Joey Logano, known for delivering strong performances during the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, has faced several challenges in the 2025 postseason. Though he stumbled early at Darlington, he responded with solid top-five finishes at Gateway, Bristol, and New Hampshire. However, his momentum was halted again by difficulties at Kansas Speedway. Despite these setbacks, Logano maintains a position above the playoff cutoff, largely due to Denny Hamlin’s actions during the race.
Setbacks at Kansas Put Logano’s Playoff Status in Jeopardy
The weekend at Kansas Speedway proved frustrating for Logano, as his No. 22 car struggled with speed on Saturday, and a tire issue forced him to the back of the field. His troubles worsened when he was penalized for pitting while the pit road was closed and again for speeding during pit stops. Although he managed to earn stage points and stay in contention, a late crash in Stage 3 ended his race prematurely, leaving him in 21st place at the finish line.
Even with these complications, Logano holds a 13-point advantage above the Round of 8 cutoff, keeping his playoff hopes intact heading into the final race of the Round of 12 at the Charlotte Roval.
Logano’s Perspective on the Impact of Hamlin’s Race Moves
During an appearance on the Inside The Race podcast, Logano emphasized the importance of qualifying well and securing stage points at the Charlotte Roval to advance further. Reflecting on the chaotic Kansas race, he indirectly acknowledged Hamlin’s influence on his standing.
Well, I think it’s going to start with qualifying well, which we’ve been able to do that the last couple of times we’ve been there is qualify towards the front,
said Logano.
So we need to try to do that. The stage points are going to be kinged.
He also gave a pointed shout-out to Hamlin for preventing Bubba Wallace from winning at Kansas, which secured Logano’s points buffer.
You just got to run the best race you can. I really wanted to leave here 30 points over to cut or not. So on one hand, the back half of that race couldn’t have gone much worse after the wreck, but there are also a lot of different spot if (Wallace) won that race.
So, Thanks Denny, Logano added with a touch of humor.
Hamlin’s Role in Both Helping and Hindering Logano
Hamlin’s last-lap move at Turn 3, which stopped Wallace from winning, effectively kept Logano just above the playoff cutoff, avoiding an eight-point deficit that would have endangered his advancement.
However, Hamlin was also the catalyst for the crash that ended Logano’s race. On the restart, Hamlin hesitated, causing a wreck that impacted Logano’s No. 22 car. Hamlin, dealing with steering problems himself, was able to avoid serious trouble and finished second overall as he exchanged hard-fought laps with Wallace, who races under Hamlin’s 23XI Racing banner and finished fifth.
What’s Next for Logano and His Playoff Chances
Logano’s performance in the final Round of 12 race at the Charlotte Roval will be crucial. To advance to the Round of 8, he will need either a victory or to accumulate enough points to maintain his playoff position. With Hamlin’s influence already felt this postseason, Logano’s fate may continue to hinge on the outcomes of key moments involving his fellow competitors.
“Thanks Denny.” – Joey Logano on Inside The Race after the last lap contact between Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin…
FULL EPISODE: https://t.co/eCSQsJf6th pic.twitter.com/TUu9dBicpS
— Steve Letarte (@SteveLetarte) September 29, 2025
