Van Gisbergen Unstoppable: Wins 5th Circuit Race; Logano Advances

Shane van Gisbergen Dominates in Charlotte; Joey Logano Advances in the Playoffs

In an emotion-filled race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Shane van Gisbergen continued his winning streak by securing his fifth consecutive victory on road and street circuits. Sunday’s competition was also marked by the tense fight of Joey Logano, the current Cup champion, to secure his place in the next round of the NASCAR playoffs. Logano was involved in an intense battle with Ross Chastain, who was below the cut line and at risk of being eliminated. The situation became dramatic when a crash on the last lap between Chastain and Denny Hamlin altered the final result. Hamlin, visibly upset, told his team that he had not been informed of the situation and that, had he known, he would have acted differently to avoid benefiting Logano.

I didn’t know anything about what was happening in that last race, I wasn’t very good. I didn’t know, I thought I was competing for 18th place. I wish I had known to be prepared or make a different decision.

Denny Hamlin

The race reduced the group of competitors from twelve to eight. Logano’s position seemed uncertain, but he finally managed to advance. Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell offered strong competition to van Gisbergen, but the New Zealander prevailed and secured the victory. van Gisbergen’s victory prevented Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and Austin Cindric from vying for the final playoff position. Although Chastain remained in contention, Logano did not achieve a performance sufficient to secure his place.

We’re still alive, let’s go! If you want drama, the playoffs bring it every time. What an entertaining final! We still have a chance.

Joey Logano

Logano made a late pit stop to change tires, while Chastain did not, forcing him to push to the limit to keep his tires until the end.

Unforced errors, it’s terrible. It’s heartbreaking. It’s not acceptable, simply unacceptable. To get this far and fail is a terrible feeling. I’ll wake up tomorrow and get back to work.

Ross Chastain

The eight drivers advancing to the third round of the playoffs are Ryan Blaney and Logano, Chase Elliott, Larson and William Byron, Hamlin, Bell and Chase Briscoe. Chastain, Cindric, Reddick and Wallace were eliminated.