“I Was Absolutely Amazed” Ryan Blaney Stunned by the ‘Outside World’ Who Doubted the Unmatched Chemistry Between Joey Logano and Paul Wolfe That Caused Much Controversy
In the high-stakes world of NASCAR, where alliances are forged in the roar of engines and shattered under the glare of spotlights, few partnerships have sparked as much debate as that between Joey Logano and his crew chief, Paul Wolfe. The duo’s seamless synergy has propelled Team Penske to unprecedented heights, securing three Cup Series championships since 2018. Yet, as the 2025 playoffs heat up, it’s reigning champion Ryan Blaney—Logano’s teammate—who has emerged as their most vocal defender, expressing sheer astonishment at the persistent skepticism from fans and pundits alike. “I was absolutely amazed,” Blaney admitted in a candid interview on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Dale Jr. Download podcast, his voice laced with disbelief. “It blows my mind, honestly, of people who like the outside world that doubts that duo… Nah, no, I write them off. Now they’re going to be there, and they’re going to be really, really good.”
Blaney’s words cut through the noise of a season marked by Logano’s signature playoff resurgence. After a regular season that saw the No. 22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang languish in mediocrity—plagued by inconsistent finishes and mechanical gremlins—the team flipped the script with ruthless precision. Logano’s third victory of the year at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 21 vaulted him into the Round of 12, a masterclass in strategy orchestrated by Wolfe that left rivals scrambling. Blaney, who clinched his own playoff-advancing win at the same track just weeks prior, watched from the sidelines with a mix of admiration and frustration at the doubters. “It’s not a big surprise to me anymore,” he continued, shutting down critics who had prematurely penned the obituary for Logano’s title hopes. “Even as outsiders write them off, it just… it blows my mind.”
The controversy surrounding Logano and Wolfe isn’t new; it’s a simmering undercurrent that’s boiled over time and again. Detractors point to Logano’s uneven regular-season performances—only six top-five finishes through 26 races—as evidence of a fading dynasty. Online forums and radio call-ins buzz with accusations of favoritism within Team Penske, whispers that Wolfe’s tactical genius is wasted on a driver who’s “trending downwards,” as one Reddit thread bluntly put it. Some even question the Next Gen car’s demands, suggesting Logano struggles with passing in traffic while Blaney thrives. “Joey knows how to time it perfect and get the clutch win at the end, even if he has more ‘mid’ driving results at most races,” a fan analysis noted, capturing the polarized sentiment. Yet, Blaney sees none of that. From his vantage point in the No. 12 Menards Ford, the chemistry between Logano and Wolfe is “unmatched,” a blend of intuition and innovation that turns potential pitfalls into podiums.
Their partnership dates back to 2020, when Wolfe swapped from Brad Keselowski’s crew to Logano’s, a move that initially raised eyebrows. Wolfe, a Penske lifer with a 2012 championship under his belt, brought meticulous preparation and a gambler’s nerve for bold calls. Logano, the brash Connecticut native often derided as “Sliced Bread” in his youth, matched it with unyielding confidence. Together, they’ve amassed 14 wins since 2020, including playoff miracles that defy logic: the fuel-mileage masterstroke at Atlanta in 2023, the last-lap charge at Phoenix for the 2024 crown. “When he sets his mind to it, it’s hard to hold him back,” Wolfe once said of Logano’s playoff ferocity, a sentiment echoed in their 15 postseason triumphs—the most among active drivers.
This season’s drama peaked in the lead-up to Loudon, where Logano’s pole position and 147 laps led showcased the duo’s prescience. Pre-race tire tests at the flat, one-mile oval, spearheaded by Logano and Wolfe, provided the edge that turned a Penske sweep into reality. Blaney, starting alongside on the front row, led 116 laps himself but couldn’t help marveling at his teammate’s execution. “We were fortunate that Joey was able to come here and test,” track president Jerry Hassler acknowledged, crediting the pair for unlocking speed where others faltered. Off the track, Blaney highlighted how Logano’s leadership fosters healthy rivalry within Penske. “The #12 and #22 specifically… it challenges each of us to look at things a little differently,” Wolfe had revealed earlier, underscoring the collaborative fire that Blaney stokes without jealousy.
Earnhardt Jr., hosting the podcast, couldn’t hide his own exasperation. “Logano spoils all of our ideas,” he lamented, nodding to the pattern: experts dismiss the No. 22, only for Wolfe’s out-of-the-box strategies—like two-tire stops or fuel-saving gambles—to silence the room. At Las Vegas last fall, Blaney even played blocker for Logano in the closing laps, a selfless act that drew ire from eliminated drivers like Christopher Bell. “I understand why [Blaney] would help,” Bell conceded post-race, but the optics fueled conspiracy theories of Penske puppeteering. Blaney dismissed it all, insisting the “outside world” misses the internal alchemy. “Paul is a great crew chief,” he said, defending Wolfe against barbs that he’s “tanking” the car despite herculean results.
As the playoffs advance to Bristol and beyond, Blaney’s endorsement feels like prophecy. Logano sits third in points, Wolfe plotting with the precision of a chess grandmaster. The controversy? It’s fuel for the fire. “People doubt that duo,” Blaney reiterated, shaking his head. “But they’re going to be really, really good.” In a sport where doubt is the ultimate motivator, Logano and Wolfe’s bond—unshakable, unapologetic—promises to etch another chapter in Penske lore. For Blaney, the amazement isn’t in their success; it’s in how the world still fails to see it coming. With 700 words barely scratching the surface of this riveting saga, one thing’s clear: the chemistry isn’t just real—it’s revolutionary.
