KANSAS CITY, Kan. --- Going 180 mph in the third turn at Kansas Speedway this weekend is no problem for Joey Logano. Getting to and from the racetrack, however, isn't as easy.

The 18-year-old driver, hailed as NASCAR's newest phenom, readily admits he has trouble getting in and out of parking lots. Like other teenagers, he's still troubled by parallel parking or backing into traffic.

"I tend to hit a few things."

Logano nervously passed his driving test to operate a passenger car a couple of years ago. He's had no trouble getting his license in NASCAR.

Not since the arrival of Jeff Gordon has stock car racing been so consumed by a young talent. NASCAR created television ads hailing his arrival; racetracks have been eager to conduct massive group interviews. And his sponsor, The Home Depot, already has aired commercials to promote him.

"He's hyped up way more than me, and has more talent and experience than me at that age," Gordon said. "It's pretty impressive what he's been able to accomplish and do. I think he's great for our sport."

Logano made his Nationwide debut at Dover in May, just seven days after passing NASCAR's minimum age requirement. He started ninth and finished sixth.

Two races later, he was in Victory Lane.

Logano is scheduled to make his second Sprint Cup start in Sunday's Camping World RV 400 at Kansas Speedway. Joe Gibbs Racing accelerated his learning curve when Tony Stewart announced this summer he was leaving the team to start his own organization. Logano will replace Stewart next season in the No. 20 Toyota.

Until then, Logano will drive in both series.

"It's kind of second nature," he said. "I was more nervous going into the Nationwide Series than I am the Cup series I think because the Nationwide Series was more unknown to me. Here, I feel like I more know what I am getting myself into. I've tested these cars a lot, and I've raced against a lot of these guys in the Nationwide Series."

Logano already has been dubbed "Sliced Bread" because he's the best thing to happen to NASCAR since sliced bread. He's trademarked the name with plans to market it, much like Dale Earnhardt's "Intimidator," Terry Labonte's "Ice Man," and "Awesome" Bill Elliott.

Notoriety brings additional scrutiny and expectations. So far, Logano has avoided any problems. His only Sprint Cup start came at New Hampshire, and it ended with a 32nd-place finish. More importantly, he earned a little respect from seasoned veterans.

"I really like him," Stewart said. "I think his record in the last couple of years speaks for itself. I don't think you could ask for a better guy to replace me, and I'm happy that's the guy that's going to be replacing me. I think he's the perfect guy. He's in the perfect situation right now, he's a good kid, he's got a great family, and he's going to do things right."