The Charlotte Roval NASCAR Cup Series race last weekend featured intense moments, including the dramatic elimination of Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain. During the event, Daniel Suarez had an opportunity to influence the battle but chose not to pass Team Penske’s Joey Logano. JGR veteran Denny Hamlin scrutinized this decision while discussing the race on his podcast, raising questions about the Joey Logano race strategy implemented by Suarez.
Suarez’s Decision Not to Pass Logano Draws Scrutiny
In the race’s second stage, Daniel Suarez found himself trailing Joey Logano, the driver who ultimately caused Ross Chastain’s exit from the event. Suarez showcased the speed required to overtake Logano but deliberately held back. On the Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin pointed out that flipping the stage offered strategic benefits to Logano’s No:22 team and placed Suarez in a position to assist his teammate, Chastain.
Now, for the record, we come out, if we flip stages on a road course, do not be surprised if our lap times are significantly slower than what they were when we just pitted because we know we’re gonna stay out and the team will harp on us, ‘Do not push these tires the first two laps. Take it easy because we’re about to stay out.’
Denny Hamlin said via Actions Detrimental podcast.
Hamlin explained that when stages flip on road courses, teams typically restrain from pushing their tires immediately after pit stops to preserve tire life for the upcoming stage. This cautious approach results in slower lap times but is tactically sound.
Following this, Hamlin speculated on Suarez’s intentions, questioning whether the driver’s reluctance to pass Logano was a calculated move rooted in personal frustration toward Trackhouse Racing, which had declined to renew Suarez’s contract in favor of Conor Zilisch for 2026. Alternatively, Hamlin suggested that Suarez’s focus might have been on his tire conservation and personal race outcome rather than any involvement in the Chastain-Logano incident.
Now, did he not pass Logano by choice because he’s chapped at the organization for letting him go, or was he just being smart saying, ‘I’m not gonna burn my sh*t up here.’ In one lap, Joey’s about to pit, that spot is irrelevant so why would I burn my tires up for the next stage? That’s the counter. It’s not like people just pass at will.
Denny Hamlin added.
Hamlin reasoned that since Logano was planning to pit shortly, Suarez’s decision to hold position rather than expend tire life made practical sense. The spot on the track would be irrelevant after Logano’s pit stop, so conserving tires was a logical choice rather than aggressively passing.
Ultimately, the second-stage incident had minimal bearing on the outcome between Logano and Chastain. Suarez finished the race in seventh place, well ahead of his teammate Ross Chastain, who ended 21st, and Logano, who finished in 20th place.
Denny Hamlin’s Role in Chastain’s Elimination
Denny Hamlin played a more direct role in Ross Chastain’s exit than Suarez. On the final lap, Hamlin, unaware of the playoff points situation, made an aggressive pass attempt that resulted in spinning Chastain out. This move severely damaged both drivers’ results. Hamlin admitted that if he had known the stakes involved in the playoff context, he would have avoided such a reckless pass.
I run, and I run, and I run. I’m like, I’m not catching anyone. Suddenly, the 1 (Ross Chastain), you can see he’s slow. He’s fighting his car and whatnot. At that point, again, I have no idea. Never did I get any update on what position we’re in, never did I get an update on the points, anything.
Denny Hamlin said.
Hamlin’s lack of communication regarding both position and points was a critical factor. This gap in information led to a high-pressure move without full context. He stressed that he operated blindly, unaware of where Logano or Chastain stood in the standings at the time.
At that point, I think this is another spot I got to gain. I don’t know where the 22 (Joey Logano) was. I didn’t know if the 22 was 10 spots in me or 10 spots behind. Absolutely no clue whatsoever.
Denny Hamlin added.
The absence of clear updates from Hamlin’s crew about Joey Logano’s position and playoff status represented a significant communication shortfall for the No:11 team. In light of Logano’s effort to secure a spot in the Championship 8 (R-8), Hamlin recognized that this lack of clarity was detrimental.
Implications for the Playoff Battle and Team Dynamics
Denny Hamlin’s comments reveal a mixture of frustration and regret concerning how the race unfolded. While Suarez’s hesitation raised suspicions about his motivation, Hamlin’s own actions complicated the situation further by unintentionally derailing Chastain’s playoff bid. The pressure on Hamlin to perform has escalated, particularly as Logano intensifies competition for a place in the Phoenix finale and the championship showdown.
The dynamics within teams like JGR and Trackhouse Racing are coming under scrutiny, as decisions on the track now carry heightened significance given playoff configurations. Suarez’s contract situation with Trackhouse, coupled with Hamlin’s admitted communication gaps, underscore the complexities teams face during critical points in the season.
With Joey Logano maintaining his pursuit of the title and other drivers like Hamlin and Chastain navigating high-stakes scenarios, the fallout from the Charlotte Roval race could ripple through upcoming events, shaping playoff trajectories and team strategies heading toward the season’s conclusion.
