Joey Logano is the first NASCAR Cup Series finalist thanks to third statement of 2024 obtained at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The #22 Penske Ford becomes the first to snatch a pass to Phoenix’s Championship 4 thus guaranteeing himself a chance for the hypothetical third title of his career.
From Elimination to finalist in 7 days…
Logano won in the State of Nevada, competition valid for the Round of 8 of the NASCAR Cup Series. The former winner of the Daytona 500 has forcefully returned to contention for the final success thanks to a disqualification suffered last week at the Charlotte Roval by Alex Bowman.
The #48 of Hendrick Motorsports was downgraded from the overall ranking of the Concord event, automatically losing the points needed to get through the Round of 12 by eliminating Logano’s #22 Team Penske Ford Mustang. The latter then returned to the title race after an exclusion that actually lasted a few hours.
Reddick rolls over, Lason struggles. Mockery for Bell
Tyler Reddick (23XI Racing Toyota #45), after winning Stage 1, had to raise the white flag during the second stage in Las Vegas following a spectacular ‘roll over’ at the start and finish line. The Californian lost control of his Toyota Camry after an unfortunate contact with the #9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro of Chase Elliott and the #6 RFK Racing Ford Mustang by Brad Keselowski.
The day did not smile even at the fearful Kyle Larson (Hendrick Chevrolet #5), dominator at the Charlotte Roval which during Stage 2 lost ground to the competition due to two extra pits compared to its rivals. The first arrived after picking up debris, the second was necessary following a poorly fitted tyre.
Nothing to do, however, for Christopher Bell who with his Toyota #20 Joe Gibbs Racing finished second behind Logano after completely controlling the scene in the Stage 2. The American never attacked the #22 Ford which excelled in Las Vegas after a determined attack with less than 10 laps to go against the Mexican’s #99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet Camaro Daniel Suarez.
Next week the NASCAR Cup Series will race at Homestead-Miami, the intermediate stage of the Round of 8 of the Playoffs before the unpredictable Elimination Race in Martinsville and above all the final in Phoenix, Arizona.
Luca Pellegrini
