Joey Logano was the final driver to advance into the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs as his title defense lives to see another day.
Logano prevailed after a chaotic final lap in Sunday’s elimination race saw Ross Chastain go for broke in the final chicane, wiping out himself and Denny Hamlin. It opened the door for Logano to drive through for the points he needed to advance as he seeks a fourth series championship. He does so at the chagrin of some, including the competition, as Logano and his team continue to find ways to succeed.
The Team Penske driver isn’t the only champion still remaining in contention. Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott are among the final eight drivers.
There are four drivers in the Round of 8 who have never won a championship – Hamlin, William Byron, Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe. Speaking of Briscoe, he is the only driver in the next round who has never advanced to the Championship 4.
The reseeded grid going into Las Vegas Motor Speedway is as follows:
1. Denny Hamlin + 8
2. Ryan Blaney + 6
3. Kyle Larson + 4
4. William Byron + 4
5. Christopher Bell – 4
6. Chase Briscoe – 14
7. Chase Elliott – 14
8. Joey Logano – 24
Logano is the defending winner at Las Vegas. The second race in the round is Talladega Superspeedway, which has typically been earlier in the schedule. The final elimination race will once again be at Martinsville Speedway, where Blaney won last year.
The teams represented in the Round of 8 are Joe Gibbs Racing, Team Penske and Hendrick Motorsports.