NASCAR News: Joey Logano shocked by hurricane damage: ‘Looks like COVID’

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, NASCAR driver Joey Logano found himself helping with a crisis that deeply affected the communities where the hurricane had impacted. 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 extensive damage, resulting in at least 215 deaths, more than half of which occurred in North Carolina alone. Extensive infrastructure damage, particularly in western North Carolina, led to an urgent need for reconstruction efforts. Significant federal funds have been allocated.

Joey Logano has been at the forefront of NASCAR’s relief efforts, visiting hard-hit areas and recently expressing his horror at the destruction. Speaking with NBC Sports’ Dustin Long (below), Logano shared the emotional toll of the disaster.

“Oh my God. To talk to some of the people, the problems and the things that, the obstacles they’re going to have to overcome 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 you have any value in your home, if you can get money out of it, burial costs. It adds up.

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

“I mean, these are all questions that everyone who lives in the mountains is asking right now. So even if your home is okay, it doesn’t mean your workplace is okay. There are a lot of places that they don’t have water, it can’t be opened.

“There’s like some areas that look like COVID down there where they’re just closing businesses. It’s amazing,” he finished.

This disaster feels personal to NASCAR drivers and crews because it happened in their own backyards. Greg Biffle, a former driver, piloted his helicopter to transport essential supplies such as food and water to the worst affected areas. Their actions, shared through videos, were heartwarming.

NASCAR’s response extends beyond individuals. Organizations such as Hendrick Motorsports and Hendrick Automotive Group, led by humanitarian figure Rick Hendrick, have leveraged their resources to support relief efforts. Its initiatives include the execution of more than 100 aid flights with the assistance of Samaritan’s Purse, a relief organization based in Boone, North Carolina, 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 bolster its efforts in western North Carolina and the southeastern United States.

Charlotte Motor Speedway serves as a collection and distribution center for relief goods. In the meantime, North Wilkesboro Speedway is focused on distributing aid to the western counties of North Carolina. NASCAR teams, drivers and other stakeholders have come together, sending truckloads of necessities like water, food, clothing and diapers, illustrating the core values ​​of solidarity and compassion that prevail in this beautiful sport.

Logano faces a big challenge next weekend. With a significant race at Roval in the NASCAR Cup Series on the horizon, the driver is under pressure, 13 points shy of the playoff cutoff line. Adding to his task are historically modest results in road trips. It will be a tough weekend for Logano.