November 5, 2022 | By Lee Spencer

Joey Logano kicks off Championship 4 weekend with Cup pole at Phoenix

AVONDALE, Ariz.—Joey Logano felt no pressure entering Championship 4 weekend.

No one needed to tell him, ‘Act like you’ve been here before,’ because he has.

And by winning the pole for the Cup Series Championship—his second career pole at Phoenix Raceway—Logano established himself as the frontrunner for Sunday’s title bout.

“Yeah, it keeps the pressure on them,” Logano said. “That's the goal when you get here, is keep the pressure on the competition. This team does amazing under the pressure. That's why we thrive in Playoffs and Championship 4 type moments. I love it. I love it. It makes me better. I think it makes my whole race team better, as well.

“We've been the favorite to win since the beginning of the year, if you ask me. That's my mindset. That's the way I go to the racetrack. If I don't go to a racetrack like that, I shouldn't show up. I've always said it doesn't matter what everyone thinks about favorites and odds, all that garbage that everyone posts. I don't care. I know what my odds should be. I know what I feel like they are.”

The Fords of Ryan Blaney and Chase Briscoe qualified second and third, respectively. NASCAR Cup champion Kyle Larson, who is running for the owner’s title, starts fourth followed by Playoff contender Chase Elliott. Harrison Burton, Kevin Harvick, William Byron, Cole Custer and Ty Gibbs round out the top 10.

The final two Playoff contenders, Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain, who was fastest in practice, roll off 17th and 25th, respectively. When Chastain was asked whether he was concerned starting from the back, he replied, “That's why I was late. I was trying to finish my qualifying lap (laughter). Still finishing turn four.”

Chastain continues to prove when he’s down, he’s not necessarily out. He battled from 10th last week at Martinsville to finish fifth and transfer into the final four.

But there was no desperation for the No. 22 Penske team. Their victory at Las Vegas three races ago, provided the crew with plenty of time to prepare for the season finale. The proof came with Logano’s 26.788-second lap—fast enough for his 26th career pole, his fourth of 2022.

“I've been saying, we've been preparing,” Logano said. “We've had a lot of time to go over a lot of things here. Went over a lot last night and this morning with Paul (Wolfe, crew chief) and the team. Made, seems like, some good adjustments. At least for qualifying it showed up. Hopefully, that continues into the race.

“Good place to start, better place to finish. First pit stall will be helpful. We got a good pit crew. I think also when you can add that with the best pit stall, camera line is right in front of it, not too far ahead of it, that's a big advantage.”

Since the Playoffs began, Logano wanted revenge for the championship that faded away here two years ago. He started second and finished third after his car faded in the closing laps, and lost the title to Elliott.

Can he turn the tables on Sunday?

“I feel great about our position,” Logano said. “Like I say, we got a great team, and we've proven today we've got a good horse. We're ready to rock-n-roll.”