Van Gisbergen Unstoppable: Wins 5th Charlotte Race, Logano Advances

Shane van Gisbergen Conquers Charlotte and Joey Logano Advances in Playoffs in an Epic Finish

Concord, N.C. – Shane van Gisbergen continues his dominance on mixed and street circuits, adding his fifth consecutive victory at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The race, full of emotion, saw Joey Logano secure his spot in the third round of the NASCAR playoffs, in a dramatic finish. Logano faced a tough competition against Ross Chastain, who was in the elimination zone. The tension remained high until the last moment, with a crash between Chastain and Denny Hamlin that changed the course of the race.

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 knew so I could be prepared or make a different decision.

Denny Hamlin

Hamlin, visibly frustrated, expressed his displeasure in the pit lane, stating that he was unaware of the situation and would not have overtaken Chastain if he had known it would benefit Logano. The competition on the track was intense, with Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell challenging van Gisbergen. However, the New Zealander demonstrated his skill, overtaking Larson and securing the victory with 11 laps remaining. This victory eliminated the hopes of Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and Austin Cindric of advancing in the playoffs. Despite Chastain’s efforts, Logano managed to secure his place in the next round.

Everyone told me how close it was going to be. We’re still in it. We’re still alive, baby. I knew it was by a point 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, after a late pit stop for new tires, managed to hold his position, while Chastain was forced to compete with worn tires. Chastain regretted the mistakes made during the race, which cost him valuable points.

Unforced errors, it’s terrible. It’s heartbreaking for nearly 200 Trackhouse employees. It’s not acceptable, simply unacceptable. To get here and fail 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 Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson and William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, and Chase Briscoe. Chastain, Cindric, Reddick, and Wallace were eliminated, marking the end of the fight for the title for the cars owned by Michael Jordan.