Team Penske driver Joey Logano responded this week to criticism from Baseball Hall of Fame player Chipper Jones following a disagreement with teammate Austin Cindric at Talladega Superspeedway. The exchange occurred during the recent race where Logano expressed frustration with Cindric over strategy during a stage finish.
Logano's discontent was broadcast over his team radio mid-race. He was upset that Cindric's positioning did not prevent rival Bubba Wallace from winning a stage, securing valuable points. The commentary included harsh language directed at Cindric.
Jones, a former player for the Atlanta Braves, took to social media to defend Cindric and criticize Logano's public comments about his teammate.
Appearing on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Joey Logano questioned Jones' experience in race cars, particularly at a track like Talladega, when addressing the baseball star's remarks.
The incident created an awkward atmosphere within Team Penske, requiring discussion between the drivers. Cindric, who went on to win the Talladega race despite the earlier friction, discussed the team meeting that took place afterward.
Cindric described the meeting as uncomfortable, noting that disagreements are a challenge when teammates rely heavily on each other. Drivers depend on cooperation, particularly at superspeedways. These discussions are necessary for the team moving forward via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports.
Addressing Jones' public support, Austin Cindric reacts by stating he was aware of Jones as a Hall of Famer but did not follow baseball extensively. He found it cool to have someone with that recognition following NASCAR and offering support.
Both drivers indicated that despite the public dispute, they operate as professionals within the team structure.
Austin Cindric acknowledged the team dynamic, stating, "It's one of the larger challenges of doing races like that when you expect so much out of each other and rely so much on each other. And I think there are way more times that I’ve had success on tracks like that because I’ve had my teammates around me and vice versa."
