NASCAR: Joey Logano avoids potential disaster with Hendrick decision

As a seasoned gamer who has seen more than a few twists and turns in my time, I can’t help but feel a strange sense of deja vu with Joey Logano‘s recent turn of events. Just when it seemed like his dreams of another NASCAR title were fading away, fate (or perhaps a miscalculated weight) stepped in to offer him a second chance. It’s like playing a game where the rules keep changing and you’re constantly on the edge of your seat, wondering what surprise awaits you next.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series championship hopes for Joey Logano from Team Penske were dashed during the Sunday race at Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, as he failed to secure one of the eight spots in the round of 8, which ultimately went to Tyler Reddick from 23XI Racing.

However, following the race, Alex Bowman from Hendrick Motorsports had his victory in the No. 48 Chevrolet revoked due to it falling short of the minimum weight specifications.

Due to Bowman finishing last in the initial two stages and ending up at the back during the race, he suffered a substantial point deduction, causing him to drop behind both Reddick and Logano in the standings for the Round of 12.

As a result, Logano made it to the semifinal round after all.

After the announcement, it was clarified that Rick Hendrick’s team would evaluate the circumstances and decide if they would lodge an appeal. However, on Monday, they chose not to proceed with the appeal.

We’re currently analyzing the problem and aim to decide by Monday if we should file an appeal.
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) October 14, 2024

Hendrick Motorsports declares they won’t challenge Alex Bowman’s disqualification, thereby finalizing the contenders for Round 3 of the playoffs.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) October 14, 2024

Despite the likelihood that appealing the decision wouldn’t change the outcome, it was still possible – a shift that could have occurred within mere days for Logano, all due to factors beyond his control.

Instead, Logano has secured his spot in the next stage. Although he ranks 15th in total points this season, he’s on track to move forward to the round of 8, joining the seven other drivers who are all within the top seven in that category. His goal is to continue a streak by reaching the Championship 4 for the sixth time in even-numbered years.

2018 and 2022 saw Joey Logano taking home the championship titles, but his prospect of winning a third title this year seemed uncertain on Sunday. However, another opportunity now presents itself for him to make history as the first three-time champion since Tony Stewart’s victory in 2011.

Among the eight championship contenders, DraftKings Sportsbook places Joey Logano as having the highest probability of not winning the championship, with odds set at +1200. Interestingly, just like in the 2022 Championship 4, he was given the longest odds then but managed to secure his second title nonetheless.

Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson is the favorite at +370. Full odds can be found here.

Logano is set to start the round of 8 sitting 11 points below the Championship 4 cut line.

The quarterfinals kick off this coming Sunday, October 20, with the South Point 400, airing live on NBC from Las Vegas Motor Speedway starting at 2:30 p.m. ET. Sign up for a free trial of FuboTV today and catch all the excitement unfold!

2024-10-15 18:02

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