Why Joey Logano may have a better title chance this year

TALLADEGA, Ala. – Last year, Joey Logano won all three races in Round 2 of NASCAR’s playoff.

Then, in the first race of Round 3, he was intentionally wrecked by Matt Kenseth, who Logano had angered en route to a win at Kansas Speedway.

Logano didn’t sweep Round 2 in the Chase for the Sprint Cup this year – he just won Sunday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway again. But in some ways, he could be in better shape this season.

Why? Because he hasn’t made anyone mad.

“I guess,” Logano said with a laugh.

It’s the truth, though. No one is gunning for Logano this year. He hasn’t created any enemies, which should give him a much better chance of winning his first career title.

“I learned some valuable lessons last year,” he said. “I learned a whole new level I didn't even know I had. Now I know how to reach that level mentally inside a race car to make things happen and be a great leader for my team.”

Joey Logano: Not calling Matt Kenseth may have cost me Cup title in 2015

Logano’s season this year hasn’t been as good as 2015, when he won six races. Talladega was only Logano’s second win of this season, following up his June victory at Michigan International Speedway.

But interestingly enough, the Team Penske driver might be better equipped to win the title now that he’s a smarter racer.

“There's a lot of things that I took out of last year,” he said. “I don't think anything is a waste of a season. You always learn something.”

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