NASCAR News: Joey Logano Shocked By Hurricane Damage – ‘Looks Like COVID’

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, NASCAR driver Joey Logano found himself helping with a crisis that had deeply affected communities everywhere the hurricane struck. As the devastating storm swept through the areas where NASCAR teams reside and operate, it left a trail of destruction in its wake, drawing comparisons to the widespread economic shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, the driver said.

Hurricane Helene caused significant damage, resulting in at least 215 deaths, more than half of which were in North Carolina alone. The extensive damage to infrastructure, especially in western North Carolina, led to an urgent need for reconstruction efforts. Significant federal funding has been allocated.

Joey Logano has been at the forefront of NASCAR relief efforts, visiting hard-hit areas and recently expressing his horror at the devastation. In conversations with Dustin Long of NBC Sports (below), Logano shared the emotional weight of the catastrophe.

“Oh my God. Talking to some people, the problems and the things they have to overcome in order to live are some of the saddest scenarios you could ever imagine,” Logano said. “Losing your family members, cleaning up, trying to find bodies, trying to figure out if your house has any value at all, if you can get money out of it, funeral expenses. It’s piling up.

“Where are you going to live? Do I still have a job?

“I mean, these are all questions that everyone who lives in the mountains is asking themselves right now. So even if your house is okay, it doesn’t mean your workplace is okay. There are a lot of places where there is not water, can’t open.

“There are areas out there that look like COVID, where just businesses have closed down. It’s unbelievable,” he finished.

This disaster feels personal to NASCAR drivers and crews as it occurred in their own backyard. Greg Biffle, a former driver, piloted his helicopter to transport essential supplies such as food and water to hard-hit areas. His actions, shared through videos, were heartwarming.

NASCAR’s response extends beyond individuals. Organizations like Hendrick Motorsports and Hendrick Automotive Group, led by humanitarian figure Rick Hendrick, have mobilized their resources to support the relief efforts. Their initiatives include conducting more than 100 relief flights with the help of Samaritan’s Purse, a Boone, North Carolina-based aid organization with a strong track record of providing global aid. Along with Sonic Automotive and Speedway Motorsports, Hendrick’s companies have generously donated $2 million to Samaritan’s Purse to strengthen their efforts in western North Carolina and the southeastern United States.

Charlotte Motor Speedway serves as a collection and distribution center for relief supplies. North Wilkesboro Speedway, meanwhile, is focusing on distributing aid within North Carolina’s western counties. NASCAR teams, drivers and other stakeholders have banded together to send truckloads of supplies such as water, food, clothing and diapers, illustrating the core values ​​of solidarity and compassion that prevail within this beautiful sport.

Logano faces a big challenge this weekend. With an important race at the Roval in the NASCAR Cup Series looming, the driver is under pressure, 13 points behind the playoff mark. His task is compounded by historically modest results on road courses. It will be a difficult weekend for Logano.