Team Penske Pit Crew Woes Impact Phoenix Race
Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney struggle with slow pit stops during the October 2026 NASCAR race at Phoenix Raceway.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Motorsports
Live Poll
Should professional racing teams prioritize pit crew consistency over raw driver speed?
In October 2026, Team Penske drivers Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney were hindered by slow pit stops at Phoenix Raceway. Despite strong performances, the service delays significantly impacted their track positions.
Why it matters
The pit crew execution issues underscore the competitive pressure on Team Penske to maintain consistency during high-stakes championship races. Leadership previously adjusted personnel across the No. 12 and No. 2 cars to address these performance lapses.
Ryan Blaney's stop lasted 11.2 seconds, while Joey Logano's stop took 11.8 seconds. These delays resulted in significant losses, including the No. 12 car losing 88 positions over the course of the season.
The players
Joey Logano
A professional NASCAR driver for Team Penske who won both stages at the October 2026 race.
Ryan Blaney
A professional NASCAR driver for Team Penske who finished the October 2026 race in second place.
Team Penske
A championship-winning racing organization that manages the pit crews for both Logano and Blaney.
Kevin Harvick
A former professional NASCAR driver and commentator who criticized the consistency of Team Penske's pit crew performance.
The details
Ryan Blaney, who led the opening 44 laps, fell from the lead to eighth after a caution-flag pit stop. Joey Logano led 84 laps and swept both stages, yet his slow service dropped him from first to fifth, ultimately resulting in a sixth-place finish.
Timeline
March 2026: Ryan Blaney encountered loose-wheel problems at Phoenix.
April 2026: Blaney's crew cost the No. 12 car a total of 88 positions.
October 2026: Logano and Blaney faced slow pit stops at Phoenix Raceway.
Season Trajectory
These pit road struggles mark a continuation of performance issues that have hampered Team Penske's drivers throughout the 2026 season. The recurring delays have significantly complicated the championship outlook for both Logano and Blaney as they approach the season finale.
Joey Logano currently faces a 44-point deficit in the Chase standings. These pit road penalties directly limit his ability to secure the necessary finishes to advance through the playoff bracket.
The takeaway
Consistent pit road performance remains a critical differentiator in modern NASCAR racing success. Teams must balance rapid mechanical service with the high-pressure need for flawless execution to remain viable championship contenders.
What happens next
Joey Logano is scheduled to compete in upcoming race events at Talladega, Martinsville, and Homestead-Miami.
Further reading
For more on the current standing of the season, visit the Motorsports section.
Live Poll
Should professional racing teams prioritize pit crew consistency over raw driver speed?
