Joey Logano to Join Miller Lite Rookie Class of 2005

Longs, SC-He weighs slightly more than two mounted tires and stands just over a foot taller than his car. But what Joey Logano lacks in size, he makes up for in talent and heart. Unfortunately for Logano, he can't make up his birthday.

Born on May 24, 1990, Logano won't be eligible to compete in the Hooters Pro Cup Series until he turns 15. But when the green flag drops at Jennerstown Speedway on May 28, Logano will join the highly-touted Miller Lite Rookie Class of 2005.

"We're going to run the Northern Division because the season starts later and we won't miss as many races," said Logano. "Plus, I've raced on some of the tracks in the Northern Division before."

Surprisingly, for a 14-year-old, Logano has raced on plenty of tracks in many different cars.

At the age of seven, the Alpharetta, Ga. driver picked up his first national championship in Junior Stock Quarter Midgets. Logano has added five more national titles in various divisions since then, and the titles haven't gone unnoticed.

"I first saw Joey racing in 2001 when he was racing Bandeleros," said Nextel Cup veteran Mark Martin. "He moved quickly into Legend cars and raced Late Models at the age of 12 and ASA at age 13. I've seen him in action, and if he were old enough, he would be my pick to drive the No. 6 in 2006."

Although Logano isn't old enough to drive the No. 6 in Nextel Cup, he has been wheeling a Cup car of late. Seeing the unlimited potential in the young driver, Roush Racing gave Logano a Roush Racing Ford to test, allowing him to gain big-car experience at an early age.

"I wouldn't be where I'm at in racing if it wasn't for Mark Martin," said Logano. "It's cool that he's helped me as much as he has."

Last year, Martin lent a bit more help Logano's way, putting the rising star behind the wheel of his Mark Martin Enterprises, Inc. FASTRUCK.

In five starts, Logano picked up four poles, two wins and four top-five finishes in Martin's ride.

Logano's accomplishments are downright gaudy for a 14-year-old. But can he hold up for 250 laps in a 3,300 lb. stock car?

"I love the bigger cars," said Logano. "Last year in ASA, I had the most fun I've ever had in racing. After the first 250-lap race, I thought I'd be tired, but I was ready to another 250 laps.
"Pro Cup has got as much competition as ASA had, if not more. We just want to run as good as we can," added Logano. "Hopefully, we can get a couple of top-10 finishes."

Logano Motorsports plans to run the final eight Northern Division races and the Championship Series pending sponsorship. Potential sponsors are encouraged to contact Scott Barnet, Logano Motorsports Business Manager, at loganomotorsports@alltel.net or call 704-663-1670.