Joey Logano’s strong finish at Talladega Superspeedway this past weekend was swiftly overshadowed when NASCAR officials disqualified his No. 22 Ford, citing violations of the series’ technical regulations and sparking intense conversation throughout the racing world. The decision, announced late Sunday, stunned fans and teams alike, as Joey Logano, who had crossed the line in fifth place, lost his result after post-race inspections revealed improper spoiler braces and unsecured fasteners in violation of Sections 14.5.8.E and 14.1.P of the NASCAR rulebook.
Alongside Joey Logano, Ryan Preece was hit with a similar penalty, erasing both drivers’ coveted top-five finishes at Talladega. According to RFK Racing, Preece’s infraction stemmed from an
unintentional adjustment during pre-race inspection to correct a spoiler angle issue,
which, while not giving a competitive edge, failed to comply with NASCAR’s required standards. The ruling pushed both drivers to the bottom of the finishing order, officially placing Preece 38th and Joey Logano 39th — a harsh reversal that dramatically altered the race’s outcome and the season’s points landscape.
Reacting swiftly to the developments, Denny Hamlin dove into the controversy during his latest Actions Detrimental podcast episode, using a mix of humor and pointed critique as he dissected Joey Logano’s disqualification.
I don’t think the Penske team could get out a press release quick enough, ‘We’re not not appealing. Everything’s fine. Just move on,’
Hamlin remarked, referencing the way Team Penske handled the decision while also recalling past incidents, including missing windshield bolts that led to similar penalties. Hamlin’s comments poked at the perceived urgency to move past the setback, especially since Austin Cindric, a Penske teammate, captured the win at Talladega.
Hamlin also questioned NASCAR’s ruling on Preece, sharing,
Yeah, I don’t know. I’m sure a few of the NASCAR podcasts will kind of break down exactly what it was. … Most all penalties that you’re going to see coming on a superspeedway is because the teams are trying to do everything they can to get that spoiler out of the air, by either deflecting it from the front, or making it invisible from the rear, because that’s how the car goes faster.
Hamlin’s insight reflected the ongoing tension between teams’ relentless pursuit of speed and innovation, and the governing body’s strict enforcement of rules.
The immediate consequence of the Joey Logano disqualification at Talladega Superspeedway is not just the loss of positions, but a significant blow to team morale and championship hopes. For drivers like Joey Logano and Preece, the setback introduces frustration and urgency, as both look to recover lost momentum heading into the next race at Texas. The incident also reinforces the high stakes and unforgiving nature of NASCAR competition, where even minor technical errors can erase weeks of work and dramatically reshape standings. The sport’s passionate fan base and key figures like Hamlin are left conflicted, both demanding rule enforcement but also longing for fairness and clarity. All eyes now turn to Texas, where Joey Logano’s resilience and determination will be put to the ultimate test as the season’s pressure intensifies.