Kyle Petty Crowns Joey Logano: In an action-packed Southern 500, Kyle Larson crossed the finish line first, securing the 500th engine shop win for Hendrick Motorsports. While Larson reveled in his victory, defending champion Joey Logano and Bubba Wallace had a tumultuous race, making headlines for different reasons.
Kyle Larson’s victory at the “Track Too Tough to Tame” kicked off the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs on a high note. The win wasn’t just a personal achievement for Larson but also marked the 500th engine shop win for his team, Hendrick Motorsports. Their continued dominance in the series sets the stage for a compelling playoff season.
Joey Logano, the defending champion, was embroiled in an on-track incident with Bubba Wallace that caught the eye of NASCAR veteran Kyle Petty. Despite the spin caused by contact with Wallace’s car, Logano managed a 12th-place finish. Petty, in a video shared by NASCAR, praised Logano’s resilience, saying, “I looked it up yesterday and thought another big winner yesterday was Joey Logano. Those guys struggled. He hung in there and came out with a 12th place finish.”
Bubba Wallace admitted his mistakes during the race, especially his incident with Joey Logano and AJ Allmendinger. Wallace finished in 7th place but felt he let his team down. He aimed for a top-10 finish to secure a bonus point and possibly affect his position in the playoffs. However, Wallace’s actions led to ongoing challenges for Logano’s team. Wallace said, “Just did not execute as a driver today. Going to Kansas gotta regroup and move forward.”
Amid the drama, Denny Hamlin secured his 6th stage win of the season, further complicating the points tally for the remaining playoff races. Meanwhile, Joey Logano reported a problem with his car’s toe link. Opting for adjustments over a complete fix, his crew chief prevented him from losing two laps, a critical decision that could have repercussions in the upcoming races.
The race was not without its share of additional incidents, including various mechanical issues and a three-playoff-driver wreck. As the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs continue, questions remain. Can Bubba Wallace make up for his perceived shortcomings? Will Joey Logano defend his title successfully?
Fan reactions have been mixed, especially regarding the performance of Joey Logano and Bubba Wallace. While some appreciate their spirit and drive, others question their execution and decision-making on the track. As the series heads to Kansas for the next round, all eyes will be on these drivers and others vying for the championship.
The Southern 500 has set the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Kyle Larson has emerged as a strong contender with his latest victory, but the on-track drama involving Joey Logano and Bubba Wallace has added an extra layer of intrigue. With the playoffs just starting, there’s no telling who will come out on top in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship battle.
Our Reader’s Queries
What happened to Kyle Petty?
Following his retirement, Kyle ventured into the world of racing commentary, lending his expertise to FOX Sports, SPEED TV, and TNT. Currently, he can be found providing pre- and post-race coverage for NASCAR Cup and Xfinity events on NBC and USA Network.
Did Kyle Petty ever win a Cup race?
In 1985, Kyle made a switch from one legendary team to another and began racing for Wood Brothers Racing. He remained with the team until 1988 and during his time there, he won his first two NASCAR Cup Series races, including the 1987 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Is Kyle Petty related to Richard Petty?
Kyle Eugene Petty, a retired American stock car racing driver and current racing commentator, comes from a family of racers. His father, Richard Petty, and grandfather, Lee Petty, were both accomplished racers. Tragically, Kyle’s son, Adam Petty, also followed in their footsteps but was killed in a crash during practice in May 2000. Despite this heartbreaking loss, Kyle continues to be involved in the racing world as a commentator.
How many kids does Joey Logano have?
The Logano family is blessed with three adorable children, all under the age of 5. Their sons, Hudson Joseph Logano and Jameson Logano, and their daughter, Emilia Logano, who recently became a part of the family in February 2022.
