Veteran motorsports reporter Jordan Bianchi, co-host of The Teardown podcast, has ignited nationwide debate after declaring Joey Logano “one of those horror movie monsters you can’t put down” in the aftermath of yet another improbable NASCAR playoff escape by the Team Penske driver.
Logano’s Playoff Survival: Like a Monster “You Can’t Kill”
On Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, Joey Logano escaped playoff elimination in dramatic fashion once again. Facing a must-advance scenario, Logano clawed his way into the semifinal round, surviving heavy pressure from Ross Chastain and others fighting for the final transfer spot.
During an episode of The Teardown, Bianchi told co-host Jeff Gluck:
“Joey Logano is one of those horror movie monsters that you can’t put down. He just finds a way to get in. They did it again.”
The quote quickly went viral, as Logano’s resilience and uncanny ability to advance have cemented his status as the Cup Series’ playoff “boogeyman”—always lurking, never finished, and ready to strike when fans think it’s over.
Logano’s Mindset: “Never Give Up Until It’s Over”
Logano has embraced his reputation as NASCAR’s king of last-chance comebacks. “The playoffs create drama. They create narratives and unforgettable moments,” Logano told reporters after the race this week. “Until you are out, you are not out. You just have to keep fighting.”
Even critics of NASCAR’s current playoff system admit that Logano’s relentless style keeps the elimination format thrilling. “If you scored a bunch of points during a regular season and you didn’t make the Championship 4, that’s on you. You had a head start and didn’t capitalize,” Logano responded to format critics, emphasizing personal responsibility and perseverance.
Fans Divided: Monster or Marvel?
Logano’s “horror movie monster” persona has become a key talking point in the NASCAR fan experience. Some fans claim he’s just “lucky” or “impossible to get rid of,” while others admire his never-say-die mindset—calling him a “true playoff racer.”
NASCAR expert Jeff Gluck echoed Bianchi’s take, warning other drivers: “Letting Logano through to the next round is something you’ll regret—he’s just too dangerous when the stakes are highest”.
NASCAR Next Gen Car Raises the Stakes for Playoff Drama
The introduction of the NASCAR Next Gen Car has tightened the competition, making Logano’s survival feats even more remarkable. With every team now more equal, Logano’s ability to out-strategize, improvise, and seize opportunity has become one of the most iconic NASCAR moments of the Playoff Era.
“The field is closer than ever but Logano still finds a way. He’s always there at the end,” ESPN’s Kaitlyn Vincie said this week. His success in the new car, paired with Penske’s tactical brilliance, makes him the ultimate survivor.