As NASCAR prepares for its much-anticipated championship weekend at Phoenix Raceway, the spotlight is partly still aimed towards Martinsville. Joey Logano, looking to take home his second Cup Series title, has voiced doubts about NASCAR’s recent penalties aimed at curbing race manipulation.
The penalties, levied on several teams, have ignited discussions about their effectiveness and whether they genuinely deter unfair practices in the sport.
Joey Logano’s take on the issue raises pertinent questions about the recent disciplinary measures. He commented on the current situation.
“It’s kind of hard to say. The beneficiaries of it are still in it, and nothing happened. You tell me if it was good enough or not. Did it work or did it not? Was it worth it? I don’t know, I’m not NASCAR. I’m not the person that can make the call on that stuff. Just driving cars. You just hope everyone races fairly.”
Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
The penalties in question were directed at Trackhouse Racing, Richard Childress Racing, and 23XI Racing. Specifically, Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon were pointed out for allegedly aiding teammate William Byron, while Bubba Wallace faced claims of slowing down deliberately to boost teammate Christopher Bell’s prospects after feigning a damaged tire.
The consequences of these allegations were not trivial—each driver faced a hefty $100,000 fine and the deduction of 50 points from their standings. Furthermore, critical team members, including crew chiefs and spotters, are set to miss the Phoenix race after suspension.
Amidst this difficulty, Logano, who clinched his berth in the Championship 4 with a commanding victory in the Las Vegas Round of 8, remains focused on the prize ahead. He approaches the weekend with the experience of a previous Cup Series win in 2022 and aims to replicate that success. His words of praise for his team show his confidence:
“So proud of our race team all the way through. This group of guys, they’re truly incredible. They’re good people, which is one of the things I’m most proud of, but they’re really smart. In the Playoffs, they’re able to really be able to keep a level head and maximize the races no matter what’s dealt with them.”
The undercurrent of legal action adds another layer to the unfolding saga. One of the implicated teams, 23XI Racing, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan, finds itself embroiled not just in the penalties but also in a federal antitrust lawsuit. This story is continuing.
This year’s Championship 4 sees Logano lining up against William Byron, whose advancement was arguably controversial, Tyler Reddick, representing 23XI Racing’s aspirations for their first championship, and reigning champion Ryan Blaney. As the race unfolds, all eyes will be on these drivers.
