Logano Making the Most of Second Chance in NASCAR Playoffs

Credit: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 20: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Pennzoil Ford, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 20, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Eliminated in the final race of the Round 12 at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Roval, Joey Logano found himself back in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs when Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman was disqualified after failing a post-race weight check.

With his win Sunday in the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Logano will advance to the Championship 4 next month at Phoenix Raceway. From his dejection a week ago at Charlotte, to his successful fuel mileage gamble at Las Vegas, it’s been quite the turnaround for the driver of Team Penske’s No. 22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

“Oh my gosh. It’s an incredible turn of events coming from what was at the end of last weekend and what it was like Sunday night after a couple hours after the race and to this Sunday. This sport is just incredible. Things change, but what a team I’ve got. 

“I stood out there at the start-finish line and it takes a total effort. Obviously, the car had to be pretty good. It was solid, but when you think about what it takes to win a fuel mileage race, you’ve got to have a good engine. You’ve got to have good engineers calculating stuff. You’ve got to have good communication communicating what they see and being able to make sure that I only gave up the right amount of spots on the racetrack and trying to get to the 99 (Daniel Suarez) in front and keep the 20 (Christopher Bell) behind. Coleman, Paul, Joe, Nick Hensley, our gas man making sure it’s full. It takes everybody to do it, so we’re in the Championship 4 again. 

“I’m so proud of this team. We just find a way and that’s what I’m most proud of. I said it as we entered this thing this week that we may be the underdogs, but I don’t think so anymore.”

A two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, it’s the sixth time Logano has advanced to the Championship 4.