In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, NASCAR driver Joey Logano found himself helping with a crisis that deeply affected communities across where the hurricane had hit. As the devastating storm swept through areas where NASCAR teams reside and operate, it left a trail of destruction, drawing comparisons to the widespread economic shutdowns experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the driver.
Hurricane Helene caused significant harm, leading to at least 215 deaths, more than half of which occurred in North Carolina alone. The extensive damage to infrastructure, particularly in western North Carolina, prompted an urgent need for rebuilding efforts. Significant federal funding has been allocated.
Joey Logano has been at the front of NASCAR’s relief efforts, visiting severely impacted areas and recently expressing his horror at the destruction. In conversations with Dustin Long from NBC Sports (below), Logano shared the emotional weight of the catastrophe.
“Oh my God. Talking to some of the folks, the problems and things that, hurdles that they’re going to have to cross to live is some of the most sad scenarios you can ever dream up,” Logano said. “Losing your family members, cleaning up, trying to find bodies, trying to figure out if you have any value in your home at all, if you can get any money out of it, burial costs. It stacks up.
Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, prepares to practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 12, 2024 in Concord, North Carolina. Logano compares the destruction from Hurricane Helen to what he saw during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
“Where are you going to live? Do I have a job anymore?
“I mean these are all questions that everybody living in the mountains are asking themselves right now. So, even if your home is fine, it doesn’t mean your place of work is fine. There’s a lot of places that don’t have water, can’t open up.
“There’s like some areas that look like COVID down there where it is just shut down businesses. It’s unbelievable,” he ended.
This disaster feels personal for NASCAR drivers and crews, as it occurred in their own backyards. Greg Biffle, a former driver, piloted his helicopter to ferry essential supplies like 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 leveraged their resources to support relief efforts. Their initiatives include executing over 100 aid flights with the assistance of Samaritan’s Purse, a Boone, North Carolina-based relief organization with a strong track record of providing global aid. Together with Sonic Automotive and Speedway Motorsports, Hendrick’s firms have generously donated $2 million to Samaritan’s Purse to bolster their efforts in western North Carolina and the Southeastern United States.
Charlotte Motor Speedway serves as a collection and distribution hub for relief goods. North Wilkesboro Speedway meanwhile, focuses on distributing aid within western North Carolina counties. NASCAR teams, drivers, and other stakeholders have banded together, sending truckloads of necessities like water, food, clothing, and diapers, illustrating the core values of solidarity and compassion prevalent within this beautiful sport.
Logano is facing a big challenge this coming weekend. With a significant race at the Roval in the NASCAR Cup Series on the horizon, the driver is under pressure, 13 points behind the playoff cutline. His task is compounded by historically modest results on road courses. It’s going to be a difficult weekend for Logano.
