At the Charlotte Roval last Sunday, Denny Hamlin made a decisive move that ensured Joey Logano’s place in the NASCAR playoffs, prompting both relief and humor from Logano afterward. The intense race featured fierce competition, with Logano narrowly escaping elimination thanks to Hamlin’s unexpected intervention on the final lap.
Battle Between Logano and Chastain Dominates the Race
The contest between Joey Logano and Ross Chastain stretched through 109 laps on the demanding 17-turn road course, with both drivers fiercely competing to stay in the hunt. Tire degradation played a critical role as pit stop strategy unfolded. A slower-than-expected right-front tire change for Logano momentarily gave Chastain an opening. However, that opportunity vanished when Chastain received a speeding penalty with only 20 laps remaining.
Late-Race Strategy and Tensions Rise
Logano’s crew chief, Paul Wolfe, made a bold decision with 10 laps left, choosing to pit for fresh tires, while Chastain opted to maintain track position on worn tires. As the laps dwindled, Chastain’s tire grip deteriorated, allowing Hamlin to close in late. On the final lap, Hamlin passed Chastain, triggering a collision between the two at the Frontstretch chicane that sent both cars spinning backward. This chaotic event created the opportunity for Logano to slip by, ultimately finishing just 0.167 seconds ahead and securing his playoff berth.
Logano Reflects on the Dramatic Finish
Speaking with Shannon Spake after the race, Logano admitted how pivotal Hamlin’s role was in his survival. He joked about the implications, saying,
“I think I need to start looking for good Christmas gifts for Denny… Honestly, our fate was in Denny Hamlin’s hands. If he chose not to pass the #1, we’re out. The #48 wasn’t gonna go pass him, I don’t believe so. So, I think that was the situation that was well.”
He described watching the final moments with tension, adding,
“And then when my spotter told me he pass him off at (Turn) 7, I was like ‘Okay, we’re in good shape here. and just don’t wreck…’ And then I saw them ahead of me, because we were catching them with new tires… and then I watched him go into the final chicane there, and I was like ‘Oh my god! Oh no!’ But once I saw them spinning out, I was like ‘I just gotta not wreck here,’”
Logano continued.
Logano’s Advancement Raises Stakes for Playoff Rivals
Joey Logano’s progression through the playoffs intensifies the challenge for other drivers still competing for a championship spot. With ten appearances in the Round of 8, six trips to the Championship 4, and three Cup titles, Logano’s presence in the postseason remains a formidable obstacle. As contenders prepare for the next steps toward the Phoenix finale, overcoming the No. 22 car will be a major hurdle on their path forward.
