In a dramatic turn late in the Chicago event, a heated racing incident unfolded as Ross Chastain spun on a restart, just before Joey Logano collided with him in the midst of chaos. The contact, surrounded by aggressive moves from multiple drivers close behind, left Logano with no alternatives, driving him directly into Chastain. Both racers, visibly furious, confronted each other after the conclusion of the race, though the details of their exchange remain unclear. Subsequently, Logano informed Bob Pockrass that Chastain confessed to making the move on purpose, adding a new layer to the already complex situation.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Questions Joey Logano’s Intentions
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has publicly expressed skepticism regarding Logano’s account of the incident. On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Earnhardt raised doubts about whether Logano’s claim that Chastain confessed was fully genuine or simply a calculated statement meant for public attention. He implied that Logano may have amplified the narrative to push for action against Chastain or to shape public perception in his favor.
During the race, Logano’s emotions were clear when he radioed his team:
“Ross better get the f*** information right before he goes and wrecks somebody. There’s f** six cars behind me wrecking into me, and then he destroys me from four back. That motherf**.”
—Joey Logano, Driver
Afterward, Logano told media that Chastain admitted to causing the spin and should face a fine. But Earnhardt interpreted this as a strategic move, aiming to create a narrative rather than elicit discipline.
“Ross [Chastain] would have to do that publicly. And Joey [Logano] knows that. But Joey doesn’t really want him fined. Joey just needed a reason to publicly say he admitted wrecking me.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Broadcaster and Former Driver
Potential Consequences and What Lies Ahead
Earnhardt’s co-hosts speculated that Logano’s actions might be an attempt to manage how he is viewed before possibly seeking revenge on track. They believe Logano’s statements could justify any future response toward Chastain in the eyes of fans and officials. Earnhardt himself thinks retaliation from Logano is likely, though he suggests it might be postponed until tensions cool or until a more opportune moment arises—possibly even long after the original incident.
He added,
“something will happen somewhere at a racetrack.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Broadcaster and Former Driver
As the aftermath of this high-profile confrontation lingers, the rivalry between Joey Logano and Ross Chastain seems far from resolved. The developments during the Chicago race—and the way both parties have handled its fallout—may lead to further disputes or on-track battles, shaping storylines for the rest of the season and keeping fans and competitors attentive to future encounters between these drivers.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dale Earnhardt Jr. a billionaire?
A. In 2025, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s wealth is estimated at $300 million. This fortune comes from his successful NASCAR career and current broadcasting role. His ongoing activities include endorsements, team ownership, and partnerships, which have increased his impact in the industry.
Q. Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. race in 2025?
A. On Thursday, Earnhardt Jr. revealed another race date for his Late Model schedule in 2025. The race features a Sun Drop-sponsored design. He will drive the No. 8 JR Motorsports car at Tri-County Speedway in October. The zMAX CARS Tour will visit Granite Falls, North Carolina, on October 4.
Q. Did Dale Earnhardt Jr. retire?
A. After he stopped racing in NASCAR full-time, he joined NBC as a color commentator for NASCAR in 2018. Once his NBC contract ended in 2023, he moved to Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports for new NASCAR coverage starting with the 2025 television deal.
Q. Is Dale Earnhardt Jr. still retired?
A. Earnhardt, who is 50 years old, stopped racing full-time in NASCAR in 2017. However, he has participated in at least one Xfinity Series race yearly since then.
