“New England because they’re awesome,” Logano said. “New England is my hometown team being from Connecticut (Middletown). I was fortunate enough to go up there and tour the stadium last September and got to see the whole stadium, go in the back and see the locker rooms. Got to meet some of the players — the kicker (Stephen Gostkowski) tried to teach me how to kick a field goal. I will not be in the game this year, if you’re wondering. It was really neat and I’m really hoping they go out there and win. I think they will because they have Tom Brady.”

Jason Ratcliff a new addition to the team as crew chief for Logano tried to remain somewhat neutral.

“My prediction is that Tom Brady cannot be beat if you can’t get to him, but I would really like to see the Giants win,” Ratcliff said. “I like the Manning brothers — I like the Manning family. I don’t think they can beat him — it’s going to be tough. I really wanted to see the Harbaugh brothers go at it — I’m a Bears fan. That would have been neat, but maybe next year. I love football. When I was a kid, like any other 12-year-old boy, you thought you were going to play pro football — until I realized that I wasn’t even close enough to being big enough to play pro football. They would just crush me — even in college for that matter. I’ll watch the game somewhere, but I won’t be as into it because I’m not really a Patriots fan or a Giants fan. You have to watch it for the commercials — the commercials are great. I’ll probably be sitting on my couch because I don’t have the opportunity to do that enough — sitting with my two boys and my wife. I’m sure we’ll invite some friends over and have a good time.”

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Check out this video highlighting Sunday’s fundraiser for the Silver City Quarter Midget Club featuring Joey Logano!

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Joey Logano was at the Extreme Ice Center located in North Carolina. Danielle Trotta was there to conduct an interview for SPEED that will air on an upcoming episode of NASCAR Race Hub. No current date on the airing, but check back for the date. Check out a few of the photos from the taping.

Getting ready for SPEED interview at Extreme Ice Center with Danielle Trotta

Logano Talking with Danielle Trotta

Joey and his sister Danielle talk to the SPEED cameras.

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Young NASCAR star Joey Logano, from Middletown, returned to his roots Sunday for a pit stop at Wallingford On-Track Karting.

Logano’s appearance helped raise money for the Meriden Silver City Quarter Midget Club, which is where he got his start in racing. The club’s facilities need repairs, particularly the leaky track tower.

Logano was racing quarter midget cars at Silver City when he was 6. He won the 1997 Eastern Grand National Championship in the Junior Stock Car Quarter Midget division at the age of 7.

“I enjoy seeing kids start off the same way I did,” Logano said.

Logano signed autographs for nearly three hours, maintaining a permanent smile as hundreds sought their moment with him. He also participated in kart racing, which he hadn’t done since 1999.

“It’s been about 12 years. I’m getting old,” he joked.

He ran several practice laps before racing. Logano drove under his NASCAR nickname, “Sliced Bread,” which he received from fellow NASCAR driver Randy LaJoie. Logano proved that racing karts was like riding a bike; one never forgets. He managed to hug corners by inches and deftly weave among other racers. The up-and-coming NASCAR racer took it easy on some of the local competitors; however, he was briefly spun out by another racer during one race.

Diane Michaud, of Southington, said she is a big fan of Logano for reasons beyond his local background.

“A big part of it is that he is local,” she said. “But he is a cautious driver that knows when to take risks.”

Lisa Bozzuto, secretary of the club’s Board of Directors, put together the event in 28 days.

“We are very thankful to On Track Racing for donating their facilities and Joey, who volunteered his time to Silver City,” she said.

Although she didn’t immediately know the total amount of money raised, she said she believes the event overall was “very successful.”

Bozzuto said the real value of quarter midget racing is the family time it provides.

“It requires the whole family,” she said. “Not many sports require that.”

Wallingford native Jody Quagniaroli came with her two sons to get autographs from Logano.

“He makes New England proud,” she said. “He’s a hometown hero.”

Logano said his rise to NASCAR prominence was anything but easy, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been enjoyable. He advised young racing hopefuls to balance work and play with racing.

“Follow your dream and keep racing,” he said. “It wasn’t easy, but I had fun doing it.”

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On Saturday, Jan. 21, Joey will be signing autographs and participating in Q&A sessions at NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint! Get access to NASCAR Preview 2012 and NASCAR Hall of Fame for just $20! For more details visit http://www.nascaracceleration2012.com/

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