Could Joey Logano’s Misfortune Lead to Ryan Blaney’s Second NASCAR Title in 2025? Fans Say “It’s His Turn”

NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (L) talks with NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano (R) during practice for the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Joey Logano proved himself a wizard by winning the Cup Series championship this season, in yet another even-numbered year. His first two titles came in 2018 and 2022. He has also featured in the Championship 4 in every even-numbered year since 2014. This trend has led fans to believe that 2025 will not be his but the year of his teammate, Ryan Blaney.

Logano’s even-number affinity is not just around championship victories. His performances get better too. Starting averages, finishing averages, Championship 4 appearances, number of wins, and almost every other stat are better than from the odd years. No astrologist or scientist can explain this phenomenon. Even Logano can’t.

“I just don’t believe in luck ever or just weird things like that. I think it’s just a coincidence that it’s like that. I hope it’s right this year. We’ll see,” Logano had said after the playoff race in Atlanta.

The contrast gets glaring when we consider that he has never made the Championship 4 in an odd-numbered year.

Enter Blaney. Fans have been speculating that Logano’s teammate will take advantage of his number-governed dip in 2025 and secure the title. Blaney’s performances are better in the odd years, in fact. He won his championship in 2023. And his finishing positions have been better too.

Why fans believe it is Blaney’s turn to win the title

Responding to a satirical post on Logano’s low chances of defending his championship on X, one fan commented, saying: “Blaney has it covered, no worries.”

Another started a hashtag, stating “#Blaneyin2025”. More opinions were put forth supporting the No. 12 Ford Mustang driver.

So, is Blaney’s jump in odd years as prominent as Logano’s in even years? The numbers indicate so.

In each of the last four odd-numbered seasons, Blaney has finished 1st (2023), 7th (2021), 7th (2019), and 9th (2017) in the driver standings. In the even-numbered seasons, he has finished 2nd (2024), 8th (2022), 9th (2020), 10th (2018) and 20th (2016).

This presents a possibility that Blaney could speed his way to his second championship in 2025. All the more since Team Penske’s drivers have shared the title between themselves following the introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022.

There is no pressing reason to believe that the title will leave their garage anytime soon. Logano and Blaney have mastered the art of winning silverware with ‘even-odd’ wizardry. And it will take magic (in terms of playoff performance) on the same level to break the spell.

The world will know by this time next year if Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, or any other driver would manage that.

Post Edited By: Karthik Raman
Joey Logano Ryan Blaney

About the author

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Gowtham Ramalingam

Gowtham is a NASCAR journalist at The SportsRush. Though his affinity for racing stems from Formula 1, he found himself drawn to NASCAR's unparalleled excitement over the years. As a result he has shared his insights and observations by authoring over 3000 articles on the sport. An avid fiction writer, you can find him lost in imaginary worlds when he is not immersed in racing. He hopes to continue savoring the thrill of every lap and race together with his readers for as long as he can.

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