Joey Logano, driver of the No. 22 Team Penske Ford, certainly had Lady Luck on his side today, being the first driver to punch his ticket to the Championship 4 after winning the South Point 400 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS).
Logano was originally eliminated from the playoffs after last week’s NCS race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL™, but following Alex Bowman’s post-race disqualification, he was bumped up into the final position above the cutline for the Round of 8.
“What an incredible turn of events here this last week,” Logano said. “We’re going to the Championship 4 again! I don’t know what the deal is about the even year thing, but maybe it’s real. Thanks to all the fans out here today. What an incredible situation; I’m so blessed.”
Polesitter Christopher Bell, driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, led 155 laps, and tried to race his way back to the front after pitting at lap 230 for fresh tires and rejoining the field in 11th position. Bell was able to get within half a second of Logano, but it just wasn’t enough.
“I don’t know just a bummer,” said Bell. “I think everyone on this team did everything perfect today. We did everything we needed to to put this Rheem Camry in victory lane, and unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be today. You’re never safe in this deal, so we needed to win today, and unfortunately we didn’t.”
Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Team Penske Ford, battled obstacle after obstacle from the start of the weekend. A flat tire caused him to slam into the turn one wall during practice forcing him to go to a backup car and start at the back of the field for today’s race. He was then caught up in a wreck on lap 90 that sent Tyler Reddick tumbling across the frontstretch grass. Blaney ultimately focused his effort on pushing teammate Logano further forward to help him secure the win.
The NCS heads to Homestead-Miami next weekend for the second race of the Round of 8. Logano is the only driver locked in to the Championship 4 so far. Bell, Kyle Larson and William Byron currently sit above the cutline followed by Denny Hamlin, Reddick, Blaney and Chase Elliott falling below.
Fans can renew their tickets for the Oct. 12, 2025 South Point 400 at www.lvms.com or by calling 1-800-644-4444.
