June 11th, 2012 
T.C. Before Pocono, all the talk about Joey Logano was that he may be on his way out of a Cup ride at Joe Gibbs Racing. Following a win from the pole on Sunday, the discussion about Logano is now about how the win saved his ride. But I’m not convinced that is the case.
2012 is a contract year for Logano, and as is so often the case with athletes in contract years, Logano’s performance has improved this season. His average start and average finish are the best of his career, and he has led almost as many laps this season as all of last. And the Pocono win is his first legitimate one as a Cup driver.
But as much as one win is good, Home Depot is a signature sponsor that wants a signature driver. Finishing 24th in the standings as Logano did last season is not what you expect out of a signature driver. Teams can’t sell wins, because they aren’t guaranteed, but when a sponsor gets involved with a team like JGR, they expect a certain level of performance. Before Pocono, Logano had not delivered.
On the strength of this win, Logano needs to start running well consistently. He doesn’t need to win every race, but showing that he is moving in the right direction is what will save his ride. Realizing the potential of “Sliced Bread” and showing that he could legitimately challenge for a Chase spot is key.
What’s interesting is that even if Logano was dropped from the 20, it is likely that he would stay with JGR. A step back to full time Nationwide, a la Sam Hornish and Penske, would probably be the result. JGR has a lot invested in Logano and it seems they aren’t ready to give up on him completely.
Either way, Logano’s future will not be decided by one good race in the Pennsylvania mountains, but by continued performance over the coming weeks.
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Three things:
1. I agree with you that one win isn’t going to save his job. Home Depot wants a winning driver or contender for wins weekly, run up front, make the chase and contend for title and right now Logan isn’t. But I do think Logano who is only 20-21 years old will either stay at JGR in another Cup ride or leave for another team like Stewart-Haas Racing. Of course what would be better is running in the Nationwide Series only for a championship and gaining experience and part-time in Cup.
2. I disagree with your comment “And the Pocono win is his first legitimate one as a Cup driver.”. I was there, in the grandstands in turn 3-4 at New Hampshire when Joey Logano won and that was a real win, he earned it. They played there cards and won. Rain shortened races are earned victories period.
3. If Logano can earn one more win and make the chase, he should be fine in the #20 ride. Logano is a marketable driver without a temper and there are some good companies who would be proud the sponsor him in the Cup Series.
Seems to me like the options for replacing Logano are pretty limited. There are some big names out there that would likely be attractive for Hom Depot, like Kenseth, KuBu or Newman. I doubt Kenseth would leave RFR. KuBu is radioactive. Newman is the best candidate, so would you demote Logano for Newman?
Regan Smith and Stenhouse would be on my short list for drivers who should get a chance at a top tier Cup team.
I think if JGR were to replace Joey Logano in the #20 Cup Series car or in the Nationwide Series for that matter, Trevor Bayne could be a good choice. Of course I would just like to see Bayne get a full-time ride to show what he can do. Sad that no one wants to sponsor him right now.
The obvious replacement for Logano would be Newman, if JGR can lure him away from re-upping with SHR. If Newman’s not available, they might as well stick with Logano.
NEWMAN!!!!
I dont see Bayne as a move forward (as the previous comment stated). Newman is getting wins and SHR is championship caliber, Id suspect JGR would need a very hefty contract to lure him away.
I am with yall, I think Newman is the most logical choice at this point, he is also a lot more proven.
Drivers to replace Logano….hmmm. They’d be completely stupid to sign Kurt Busch. They already have one dumb*ass that could blow up and run sponsors away.
I wouldn’t be surprised if you see Danica Patrick get. Yes, I know she’ll run 30th each week but it will sell a ton of T-Shirts and ESPN/Fox will talk about Home Depot every five seconds.
In all honesty: Regan Smith, Matt Kenseth and Newman are the best options.
Bah!
Who cares?
He drives a Toyota!
GO CHEVY!!!!
-W
The way J.D. Gibbs was talking this past week, it is probable that Home Depot is closing to a decision to move on after next season. Remember that for this year, Dollar General is the primary on The #20 for 40% of the 2012 races, so Home Depot has already stated the process of easing out.
Logano appears to be in the same spot that David Regan was in with Roush and UPS last season.