Joey Logano secured his spot in the next phase of the NASCAR playoffs with an impressive overtime victory at Atlanta, fending off Daniel Suárez in a thrilling finish.
This win propelled Logano into the Round of 12, a critical advancement in his playoff campaign. The race, held at the historic Atlanta Motor Speedway, saw Logano capitalize on a strong restart, with help from his Penske teammate Ryan Blaney, who finished third.
Logano praised his team and car, stating, “The Autotrader Mustang was fast all day,” crediting the car’s performance and strategic teamwork for his success. The win was especially significant for Logano, given his history racing in Atlanta during his youth.
Joey Logano has gained access to the next phase of the NASCAR playoff in Atlanta, beating Daniel Suarez in Atlanta in an all-overtime duel
For Suárez, finishing second was a bittersweet moment. He expressed pride in his performance but admitted disappointment at falling just short of victory. He had been in a strong position, aided by his teammate Ross Chastain, who lost momentum in the final laps, impacting Suárez’s chances.
The race also witnessed significant drama, including a crash involving playoff drivers Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr., with Blaney managing to recover and finish on the podium despite damage to his car.
This victory gives Logano a much-needed boost as the NASCAR playoffs continue, with the next stop at Watkins Glen.
