The unresolved conflict between Joey Logano and Ross Chastain after their clash at the Chicago Street Race continued to intensify during Saturday’s media session at Sonoma Raceway, as both drivers showed minimal willingness to reconcile. The latest developments have left fans and analysts questioning whether the Ross Chastain Chicago race incident will lead to further confrontation at Sonoma or later in the NASCAR season.
Drivers Avoid Contact After Chicago Clash
During the press conference at Sonoma Raceway, both Logano and Chastain gave short, dismissive answers when asked about their relationship since the incident in Chicago. When prompted about any communication with Chastain, Logano replied,
It is what it is. He made his choices. I’ve just got to go race my car.
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Chastain matched this sentiment, admitting he had not reached out and did not expect to do so before Sunday’s race. He stated,
I didn’t (feel the need to talk with Logano),
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR Cup Series Driver. He also observed,
He definitely aired all his grievances (in the media after the race).
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
NASCAR’s Stance and Drivers’ Perspectives
The aftermath of the original collision has stirred debate among fans and media, with many anticipating possible sanctions against Chastain. Despite speculation, NASCAR chose not to penalize him, and Chastain addressed the process with,
I definitely think that NASCAR looked at everything, like they do every week,
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR Cup Series Driver. He remarked on the competing narratives following the incident:
One side of it was a lot louder this week than the other. I think that a lot of people were all running into each other for the last couple laps. So, that’s what I saw.
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Tensions remain high, as Chastain continues to place responsibility for the incident on Logano, even though Austin Cindric initiated the chain of events. Chastain’s ensuing move, sending Logano into Ricky Stenhouse Jr., has kept the rivalry in the spotlight, further fueling speculation about retribution in coming races.
Will Revenge Unfold at Sonoma or Later?
Though neither driver openly promised retaliation, NASCAR analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr. suggested that Logano is likely to return the favor eventually. Earnhardt shared,
Joey will probably get Ross back at some point,
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst. He elaborated on the unpredictable timing of any payback:
It might be a year from now. It might be at some point. And we might not even notice or recognize it, but Joey will (do something), something will happen somewhere at a racetrack and it might just be Joey air-blocking Ross and costing him a few spots on a restart.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst
Analyst Steve Letarte offered direct advice to Chastain on how to handle the mounting pressure, stating,
If I’m Chastain, I’m calling Joey Logano this week (and) taking my butt-chewing,
—Steve Letarte, NASCAR Analyst
Uncertainty Looms Over Future Races
The fallout from the Ross Chastain Chicago race incident continues to create an uneasy environment as NASCAR heads to Sonoma. Questions remain over whether Logano will seek payback amid the tense and frustrated atmosphere, or if he will bide his time for a moment with greater impact, perhaps during the pivotal NASCAR Cup playoffs. The unresolved conflict has intensified anticipation among fans, ensuring that the rivalry between these key drivers will be closely watched throughout the remainder of the season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Ross Chastain hit the wall?
A. A conflict arose with Denny Hamlin. NASCAR stepped in and informed Hamlin that his actions had been sufficient. Later in that race, Chastain accidentally collided with Chase Elliott, causing Elliott to spin out. When the race resumed, Elliott nudged Chastain toward the wall, while Hamlin made a tight pass to show his displeasure again.
Q. What is the Ross Chastain rule?
A. On Tuesday, NASCAR shared several rule updates for the 2023 season. Among them, a significant change bans the wall-riding move used by Ross Chastain last fall at Martinsville.
