Dale Earnhardt Jr. Backs Joey Logano’s Expletive Rant With 5 Words of Empathy

Before the engines even roared at Talladega, Joey Logano already had reason to smile. The Team Penske driver was honored by being inducted into the Talladega Walk of Fame at Davey Allison Memorial Park. It was a proud moment, with his name joining legends like Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. Logano, a three-time winner at Talladega, posted a heartfelt “Thank You Talladega” message, soaking up the cheers and sunshine.

This was a moment to soak in for Logano who was having a slow start to the season. In first nine races he had just two stage wins, and only one top-10 finish so far. The three-time Cup Series champion was hoping this honor to bring him the same magic it brought his teammate Ryan Blaney last year. Notably, Blaney was inducted into the Walk of Fame in 2024 and went on a tear through the summer.

Sitting ninth in points, Logano was hunting for a big finish to jumpstart his season. And with a great history at Talladega, fans were expecting him to deliver in the Jack Link’s 500. But as the race played out, frustration hit hard. It wasn’t just the usual Talladega chaos. It was a moment with teammate Austin Cindric that pushed Logano over the edge—and brought Dale Earnhardt Jr. to his defense.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. steps in to defend Joey Logano!

After losing Stage 1 to Kyle Larson, the final lap of Stage 2 at Talladega looked good for the Fords and Team Penske drivers. Joey Logano, along with his teammate, was charging for the much-needed stage win. However, on the final lap, Bubba Wallace found an opening and took the win after the Ford line broke up. Austin Cindric, trying to avoid a wreck, pulled out of line behind Logano. That killed Logano’s momentum, and Wallace snatched the stage win.

This move frustrated Logano as he exploded on the radio. His words were raw and angry. “Way to go, Austin, way to go, you dumb f—! Way to f—— go. What a stupid sh–. You just gave it to him. Gave a Toyota a stage win. Nice job. Way to go. What a dumba–. Put that in the book again,” Logano ranted. From his seat, it looked like Cindric handed the stage away. Cindric later explained he had no choice.

He said he had to check up to avoid wrecking Logano himself. In that moment, though, Joey saw nothing but frustration. In a season where results have been slow to come, even a stage win meant a lot. However, fans didn’t like Logano’s rant, and they started calling him out on social media when Dale Jr. stepped in to defend him. “So true,” Dale Jr. posted, responding to an insider.

So true. We get in those cars and there ain’t no one and no time to second guess the next thing that comes out. And what’s the point of saying it unless that button is pushed. https://t.co/hjUJ67qncA

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) April 27, 2025

“We get in those cars and there ain’t no one and no time to second guess the next thing that comes out. And what’s the point of saying it unless that button is pushed,” he further added. It was pure empathy. Drivers live in a bubble inside those cars, reacting instantly. Dale Jr. reminded fans and media not to judge the heat-of-the-moment emotions. Notably, Logano wasn’t just frustrated with losing a stage. He was desperate for a momentum shift. With only one top-10 this season, and stuck in ninth in points, every opportunity mattered. Losing even a stage win felt like a punch.

This is a developing story.

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