Overview

• Joey Logano advanced by four points after finishing 20th, edging Ross Chastain by 0.167 seconds as Chastain’s reverse across the line after contact with Denny Hamlin fell short.
• Ross Chastain, Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick and Austin Cindric were eliminated from title contention, while Hamlin moved on comfortably.
• Hamlin said he would not have passed Chastain on the final lap had he known the points scenario, noting he received no late-race updates from his team.
• Booed during his post-race interview, Logano defended the playoff system as creating "real drama" as fan criticism grows and insiders describe only potential simplifications before 2026.
• The Round of 8 is stacked with Hendrick, Penske and JGR drivers separated by tight point gaps, with Las Vegas, Talladega and Martinsville set to decide the Championship 4.