Is promoting Joey Logano to Sprint Cup NOW a good idea?

Question

Joey Logano is young, and I am pretty high on this kid, he's got Jeff Gordon type potential, but I fear throwing him to the wolves to early will get him shellshocked like Casey Atwood which is the comparison I don't want. Should Gibbs have done this or gotten a veteran driver?

Answer 1

atwood was the one who maybe got "thrown to the wolves" when he came to cup. that way a brand new team, brand new organization at Evernham. logano gets a crew chief thats one of the best in the business and a team thats won 2 titles. logano may struggle some next year, but he'll do okay, and winning at least 1 race.

Answer 2

I'm a little worried about him.

But what's done is done and all we can do is hope.

Answer 3

i dont think so

but who am i

Answer 4

That's a good question. Seeing as all this year he has been driving a Toyota and Toyota has had a horsepower advantage in the Nationwide series then it think it may be a little too soon.

It's easy for someone to look good when their car is faster. Since NASCAR cut Toyota's horsepower Gibbs hasn't been as dominate in the Nationwide series. I think they have one win, the first race after the horsepower reduction.  

It was once said that a good driver can make up a horsepower difference. With them being level now it will really question if he is really a good enough driver to make up the horsepower difference.

Answer 5

In my opinion....I would say no. They should at least give him a year in Nationwide first...let him tear it up down a level get the experience up and let him fly in 2010. I think 18's not mature enough to race CUP no offense to you younger Nascar Nation folks out there....but what if he causes a huge crash at Daytona? Will JGR take the heat or point fingers at him??? It's a touchy subject...I'd rather NASCAR mandate a driver has to go thru "abc" developement....but course that opens another can of worms.  

Answer 6

A lot of drivers have gotten thrown into the fire but they have still turned out OK.  I think Joey will have problems next year but JGR might as well get that out of the way.  I am not a big fan of his but this kid is extremely talented and can't be much worse than a lot of other options Joe and JD have.  You might as well get him some seat time now so he will be ready to contend that much sooner.  

3 STR8 N 08!!!

Answer 7

Only time will tell if he is really ready. Cup racing is a different monster than Busch ..opps nationwide..cant seem to get around that! I am sure he will have his struggles like anyone else would.

Answer 8

I think he has tremendous potential but way, way too little experience. He needs to gain more track time and pay his dues.

Answer 9

I think Joey will do very good next year! He is an awesome driver and if anybody can do it it is him!

Answer 10

JGR knows who to "use"

Answer 11

No, but we will see if they made the right decision. Gibbs will have to live with it. If it pans out, Gibbs will look like a genius. If not.......

Answer 12

I personally dont think that he's ready, but Gibbs have a good eye for talent in some cases, not all.  I think he'll keep the car in the top 30, but no better than top 20.

Answer 13

I agree he's a good talented young driver and bringing him to cup to soon crossed my mind too but hopefully he'll be able to handle it and he'll be okay!    

Answer 14

He is supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread.  He's awfully young, though, and I agree with your "throwing him to the wolves" analogy.  Maybe he should get more experience at the Nationwide level first.  Otherwise, sliced bread might end up as toast.  :  )

Answer 15

Ten bucks he finishes the 2009 season in 37th.