Joey Logano returns to Richmond Raceway aiming for redemption in Saturday’s race after a disappointing finish in last year’s Cook Out 400, where contact with Austin Dillon cost him the victory. This weekend’s race carries heightened importance as Logano tries to recover from a crash during Friday’s practice session that forced him to start from the rear.
Recalling Last Year’s Dramatic Ending at Richmond
Logano vividly remembers the final lap of the 2024 Cook Out 400, which ended in frustration when Dillon aggressively collided with him to seize the lead. Dillon’s actions also involved hooking Denny Hamlin’s car, and Logano was outspoken about his feelings toward Dillon’s tactics. After the race, Logano said,
No, when you get that far ahead, three four car lengths ahead in three. I didn’t back up the entry, I was like, ‘I’ll just wrap the bottom here, I’m good.’ And he just drives in so hard. Obviously, he didn’t make the turn because he hit me and the 11 was going to win the race,
and added sharply,
So, he had no intention to race. I beat him fair and square on the restart and he just pulled a chickenshit move. He’s a piece of crap, he sucks. He’s sucked his whole career, and now he’s going to be in the playoffs and good for him, I guess.
Preparing for a Chance to Rewrite History
Though the memory still stings, Logano has shifted focus to the present opportunity. Speaking with Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, he admitted the replay of last year’s incident stirred frustration but emphasized the need to advance. He explained,
I did… it made me mad again. The result didn’t change, unfortunately,
and later said,
Obviously, I have to rewatch things and prepare, but it’s a year ago,
before adding his determination:
Gotta move forward at some point. Just gotta go get sweet redemption; win the race that we had won.
Challenges Ahead Following Practice Incident
Logano’s path to victory faces immediate difficulty after he crashed into the wall during a practice run at Turn 4 on Friday. This mishap left him with damage that relegated him to start the race from the back of the field. Despite this setback, the Richmond race is critical for Logano’s momentum as he approaches the upcoming playoffs.
Returning to Richmond Raceway not only brings Logano face-to-face with a venue where his 2024 hopes were dashed but also presents a vital opportunity to prove resilience and resolve. A win this weekend could provide crucial confidence and positioning for the final stretch of the NASCAR season.
