The Kyle Busch and Joey Logano rivalry, one of NASCAR’s most heated ongoing feuds, took center stage after their memorable post-race brawl in Las Vegas in 2017, bringing longstanding tensions into the spotlight. The two drivers’ clashes have spanned multiple seasons, with animosity resurfacing after key incidents on and off the track.
Memorable Las Vegas Altercation Sends Shockwaves Through NASCAR
Joey Logano has had run-ins with several rivals over his career, but the altercation with Kyle Busch after the 2017 Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas remains one of the sport’s most dramatic moments. On the final lap, Logano lost control of his ford/”>Ford and made contact with Busch, who was then driving for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). This collision dropped Busch to a 22nd-place finish, while Logano managed to recover and claim fourth place.
Emotions ran high after the incident, with Busch furious at the outcome and how a promising race had ended abruptly for him. Immediately following the finish, Busch stormed down pit road to confront Logano, sparking an intense fistfight beside the No. 22 Penske car that left Busch bloodied. Despite initiating the fight, Busch was the one who walked away injured, blood seeping down from his forehead.
Joey Logano, in response to the brawl, offered his explanation regarding the crash, stating via ESPN:
“I was racing hard there at the end. Kyle and I usually race well together and don’t have any issues. He tried to take me down into the corner underneath Brad; [I] about crashed on entry and then I was still trying to gather it up by the center, and I was going to spin out, and so I’m trying to chase it up [the track] and he was there. It was nothing intentional, but obviously he thinks that. We’ll move on.” —Joey Logano, Team Penske Driver
Feud Continues with Further Incidents on Track
The roots of the Kyle Busch and Joey Logano rivalry stretch back before the Las Vegas showdown, with some fans tracing the friction to a clash at Kansas in 2013. Despite the occasional public civility, both drivers acknowledge a complicated history and similarities in their approach to racing, which has kept tensions simmering.
The rivalry found new life at the Daytona 500 earlier this season when Logano was involved in a late-race collision. With just 15 laps to go, Logano triggered a wreck that eliminated several contenders, including Busch. This incident left Busch, now racing for Richard Childress Racing (RCR), openly frustrated with Logano’s tactics. As reported by NASCAR, Busch did not mince words:
“Looks like the fastest car got in a hurry to get to the wreck. Logano was by far the fastest car today. Saw a lot of laps led. And he could about do anything. The Penske cars were very strong… You’ve got to know how wide your race car is to be able to find a hole that it’ll fit in, and he obviously doesn’t know that.” —Kyle Busch, RCR Driver
Meanwhile, Logano’s aggressive driving continues to yield results, having already captured a victory this season and securing himself a playoff berth. In contrast, Busch has faced a series of setbacks and is enduring an underwhelming campaign so far in 2025.
Ongoing Significance of the Kyle Busch and Joey Logano Rivalry
This enduring battle between Kyle Busch and Joey Logano remains a focal point in NASCAR, with each new clash further fueling public and professional attention. The rivalry is marked not just by on-track incidents but also by an underlying intensity and emotional tension that resonates with fans and competitors alike. As both drivers remain among the sport’s elite, their interactions will undoubtedly continue to influence race outcomes, team strategies, and the broader competitive landscape of NASCAR in the seasons ahead.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Kyle Busch go in 2026?
A. In Concord, North Carolina, it was announced that Kyle Busch will keep driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. This agreement extends through the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The news came out on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Q. Why did Kyle Busch restart 4th?
A. He didn’t collide with Ross Chastain or Kyle Larson and barely touched the wall. Thus, we don’t consider him involved in that incident. That’s why he could restart from his original position.
