MARTINSVILLE, Va. - It’s tempting. Whether it is Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or somewhere else, there’s always somebody who thinks they know it better or somebody who makes such an outlandish comment that one wants to respond.
Maybe you do. Maybe you don’t. Joey Logano knows the feeling.
His series-high six wins this season - including three in a row - has vaulted the 25-year-old into the consciousness of more race fans. With that comes more supporters.
And more critics.
“Some of them are just so lost,’’ Logano said of the critics Friday at Martinsville Speedway. “They’re just so far out there. It’s like, ‘You have no idea.’ And I just think, ‘No, it’s not worth (responding). I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing.’ ‘’
Logano admires those who can respond to critics or trolls. Six-time champion Jimmie Johnson embraces the haters and sometimes comments on what they say about him.
“I think it’s funny when Jimmie does that,’’ Logano said. “I look at it and don’t really see where it’s worth my time to have to stand up for myself.’’
Logano, who was among the final four title contenders last year at Homestead-Miami Speedway, admits his success has angered more people on social media.
He notes when he posts something that there can be negative comments directed toward him.
“I smile every time because I think it’s kind of funny because some of them are pretty creative,’’ Logano said. “I’m like ‘You put a lot of thought into that one.’ Like the new ones. Those are good.’’
Regardless of what is said, Logano applauds the passion of fans.
“A lot of times it’s hard to find your passion in life and it’s hard to find what you’re passionate about,’’ he said. “We have a lot of passionate fans. It’s very good for the growth of our sport. It’s very good to have them. I don’t think it’s a bad thing when people say certain things about other drivers, but the fact of the matter is … they don’t know the whole situation a lot of the times, but I do like the passion they have for the driver they choose to root for.”
As for passion, Matt Kenseth was upset with Logano after their contact cost him the win at Kansas and displeased with Logano last week at Talladega when Logano cut down in front of him to get to pit road. So, is Logano worried about any potential retribution?
“We’re focused in on winning the race,’’ said Logano, who was fastest in Friday’s Sprint Cup practice. “That’s what we can control. We can’t control anybody else’s thinking or what’s in their mind. We have to think about how we advance and how we win this weekend in particular. That’s what we’ve been focused on all week. We’re not going to change that.”