Joey Logano is a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. He last hoisted the Bill France Cup just four months ago in Phoenix. On Sunday, the Team Penske driver, who qualified second, started on the front row in his return to the desert.

Joey Logano already had an affinity for Phoenix Raceway. The Team Penske driver had won on the mile oval three times, including the 2022 Cup Series title, and had 15 top-10 finishes in 31 races since 2009.

Reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano isn’t shying away from controversy. As Phoenix Raceway prepares to debut Goodyear’s 2025 option tires, the Team Penske star dismissed criticism, labeling the softer compound a “gimmick.