Joey Logano Publicly Snubs Own Boss Roger Penske’s Crown Jewel With Powerful Yet Humble Claim

Kyle Larson is no stranger to pushing boundaries, and in 2025, he’s ready to go bigger than ever. After a heartbreaking end to his double-duty dream last year, Larson is back with unfinished business. This May, he’ll attempt to complete the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, the iconic “Double.” And this time, there’s more at stake than miles. Prime Video is all in.

The streaming giant has signed on to sponsor Larson’s effort and will document every moment for a feature-length film. It’s not just another race, it’s a shot at legacy. Notably, Larson’s 2024 effort ended in disappointment. Weather delays in Indy pushed the schedule back, and by the time he landed in Charlotte, the checkered flag had waved as rain lashed the track. The Hendrick Motorsports driver finished 18th in Indy but never got to turn a lap in the 600.

Fans waited all year to see if he’d return, and he determinedly answered. However, while Hendrick Motorsports’ star gears up for what may define his racing legacy, there’s a surprising refusal on the other side of the garage row. Joey Logano, a three-time Cup Series champion and the top performer for Team Penske, has publicly turned down a shot at his boss, Roger Penske’s crown jewel: the Indianapolis 500. And he did so while giving flowers to Kyle Larson.

Joey Logano eyes victory more than legacy!

Joey Logano has done nearly everything there is to do in stock car racing. With three Cup Series championships (2018, 2022, 2024) and 37 career wins, he’s been Roger Penske’s most reliable star. From the Xfinity Series to Trucks and ARCA, he’s tasted victory across NASCAR. And yet, when it comes to stepping out of his comfort zone into open-wheel territory, particularly at Indy, Logano has consistently said no. Even now, at the top of his game in 2025, he’s not budging. But why?

Logano gave a clear explanation to the media ahead of the All-Star Race. “I have a hard time taking anything away from what I’m doing in NASCAR right now. I feel like I have to focus really hard to be successful there, and I owe that to my team and our partners,” he said. Logano further explained that he can’t do something just to participate. “I’m the kind of person who, if I’m going to do something, I have to do it 100%… If I can’t win, I’m not going to try (as), I want to make sure I put 100% effort into whatever I’m doing,” he added.

For Logano, it’s not about the glory. It’s about commitment. His numbers back it up. Over 590 Cup races. Three titles. Nearly 300 top 10 finishes. He’s never been one to split his focus, and he won’t start now. Despite being physically capable and mentally sharp, Logano doesn’t feel like he can switch codes and still operate at a top-tier level. “Larson’s a freak, he can do a lot of stuff. For me, it’s a little different. I feel like I’ve really got to focus,” he added.

This isn’t a new stance from Joey Logano. Back in March, during a Speed Freaks interview, he had already dismissed the idea. “It’s not for me,” he said. However, many NASCAR stars are just looking for a single opportunity to run The Double. One of them is Kyle Busch. The two-time Cup champion has long dreamed of doing the Double but never got the call. “I wouldn’t say I’ve given up on it. I think Larson got the seat I was supposed to get the last two years,” he recently admitted. That statement was more observation than complaint.

But it revealed a quiet frustration. Back in 2014, his brother Kurt Busch pulled off the rare feat, finishing sixth at Indy and 40th in the 600 after engine failure. Kyle admired it deeply and vowed to wait until he earned a Cup title. Now, with two championships under his belt, he’s still on the sidelines. His current deal with RCR is expiring, and with no Indy 500 offer in hand, Busch is stuck watching others take the chance he once dreamed about.

Meanwhile, Kyle Larson has been all-in. After a scary crash in open testing, he returned for practice and turned solid laps. “Our day was good. Kind of took it easy to start in clean air, made sure our balance was comfortable, which it was, so I was happy about that. Just there at the end (of the session), kind of finally got in some traffic and, as normal, kind of had some understeer. Just happy with the first day,” Larson spoke about his day.

While Kyle Larson gears up for 1,100 miles of battle, Joey Logano stays rooted. He knows who he is. He’s not chasing headlines, he’s chasing wins, where he knows he can deliver. And for now, that means keeping his eyes squarely on NASCAR. Speaking of which, Larson’s heart still beats for stock cars, even amid the glitz of the Indy 500.

Kyle Larson prioritizes a million dollars over Indy 500 glory!

Even as Kyle Larson prepares for the biggest motorsports test of his career, he hasn’t lost sight of what matters most: NASCAR. Ahead of the Indy 500, Larson made it clear, NASCAR’s All-Star race at North Wilkesboro is his top priority. That means skipping pole qualifying at Indy if needed. “I think just always for me and definitely for Rick and Hendrick Motorsports, I think no matter through this whole experience, especially this year, Cup should be the priority,” Larson said.

He’s not just showing up for Indy. He’s showing up for NASCAR, first and foremost. Notably, Larson’s schedule is packed. After a dominating win in Kansas last Sunday, he is running high in confidence, and when the All-Star weekend arrives, he’ll be eyeing the million dollars. “It’s nice that we are so well organized… I can completely shut myself off from them [IndyCar] for a handful of days to really try to learn this and get prepared for the 500,” he added.

That balance takes discipline and respect for both teams. But it hasn’t been easy. Last year’s heartbreak proved how unpredictable it can be. However, Larson is undeterred. “There’s just a lot that is a little bit unfamiliar,” he said about IndyCar. Yet, even with a documentary crew in tow and millions watching, he remains grounded. NASCAR is where he built his name, and it’s where he still intends to win first. However, a successful completion of ‘The Double’ would put him in the upper echelons of motorsports excellence.

Do you think Kyle Larson will complete the double this year? Let us know in the comments!

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