The aftermath of the Ross Chastain Charlotte Roval incident has led Denny Hamlin’s crew chief, Chris Gayle, to express regret for not warning his driver about the potential risks on the final lap. The events during Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series elimination race at Charlotte created major playoff consequences for several top contenders, including Joey Logano, Ross Chastain, and Hamlin himself.
Last-Lap Drama Alters NASCAR Playoff Fate
During the closing moments at the Charlotte Roval, Denny Hamlin overtook Ross Chastain in a decisive move, temporarily positioning Joey Logano for the final transfer into the Round of 8. In a desperate attempt to reclaim his spot, Chastain pushed hard into the final corner, resulting in both his and Hamlin’s cars spinning out. This maneuver effectively took Chastain out of playoff contention and severely impacted Hamlin’s race finish.
After the race concluded, Hamlin learned of the dramatic points scenario that unfolded due to the last-lap contact. If Hamlin had chosen not to pass Chastain, Logano—last year’s NASCAR Cup Series champion—could have missed advancing to the next round. This revelation led to debate within the paddock about the ethics of race strategy at such a critical moment. Paul Wolfe, #22 Team Penske crew chief, was critical of the suggestion, stating such an approach would have amounted to race manipulation.
Crew Chief Chris Gayle Reflects on Missed Warning
Chris Gayle openly reflected on his role in the final moments, admitting that he could have offered clearer communication to Hamlin, especially given Chastain’s aggressive position as his playoff hopes faded. During an interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Gayle shared his thoughts on what more could have been done.
“I didn’t really bring up the points situation there late in the race, and obviously, we got wrecked on our last lap. I wish I had warned him a little more that like the #1’s going to be desperate here, and he might come and wreck you.”
– Chris Gayle, Hamlin’s Crew Chief
“But outside of that, I’m not sure what I could and shouldn’t have said necessarily… whether I would’ve gone over the line on something or not, or if I just told him that point situation of the #1 specifically in the last couple of laps. So I just moved on from that. Wish I had warned so he’d known to get wrecked, but that’s about it,”
he added. – Chris Gayle, Hamlin’s Crew Chief
Impacts for Playoff Standings and Drivers
The aftermath of the Ross Chastain Charlotte Roval incident left Chastain eliminated from playoff contention. Denny Hamlin, despite the late mishap, managed to secure the highest seed heading into the Round of 8, placing himself eight points above the playoff cutline. Ryan Blaney trails closely, with Hendrick Motorsports teammates Kyle Larson and William Byron following behind in the points standings.
Meanwhile, the drivers now facing elimination are Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott, Chase Briscoe, and Joey Logano, the latter of whom must overcome a 24-point deficit as the competition moves to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The crucial South Point 400 is set for October 12 at 5:30 p.m. ET, where their playoff destinies will be decided.
Joey Logano Responds with Lighthearted Gratitude
The incident also brought a humorous response from Joey Logano, whose own playoff journey was hanging in the balance during those final laps. Logano, who recognized that Hamlin’s actions directly contributed to his survival in the championship chase, spoke about his gratitude with a touch of wit during NASCAR’s The Day After.
“I think I need to start looking for good Christmas gifts for the guy… I mean, I think I should put him on the list. But yeah, I mean, that was a difference maker, right? I mean, honestly, our fate was in Denny Hamlin’s hands, right? If he chose not to pass the #1, we’re out.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
The relationship between Hamlin and Logano has notable history, with both drivers among NASCAR’s longest-tenured competitors. The two raced as teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing prior to Logano’s move to Team Penske in 2013, adding further context to their interactions and mutual respect on the track.
Looking Ahead: Championship Picture After Roval Incident
As the NASCAR playoffs move forward, the consequences of the events at Charlotte Roval—including strategic decisions and split-second actions—continue to reshape the postseason landscape. The Ross Chastain Charlotte Roval incident stands as a testament to the unpredictable and high-stakes nature of playoff racing, keeping the drama alive as contenders like Hamlin, Logano, Kyle Larson, and William Byron target the championship.
The coming races, especially the pivotal round at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, will determine which drivers overcome adversity and continue their pursuit of the NASCAR Cup title, keeping intense emotional tension and competitive energy at the heart of the series.
🗣️ @JoeGibbsRacing crew chief Chris Gayle on the end of the ROVAL and what the expectation is regarding discussions about points over team radios ⬇️
💭 "Wish I had warned him so he would have known not to get wrecked, but that's about it."
🎧: https://t.co/amO5vfCeZJ pic.twitter.com/tBQMTX7nyh
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) October 10, 2025
