In a move that has sparked controversy across the sports world and social media, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano has publicly announced that he will not be celebrating Pride Month this June. His comments, made during a Monday morning interview, have drawn both sharp criticism and vocal support from fans and commentators alike.
“I’m not going to pretend to support something just because the media or sponsors want me to,” Logano said. “This whole ‘woke’ thing — I’m not buying into it. I believe in standing by my values, and I don’t think this deserves to be celebrated.”
Pride Month, recognized every June, is dedicated to honoring the LGBTQ+ community and commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Uprising — a key moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Over the past decade, many sports organizations, including NASCAR, have embraced the celebration, frequently featuring rainbow-themed cars, uniforms, and social media campaigns. Logano’s statement marks a stark break from the league’s evolving public stance.
NASCAR’s Response
NASCAR has not yet released an official statement regarding Logano’s remarks, but sources within the organization suggest that conversations are already taking place behind closed doors.
“This is not a stance NASCAR supports,” said an anonymous team official. “The sport has worked hard to be more inclusive, and comments like these undermine that progress.”
Logano’s team, Team Penske, also declined to comment when reached for a statement.
Backlash and Support
Social media erupted shortly after clips of the interview began circulating. Hashtags like #BoycottLogano and #PrideMatters began trending within hours, with fans calling for sponsors to distance themselves from the driver.
“Freedom of speech isn’t freedom from consequences,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “If Joey Logano wants to push anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, he can do it without the support of my dollars.”
Others, however, rallied to Logano’s defense. Conservative commentators praised the driver for “speaking out against corporate pandering” and “standing up for traditional values.”
“He has the courage to say what many others in sports are afraid to,” wrote one right-leaning blog. “We need more athletes who aren’t afraid to reject the woke mob.”
The Business Impact
While it’s still early to assess the full fallout, experts believe Logano’s sponsors could face pressure in the coming weeks. Companies like Shell, Pennzoil, and Autotrader, which have partnered with the driver in the past, have previously supported Pride initiatives.
“If you’re a brand with a commitment to inclusion, this puts you in a tough spot,” said marketing analyst Jenna Morgan. “Silence won’t be seen as neutrality. It will be seen as complicity.”
A Divided Fanbase
This incident highlights the growing cultural divide in American sports, where political and social issues have increasingly taken center stage. While NASCAR has tried to modernize its image and embrace diversity, drivers like Logano — and their outspoken views — reveal the tensions that still exist within the sport’s traditional fan base.
Whether this will lead to disciplinary action, sponsor fallout, or even a broader fan movement remains to be seen. For now, Joey Logano stands by his comments.
“I’m not here to be politically correct,” he said. “I’m here to race. And I’m not apologizing for what I believe.”
