Joey Logano’s bid for a third NASCAR championship has hit a roadblock as his No. 22 team faces penalties just before the 2024 Championship race. These setbacks come after Logano’s car failed technical inspections twice, putting his team in a precarious position ahead of this crucial race.
The results of the technical inspection have serious implications for Logano’s team. After failing the inspection twice, penalties are inevitable—including the loss of pit stall selection—a factor that plays a critical role in race strategy and pit stop efficiency. Another blow to the team is the ejection of a crucial crew member, often the car chief, whose absence can disrupt the team’s operations. These penalties create potential disadvantages at a time Logano really doesn’t want them.
Logano car failed on second time through. Typically that is lose a crew member and pit selection. Failing a third time typically would be tail of field and pass through. https://t.co/z9blqn3HEj
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 9, 2024
Bob Pockrass from FOX Sports confirmed that Logano’s car managed to pass the inspection on its third attempt. Had it failed this time, Logano would have been forced to start at the back of the field.
“Logano car failed on second time through,” the analyst posted. “Typically that is lose a crew member and pit selection. Failing a third time typically would be tail of field and pass through.”
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Blaney’s role is crucial, and with momentum from recent victories, he is ready to increase the intensity of the championship race. Meanwhile, Logano’s crew chief, Paul Wolfe, whose leadership has often steered the team through challenges like this, will be key to strategizing under these new constraints.
Besides competition from his own team, Tyler Reddick and William Byron are two significant contenders to Logano this weekend. Reddick, driving for 23XI Racing—a team owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan—had a strong regular season with aspirations riding on his first appearance in the Championship 4. Byron, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, leverages a history peppered with successes, despite an inconsistent 2024 season.
The loss of efficient pit stop execution due to the pit stall penalty will require precision planning from Logano’s team, while compensating for the missing crew member will also test their mettle this weekend. These challenges, however, are not insurmountable for a seasoned driver like Logano, who has repeatedly demonstrated a strong level of performance.
