In a candid 2019 interview, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared his thoughts on what it takes to make a name for yourself as a NASCAR driver. He used Joey Logano’s aggressive driving style as a prime example. Earnhardt praised Logano’s ability to “stake his claim” on the track, saying the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series champion made it clear early on that he wasn’t going to be pushed around.
The NASCAR Hall of Famer and one of the sport’s most beloved figures pointed out how Logano grew from a young driver who often got tested both on and off the track into someone who earned respect with bold moves and pure intensity.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Joey Logano’s No-Prisoners Approach
Talking about what it takes to be a champion, Earnhardt said there’s no one-size-fits-all personality for success in the Cup Series. In a 2019 interview with Forbes, Earnhardt said, “Well, it doesn’t take one mentality to be great. I know a lot of Cup Series champions, and they each have a very different personality.”
He explained that every top driver handles pressure in their own way. Some avoid conflict, while others lean into it. Being someone fans loved, Earnhardt admitted that taking an aggressive approach was one way to get noticed in NASCAR.
“Take (2018 NASCAR champion) Joey Logano, this last year. He took no prisoners,” Earnhardt said. “It wasn’t about maintaining relationships or being friends with people. He did everything he needed to do at that moment, and if it meant being overly aggressive, he didn’t apologize for it—he owned it.
“He got pushed around a lot when he came into the Series and got tested in and out of the car. But now his message has become ‘know to expect this from me.’”
Logano’s 2018 championship run raised plenty of eyebrows. He had tough battles and a few controversial moments. His hard-driving style and sharp words off the track made both fans and fellow drivers take notice.
While critics called him out for his aggressive tactics, Earnhardt suggested that attitude is part of what helped Logano stand out. It sent a message: he wasn’t there to make friends—he was there to win.