Van Gisbergen Unstoppable: 5th Straight Course Victory, Logano Advances in Playoffs

Shane van Gisbergen Continues to Dominate in Charlotte, Joey Logano Advances in the Playoffs

In an exciting race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Shane van Gisbergen secured his fifth consecutive victory on road and street circuits, demonstrating his prowess in the competition. Meanwhile, defending NASCAR Cup champion Joey Logano managed to advance to the third round of the playoffs in a thrilling finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The competition between Logano and Ross Chastain was intense, with Chastain fighting to stay in contention. A crash on the last lap with Denny Hamlin altered the result, sending Chastain to the 21st position, just behind Logano.

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 going on. I didn’t know. I thought I was competing for 18th place. I wish I had known so I could have been prepared or made a different decision.

Denny Hamlin

Hamlin, visibly frustrated, expressed his discontent to his team, lamenting not having been informed of the situation on the track. The race reduced the group of competitors from 12 to eight. Logano’s luck seemed uncertain, but he finally managed to secure his place in the next phase. Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell presented challenges to van Gisbergen, but the New Zealand driver prevailed, securing the victory and eliminating the hopes of Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and Austin Cindric. Chastain, however, stayed in the fight, although Logano did not achieve optimal performance to secure his position.

Everyone told me how close it was going to be. We’re still in it. We’re still alive, baby. I knew I was a point away and I knew we were going to be tied at the end and Ross was going to do what he had to do to make it happen.

Joey Logano

Logano, like the previous year, experienced the excitement of qualifying, recalling a similar moment in Charlotte, where a disqualification allowed him to advance to the final and, ultimately, win the championship. Chastain, who chose not to change tires, faced difficulties in the final laps.

Unforced errors, it’s terrible. It’s heartbreaking for almost 200 Trackhouse employees. It’s not acceptable, simply unacceptable. Getting here and failing is a terrible feeling. I’ll wake up tomorrow and go back to work.

Ross Chastain

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, which means that both cars owned by Michael Jordan are no longer in contention for the title.