Joey Logano, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has acquired a $24 million ownership stake in a Ford dealership located in Huntersville, North Carolina, his hometown. Teaming up with Stacy Cowen, the general manager of the dealership, Logano aims to strengthen the business and deepen his roots within the local community. This investment aligns with his ongoing relationship with the dealership, which has included using its vehicles for marketing and charity giveaways through the Joey Logano Foundation.
The Significance of Huntersville in Logano’s Business Move
Logano chose Huntersville for this investment due to his longstanding connection with the area and the dealership’s staff. Over the years, he has collaborated closely with the dealership, particularly borrowing cars for promotional purposes. His involvement is intended to build on the integrity and success of the existing Huntersville Ford, which is part of the Krause Auto Group. The partnership aims to bring added value and growth to the dealership’s operations.
“As a race car driver, you have an unfair advantage in business because I’m able to pretty much connect with anyone I want to connect with, which is a great tool to have,”
Joey Logano said.
“The goal here is to take what Huntersville Ford already is in the Krause Auto Group, that’s grown an incredible business, and try to add a little bit more to it.”
Updates on the Upcoming Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium
Logano is preparing to compete in the season-opening Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. Originally scheduled for Sunday, February 1, the event faced multiple postponements due to severe weather in Winston-Salem and is now set for Wednesday, February 4. The organizers emphasized that moving the date allows the city to prioritize emergency responses to the historic weather event.
“Moving the Cook Out Clash to Wednesday, February 4, gives us the best opportunity to hold this event with fans at Bowman Gray Stadium while allowing the City of Winston-Salem to dedicate all of their resources to respond to the needs created by this historic weather event,”
explained Justin Swilling, Project Lead for the Cook Out Clash.
Logano previously won the inaugural Busch Light Clash in 2022 when it was held at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. The move to Bowman Gray Stadium started last season, marking 2026 as the event’s second consecutive year at the venue. Practice and qualifying sessions will run from 1:30 pm ET, Last Chance Qualifying is scheduled for 4:30 pm ET, and the main race will air live on FOX at 6 pm ET, with updates available on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Logano’s Perspective on NASCAR’s New ‘Chase’ Playoff Format
As NASCAR prepares for the 2026 season, featuring a new 10-race Chase playoff format, Logano expressed mixed feelings. While veteran drivers like Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have praised the new system, Logano indicates a preference for the previous playoff format under which he won all of his titles. This old system allowed drivers to lock in a playoff spot by winning any regular-season race, with the championship culminating at the Phoenix event.
“Personally, I was one of the rare people that liked the old one just from a fan perspective. I enjoyed it. But if the majority doesn’t like that, then, sure, we’ll change it. And we’ll go race another way. And that’s OK with me, too. That’s kind of where I’m at with it.”
The season’s first points race will take place on February 15 at Daytona International Speedway, marking the 68th running of the iconic Daytona 500. Fans can watch the event live on FOX starting at 2:30 pm ET.
Other NASCAR Headlines to Watch
Several developments are unfolding across NASCAR as the 2026 season nears. Denny Hamlin has extended his contract with Joe Gibbs Racing’s prominent sponsor for the upcoming year, signaling continued stability in his racing team. Meanwhile, Kaulig Racing has confirmed its crew chief lineup as it plans a significant expansion involving five trucks supplied by RAM, indicating the team’s aggressive new strategy.
In personal news affecting the NASCAR community, Carl Edwards recently revealed a deeply personal and difficult reason that led to his retirement from professional racing, adding to the emotional landscape of the sport.
The Broader Impact of Logano’s Investment
Joey Logano’s decision to invest heavily in a local Ford dealership strengthens his connection to Huntersville and illustrates how a professional athlete can leverage career success into business ventures. His unique network as a race car driver offers advantages in the business world, enabling him to build relationships that can enhance growth. This stake in a dealership is not only a financial move but also reflects Logano’s commitment to giving back to his community and expanding his brand outside the racetrack.
With the upcoming race season and new playoff formats, Logano remains a central figure in NASCAR, balancing his roles as both a competitor and businessman. As the season progresses, his investment in the dealership and his views on evolving race formats will likely influence his career path and contribute to NASCAR’s ongoing evolution.
