Shane van Gisbergen Dominates in Charlotte, Joey Logano Advances in a Dramatic Finish
In an exciting day at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Shane van Gisbergen secured his fifth consecutive victory on street and road circuits. The competition, which combined an oval with mixed circuit sections, kept the fans on the edge of their seats, especially due to the fight to advance to the next round of the NASCAR playoffs. The focus was on the close battle between Joey Logano and Ross Chastain. Logano, the current Cup champion, was in trouble against Chastain, who was in the elimination zone. The tension reached its peak on the last lap, when an incident between Chastain and Denny Hamlin changed the course of the race. Hamlin, visibly annoyed, expressed his frustration to the team, arguing that he was not informed about the crucial situation Chastain was in. The incident resulted in Chastain crossing the finish line in 21st position, just behind Logano.The competition reduced the group of twelve drivers to eight for the next phase. Logano, despite the difficulties, managed to secure his place, amid the reactions of the public. Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell attempted to challenge van Gisbergen, but the New Zealand driver demonstrated his skill, securing the victory and eliminating the hopes of Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and Austin Cindric to advance in the playoffs. Chastain, from Trackhouse Racing, maintained hope until the end, although Logano did not manage to obtain the desired performance to secure his position.I didn’t know anything about anything in that last race, I wasn’t very good. I saw (Chastain) and I didn’t know anything about what was happening. I didn’t know. I thought I was running for 18th place. I wish I knew so I could be prepared or make a different decision.
Denny Hamlin
Logano recalled a similar episode from the previous year, when he was eliminated from the playoffs in Charlotte, but was then reinstated after Alex Bowman’s disqualification, which led him to win the Cup championship. Logano’s strategy of pitting to change fresh tires contrasted with Chastain’s decision not to, forcing him to push his tires to the limit to the end.Everyone told me how close it was going to be. We’re still in it. We’re still alive, baby. I knew we were one point and I knew we were going to be tied at the end and Ross was going to do whatever it took to make it happen.
Joey Logano
The eight drivers advancing to the third round of the playoffs are Ryan Blaney and Logano from Penske, Chase Elliott, Larson and William Byron from Hendrick Motorsports, Hamlin, Bell and Chase Briscoe from Joe Gibbs Racing. Chastain, Cindric, Reddick, and Wallace were eliminated, meaning that Michael Jordan’s two cars are out of contention for the title.Unforced errors, it’s terrible. It’s heartbreaking for nearly 200 employees at Trackhouse. It’s not acceptable, simply unacceptable. To get here and fail is a terrible feeling. I’ll wake up tomorrow and get back to work.
Ross Chastain
