Shane van Gisbergen Conquers Charlotte and Joey Logano Advances in the Playoffs in a Thrilling Finish
Pilot Shane van Gisbergen continues his winning streak. At the Charlotte Motor Speedway circuit, he achieved his fifth consecutive victory in mixed circuit or street races. The competition was intense, with Joey Logano, the defending Cup champion, making a close pass to the third round of the NASCAR playoffs. Logano was involved in a fierce battle with Ross Chastain, who was below the cut line and at risk of being eliminated. The situation remained tense until the last moment, with Logano fighting to secure his position. Chastain seemed to have an advantage over Logano, but a crash with Denny Hamlin on the last lap changed the course of the race. Chastain finished in 21st position, just behind Logano.Hamlin, visibly annoyed, complained to his team for not having been informed of the situation, indicating that he would not have tried to overtake Chastain if he had known that it would benefit Logano. After the race, the group of competitors was reduced from 12 to eight. Attention focused on the fight for the last playoff spot, with the possibility of a driver below the cut line advancing, as long as van Gisbergen was stopped. Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell challenged van Gisbergen, but the New Zealander held his position, securing the victory and eliminating the hopes of Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and Austin Cindric to advance in the competition. Chastain, despite his effort, failed to secure his place in the next round. Logano, for his part, celebrated his qualification amid the reactions of the public.I didn’t know anything at all in that last race, I wasn’t very good. I saw (Chastain) and I didn’t know anything that was going on. I didn’t know. I thought I was running for 18th place. I wish I had known so I could have been prepared or made a different decision.
Denny Hamlin
Logano opted for a late pit stop to change tires, while Chastain did not, forcing him to push himself to the limit in the final laps to maintain his position.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 what he had to do to make it happen.
Joey Logano
The eight drivers advancing to the third round of the playoffs are Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, and Chase Briscoe. Chastain, Austin Cindric, Tyler Reddick, and Bubba Wallace were eliminated, meaning both cars owned by Michael Jordan were out of contention for the title.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
