, in contrast, has reduced practice time in recent seasons as the schedule has changed.
Logano said that contrast becomes part of the conversation whenever drivers from both series spend time together at the same event.
Car Design Explains the Speed Difference
Logano also pointed to the design of IndyCar machines as a major reason for their speed.
“Well, obviously, there’s not much to say from an IndyCar to a Cup car,” Logano told Pockrass. “That’s what makes this weekend so special. You have two completely different things. So if you’re a race fan, where else can you go and see two completely different things within a day of each other?”
He described several features that allow IndyCars to run at such high speeds.
“The cars themselves, you look at them, and they’re small, right? Look how low they are. Their tires are huge. The amount of downforce they have is ridiculous. All those things together are what make their speed just ridiculous.”
Logano also recalled a conversation earlier in the week with IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin that highlighted the differences in driving style.
“I was talking with McLaughlin before the week started here, and he’s like, ‘You guys just kind of cover the brake a little bit?” Logano said. “I’m like, ‘No bro, we’re on the binders as hard as we can. We’re downshifted. It’s a lot of brake.”
“And he was in disbelief because they’re pinned all the way around. Almost at least. They’re right at it. It’s kind of crazy to hear the differences in driving.”
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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