Tension ran high during the NASCAR Cup Series race at the Charlotte Roval as Denny Hamlin scrutinized Daniel Suarez’s actions involving Joey Logano at a critical moment, questioning whether Suarez could have influenced the elimination of his teammate Ross Chastain. This incident, centering on Joey Logano at Charlotte Roval, has sparked debate within the NASCAR community, as strategies and motivations were called into question after a dramatic race weekend.
Charlotte Roval Drama Raises Strategic Questions
The most talked-about incident from the Charlotte Roval event revolved around the elimination of Ross Chastain, who races for Trackhouse Racing. During the second stage, Daniel Suarez found himself running behind Joey Logano of Team Penske Racing, the very driver responsible for Chastain’s playoff exit. Despite possessing the pace to overtake Logano, Suarez refrained from making a move. Denny Hamlin, a longtime competitor and veteran for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), examined this pivotal stretch in detail on his podcast, drawing attention to how Suarez’s choice could have impacted his team’s playoff hopes.
Hamlin emphasized the complex tactics that emerge when teams decide to “flip” stages on road courses like Charlotte, suggesting that holding back on pace isn’t unusual in these scenarios. The No. 99 team, with Suarez at the wheel, was in position to possibly assist Chastain by shaking up the running order, but the opportunity ultimately passed without intervention.
Now, for the record, we come out, if we flip stages on a road course, do not be surprised if our lap times are significantly slower than what they were when we just pitted because we know we’re gonna stay out and the team will harp on us, ‘Do not push these tires the first two laps. Take it easy because we’re about to stay out.’
Denny Hamlin, via Actions Detrimental podcast
Hamlin also pondered possible motives for Suarez’s decision, questioning whether frustration with Trackhouse Racing for opting not to renew his contract—and instead lining up Conor Zilisch for 2026—played a role. Alternatively, Hamlin mused that Suarez could have been acting in his own interest, preserving his equipment rather than helping a teammate at personal cost.
Now, did he not pass Logano by choice because he’s chapped at the organization for letting him go, or was he just being smart saying, ‘I’m not gonna burn my sh*t up here.’ In one lap, Joey’s about to pit, that spot is irrelevant so why would I burn my tires up for the next stage? That’s the counter. It’s not like people just pass at will.
Denny Hamlin, via Actions Detrimental podcast
Despite the controversy, the strategy—whether calculated or circumstantial—did not drastically alter the fate of the Logano-Chastain showdown. Suarez ultimately finished seventh, several spots ahead of both his teammate Chastain, who landed in 21st, and Joey Logano, who took 20th.
Hamlin’s Role in Chastain’s Playoff Exit
While speculation circled around Daniel Suarez’s choices, it was Denny Hamlin himself who played a more direct role in Chastain’s elimination. On the race’s final lap, Hamlin made a move on Chastain—driving the No. 1 Chevy—without knowledge of the broader points scenario. The attempt backfired, resulting in contact that dashed both drivers’ playoff hopes. Hamlin later admitted that had he been informed about the precise situation, he likely would have made a different decision and allowed his rival to finish ahead, helping avoid further fallout for both teams at this critical playoff juncture.
I run, and I run, and I run. I’m like, I’m not catching anyone. Suddenly, the 1 (Ross Chastain), you can see he’s slow. He’s fighting his car and whatnot. At that point, again, I have no idea. Never did I get any update on what position we’re in, never did I get an update on the points, anything.
Denny Hamlin
The incident pointed to a breakdown in communication within Hamlin’s No. 11 camp. As Hamlin recounted, he made decisions on-track completely unaware of where Logano—car No. 22—stood in relation to him on points or track position, factors crucial in the high-stakes context of the NASCAR playoffs.
At that point, I think this is another spot I got to gain. I don’t know where the 22 (Joey Logano) was. I didn’t know if the 22 was 10 spots in me or 10 spots behind. Absolutely no clue whatsoever.
Denny Hamlin
Hamlin’s statements expressed frustration and disappointment over how events transpired, lamenting the lack of vital information that may have altered the outcome. The pressure is now on for him to recover ground in the Round of 8, with Joey Logano and Team Penske Racing still very much in contention for a shot at Phoenix.
Aftermath and Implications for the NASCAR Playoffs
The drama surrounding Joey Logano at Charlotte Roval is set to have significant repercussions for all involved. For Ross Chastain, elimination marks a bitter end to his playoff campaign, while Daniel Suarez’s actions invite speculation about team dynamics and personal agendas amid looming roster changes, with Conor Zilisch preparing to step in down the line. Denny Hamlin’s direct impact on the playoff picture highlights the razor-thin margins and communication pitfalls that can define a season.
Heading into the next round, all eyes will remain on veteran drivers like Hamlin, rising stars, and strategic masterminds behind the scenes as they chase NASCAR’s most prestigious prize. The fallout from the Charlotte Roval ensures that both Team Penske and Trackhouse Racing face heightened pressure and scrutiny as the battle for championship glory intensifies, setting the stage for more emotional and unpredictable moments in the closing races.
