Joey Logano’s crew chief, Paul Wolfe, has publicly accused opposing teams of manipulating the outcome of the playoff elimination race held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Despite Logano securing a spot in the Round of 8 by a narrow margin of four points, Wolfe’s comments after the Bank of America Roval 400 triggered widespread debate among NASCAR fans.
The race itself was intense, with Logano managing to advance after a dramatic final lap featured Ross Chastain spinning in the frontstretch chicane and finishing backward. Logano, who kept a low profile throughout much of the event, capitalized on the chaos to finish ahead of Chastain. However, Wolfe voiced clear irritation over how some competitors appeared to behave in the closing laps.
Concerns Over Intentional Race Conduct in Final Laps
Speaking to Claire B. Lang of SiriusXM, Paul Wolfe suggested that several drivers deliberately refrained from competing at full speed during the race’s decisive moments, particularly as Ross Chastain struggled with worn tires. Wolfe pointed to examples where cars, despite being capable of overtaking, appeared to hold back, thereby influencing the race outcome.
“Ross was falling off pretty hard there at the end. There were other cars that probably should have passed him – if we’re gonna be honest. At what point (are you) supposed to be running a hundred percent, not manipulate races? The 48 (Alex Bowman) and some of those guys were over a second faster than Ross and they just slowed down and don’t pass him. I’d assume NASCAR looks at all that. It’s one thing to help a teammate out when you’re running close to the same speeds and not pushing the issue. But when you’re seconds faster than someone, and you just pull over and basically not pass them, I think that’s a whole another level,” Wolfe said. (0:14 onwards)
Wolfe’s remarks highlight his frustration with how the race’s closing moments were managed, especially as Chevrolets surrounding Chastain appeared to give him space on track. This issue quickly became a hot topic among NASCAR’s online community.
On social media, fans expressed mixed opinions. Some took a critical stance toward Logano, pointing out what they perceived as inconsistency in complaints from his camp. One fan commented:
“Yet Joey was bi*ching that (Todd) Gilliland passed him lol. Can’t have it both ways, clowns.”
Others referenced alliances within Team Penske itself, while certain fans agreed with Wolfe’s view that multiple drivers seemed to ease off rather than race at full speed during the final laps. Although NASCAR rules do not explicitly forbid drivers from assisting teammates, the sanctioning body’s guidelines do ban actions that are detrimental to racing, which covers intentional manipulation of race results.
Joey Logano’s Narrow Escape From Elimination at Charlotte
The race was a tense battle for Joey Logano, who entered the Charlotte playoff elimination event 13 points above the cutoff line, with Ross Chastain a key competitor below it. Throughout the day, Logano and Chastain exchanged positions multiple times, effectively engaging in a rolling points duel. Logano held an advantage in the tiebreaker due to his higher finish in the previous Round of 12.
Chastain earned significant stage points, while Logano’s yield was limited to just three in Stage 2. A slow pit stop and deteriorating tires forced Wolfe to opt for a three-stop strategy, turning the race into a gamble. On the final pit stop with 10 laps remaining, Logano’s Ford fell behind the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, yet fresher tires kept him within striking distance.
With six cars between Logano and Chastain four laps from the finish, their points totals were neck and neck by the final lap. Chastain overshot the last chicane in a desperate bid to improve his position but lost control and spun as Logano passed to claim 20th place and secure advancement.
When asked about the razor-thin margin after the race, Logano responded with a mix of acknowledgment and defiance despite jeers from the fans, telling NBC:
“Yeah, everyone was telling me how close it was going to be there… Is that me? Is that who they’re booing at? Oh, well. Hey, we’re still in. We’re still alive, baby… such a close finish there, and I knew it was within a point.. Ross was going to do whatever he had to do to make it happen.”
Aside from Chastain’s playoff exit, the Bank of America Roval 400 also eliminated 23XI Racing‘s Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, along with Austin Cindric. Joey Logano remains the last seed in the Round of 8, trailing 24 points behind the cutoff but advancing nonetheless.
What Lies Ahead for Logano in the Playoffs
Looking forward, Logano faces upcoming races at Las Vegas, Talladega, and Martinsville—tracks that play to his strengths as the defending NASCAR Cup Series champion. The path is challenging but holds potential as he aims to stay alive in the championship hunt.
Meanwhile, Wolfe’s comments underscore ongoing tensions around race dynamics and strategies in high-stakes NASCAR events. As teams maneuver to protect playoff positions, questions about sportsmanship and competitive integrity continue to resonate among fans and analysts alike.
Caught up with @joeylogano crew chief Paul Wolfe after the @CLTMotorSpdwy race. They made it to the next round…barely! Interesting take from Wolfe! pic.twitter.com/CoPOM7q3nr
— Claire B Lang (@ClaireBLang) October 5, 2025
Yet joey was bitching that gilliland passed him lol. Can't have it both ways clowns
— Austin Rogers (@AMRogers53) October 6, 2025
