Logano set to make his Sprint debut

By BEE NEWS SERVICES AND STAFF REPORTS

last updated: September 05, 2008 03:00:39 AM

Nerves have never been a problem for Joey Logano, at least not on the racetrack.

The 18-year-old driver has been racing against older and more experienced competitors since he was a toddler.

"I guess the only time I can remember ever being nervous in a car was when I took my driving test," Logano said. "That's because it would have been real embarrassing to fail it."

He got his driver's license just fine. And when it comes to race cars, Logano hasn't known much failure. He has steadily climbed the racing ladder since father Tom Logano first buckled him into a go-kart at age 4.

But if ever there was a reason for the younger Logano to have another case of nerves, it is this week as he prepares for his first NASCAR Sprint Cup start at Richmond International Raceway. To make the field, he'll have to qualify, since his No. 02 Joe Gibbs Racing entry is not among the top 35 in car owner points. And if it rains, a real possibility as forecasters watch Tropical Storm Hannah, Logano won't make the race.

Having to qualify doesn't seem to bother Logano, and neither does having to live up to the hype that has surrounded his phenomenal rise -- including being named to replace two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart in the No. 20 JGR Toyota next season.

"I go out there expecting to win," Logano said. "I think that's what everyone is here for and that is what I want my team to be here for."

LOCALS AT THE TOP -- Sam Solari of Salida has a 16-point lead in the American Limited Stock Car division, and Todd Lewis of Riverbank trails by 22 in the Grand American Modified class heading into Saturday's NASCAR Whelen All-American Series program at Altamont Raceway Park.

Solari has won seven of nine races but hasn't been able to shed second-place Richard Harper of Stockton in the points standings.

In Modified, it's a two-car race between Todd Lynch of Tracy and Lewis, who's winless this year. Nearly 200 points separate Lewis from third place.

There also will be racing in the Western Late Model, Formula-4 and Legends of the Pacific classes. Racing begins at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The NASCAR Camping World Series West returns to Altamont on Sept. 13.

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