Joey Logano‘s promising run at the Straight Talk Wireless 500 in Phoenix came to an early and disappointing end after a significant wreck during the NASCAR Cup Series race. Despite starting from pole position and showing a strong performance throughout the weekend, Logano was caught in a large collision on the track around Lap 255, which drastically affected his chances for a race win.
The crash not only impacted Logano but also involved several other drivers, including AJ Allmendinger, Ross Chastain, and Josh Berry, with multiple contestants suffering DNFs (Did Not Finish) as a result. Logano’s Penske team had a competitive car that day, but the incident derailed their hopes abruptly.
Details of the Multi-Car Incident on Lap 255
As Stage 3 unfolded, Logano misjudged the space available while racing near AJ Allmendinger and others. Allmendinger attempted to provide room, but Logano lost control entering Turn 1, which led to him colliding with Josh Berry and triggering a pileup involving multiple cars. Austin Dillon, Daniel Suárez, Chase Elliott, and Shane Van Gisbergen were among those caught in the wreck.
The damage to Logano’s #22 car was severe, forcing him out of the race along with Suárez and Berry. After a brief medical check, Logano spoke openly about the frustration and disappointment of such a turn of events, emphasizing how promising the day had been before the crash.
Logano shared,
“I’m not really 100 percent sure what happened there, I guess I didn’t realize I was three-wide… it felt like there was some room there but just ran out of space into [Turn 1]. … It is what it is. … Gosh, it’s been a rough day. We had a good Shell Pennzoil Mustang. We were probably a top three car, top four car. It just really hurts to be here,”
highlighting his sense of regret after the incident.
Logano Takes Accountability for Incidents Affecting Ross Chastain
The wreck also had a significant impact on Ross Chastain, who was bumped by Logano and collided with Anthony Alfredo during the crash. Following the incident, Logano openly accepted responsibility over the team radio for hitting Chastain.
Logano explained,
“Dang it, I didn’t mean to do that, obviously. I didn’t try to clip him,”
acknowledging the unintended nature of the collision that affected Chastain’s race and his own.
Chastain, driving for the Trackhouse Racing team, managed to finish in 28th place but with substantial damage after the wreck.
A Challenging Start to the 2026 NASCAR Season for Logano
The wreck at Phoenix adds to a difficult beginning for Joey Logano in the 2026 season. The Penske driver has yet to secure a notable finish or build momentum that reflects his potential this year. Following the crash, Logano and his team will focus on regrouping ahead of the next event in Las Vegas, aiming to regain competitive form and scoring valuable points in the standings.
This setback highlights the unpredictable and harsh nature of NASCAR racing, where even strong performances can be undone in moments of miscalculation and contact. The severity of the crash at Phoenix serves as a reminder of the volatility that drivers face on the track.
Cindric, Chastain, Alfredo crash in the dogleg. Logano took responsibility for it.
"Dang it, I didn't mean to do that, obviously. I didn't try to clip him."
— Jonathan Fjeld (@Jonathan_Fjeld) March 8, 2026
