Logano Roars Back to Victory at Texas, Clinching Playoff Berth
Just a week after a disheartening disqualification at Talladega, defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano orchestrated a masterful comeback, seizing victory in a thrilling overtime finish at the Wurth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. The win not only redeemed his team’s recent misfortune but also secured his place in the coveted postseason playoffs.
Logano, driving the No. 22 Team Penske Ford, showcased his veteran prowess in a nail-biting two-lap dash to the finish. The race was punctuated by a late-race caution triggered by Michael McDowell’s incident after Logano had overtaken him for the lead. In the ensuing overtime restart, Logano expertly navigated the challenging 1.5-mile oval, pulling away from his teammate Ryan Blaney and fending off a determined charge from Ross Chastain to claim his 37th career victory by a mere 0.346 seconds.
The three-time Cup Series champion’s triumph marked a significant milestone, making him the ninth different winner in the past nine races held at the Texas Motor Speedway. This victory also signified Logano’s second checkered flag at the track, adding to his previous win in April 2014.
Prior to this resounding victory, Logano’s title defense had been marred by inconsistent performances, with no top-five finishes and only a single top-10 result to his name. Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of the sport, Logano remarked, "This sport changes so quickly. It’s crazy how you can just ride these roller coasters." Despite qualifying in a disappointing 27th position, Logano and his team diligently worked their way through the field, capitalizing on opportune moments to contend for the win. "The car was fast," Logano acknowledged, "I just did a poor job qualifying. I just grinding a couple (of spots) here and a couple there."
Adding to Team Penske’s strong showing, Ryan Blaney secured a commendable third-place finish, while Kyle Larson rounded out the top four. Erik Jones, in his 300th career start, delivered a season-best performance, bringing his No. 43 Toyota home in fifth place.
Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, expressed frustration with his own performance, lamenting missed opportunities to secure his first victory of the season. "(It’s the) driver making dumb decisions and not doing his job," Blaney stated, adding, "The 12 car was a fast car. I can’t do nothing right currently, so hopefully it’ll work itself out."
Carson Hocevar, who had earned the pole position, encountered misfortune, ending his race in 24th place after a wreck with 31 laps remaining.
The race was punctuated by several incidents that significantly impacted the running order. On Lap 75, Denny Hamlin, a three-time Texas winner, experienced a mechanical failure in his Joe Gibbs Racing Camry, resulting in a dramatic fire as he entered Turn 1. This marked Hamlin’s first DNF (Did Not Finish) of the 2025 season, a bitter blow for the driver who had started last in the 38-car field.
Austin Cindric showcased his prowess early in the race, earning valuable bonus points by winning Stage 1. Tyler Reddick and Josh Berry followed closely behind Cindric’s No. 2 Ford, demonstrating strong performances in the opening stage.
Josh Berry, seeking his second victory in two months, encountered heartbreak on Lap 126. While leading the race, Berry’s No. 21 car bottomed out in Turn 4, causing the Wood Brothers driver to lose control and make heavy contact with the frontstretch wall, ending his promising run.
On Lap 132, Kyle Larson executed a successful pass on Todd Gilliland to take the lead. However, he soon faced a formidable challenge from Tyler Reddick, who was rapidly closing the gap. Larson managed to hold off Reddick until Chris Buescher experienced a flat right-rear tire with only four laps remaining in Stage 2. Larson ultimately claimed victory in Stage 2, with Reddick and Alex Bowman trailing closely behind.
A Lap 172 restart triggered a significant incident, as Bubba Wallace brushed the backstretch wall and was subsequently tagged by Logano’s No. 22 Ford, sending him into a spin. This chain reaction led to a multi-car wreck involving six vehicles, including Alex Bowman.
With 38 laps remaining, Kyle Busch, running in third place, suffered a solo wreck, further disrupting the race’s momentum.
Joey Logano’s victory at Texas Motor Speedway was a testament to his resilience and skill, reaffirming his status as a championship contender. The race was a captivating spectacle, showcasing the unpredictable nature of NASCAR and the unwavering determination of its drivers. The outcome has significantly reshaped the playoff landscape, with Logano securing his spot and intensifying the competition for the remaining berths. As the season progresses, the battle for the championship promises to be a thrilling and closely contested affair.
