Get ready for a wild ride as we recap the heart-pounding, history-making NASCAR Round of 12 Cup Series Playoffs at Charlotte Motor Speedway! But here's where it gets controversial... Was Joey Logano's path to the Round of 8 pure skill, or did he simply benefit from others' mistakes? Let’s dive in and find out.
From October 3-5, Charlotte Motor Speedway, NASCAR's home track, became the epicenter of adrenaline-fueled action as the top three national series playoffs unfolded. The weekend was a testament to the sport's unpredictability, with drivers tackling the challenging road course configuration. And this is the part most people miss... the Truck Series made history with its inaugural event on this very course, setting the stage for a weekend of high-stakes racing.
The NASCAR Truck Series kicked things off on October 3, followed by elimination races for the Round of 12 in both the Cup Series and Xfinity Series. Four drivers saw their championship dreams dashed as they were eliminated, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. But the weekend wasn’t just about racing—it was also about giving back. Erik Jones’s Window of Hope initiative returned for its third year, raising funds for breast cancer detection and support. Every Cup Series team purchased pink window nets, autographed by drivers, and auctioned them off, with all proceeds going to breast cancer charities. A heartwarming effort that shows NASCAR’s softer side.
Now, let’s talk about Corey Heim. The 21-year-old phenom secured his record-breaking 10th victory of the season in the Truck Series, but it wasn’t easy. After a chaotic start that saw him collide with Grant Enfinger and Layne Riggs, sending him into the turn one tire barrier, Heim fought his way back from last place to claim the checkered flag. Riggs, however, wasn’t as fortunate, finishing 21st. For Tricon Garage, based in Mooresville, N.C., this was a sweet home win, celebrated with friends and family in victory lane. ‘There’s always a special little extra bit of motivation when [family] comes to the track,’ Heim reflected, ‘but to come back from such a crazy start and rally at the end—that’s what makes it cool.’
Heim’s win secures his spot in the Championship Four Round at Phoenix Raceway on October 31, but the spotlight also shone on 19-year-old Connor Zilisch. The rising star clinched his 10th victory of the season and fifth road course win in the Xfinity Series, leading an impressive 61 out of 68 laps. Zilisch’s dominance on road courses is unmatched, and his future looks bright as he prepares to join Trackhouse Racing in the Cup Series in 2026. ‘Racing against the best of the best—that’s what I’m most excited for,’ Zilisch shared, ‘fulfilling a lifelong dream.’
But here's where it gets controversial... Sunday’s Cup Series race delivered deja vu for Joey Logano. In a battle for the final transfer spot against Ross Chastain, Logano capitalized on Chastain’s costly mistakes—overdriving the track’s unique left turn and speeding on pit road. A gutsy call by Logano’s crew chief, Paul Wolfe, to change tires on lap 99 sealed the deal. But it was Denny Hamlin’s aggressive pass on Chastain that gave Logano the edge. The race ended in chaos as Chastain slammed into Hamlin, spinning them both, while Logano calmly advanced to the Round of 8. Fans couldn’t help but recall last year’s drama when Logano was reinstated after Alex Bowman’s disqualification. Is Logano’s success under pressure a testament to his skill, or does he simply thrive when others falter? Let us know in the comments!
Meanwhile, Shane Van Gisbergen continued his road course domination, securing his fifth victory of the season with a staggering 15-second lead over Kyle Larson. The New Zealand superstar’s expertise has left his competitors scratching their heads, with Christopher Bell admitting, ‘It’s been a total butt-kicking.’ Can anyone close the gap on Van Gisbergen? Only time will tell.
Looking ahead, the Round of 8 heads to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the South Point 400 on October 12. A win here guarantees a spot in the Championship 4, but Logano faces an uphill battle, starting 24 points below the cutline. Will he dig himself out of this hole, or will another driver seize the opportunity? Tune in to USA Network to find out. And don’t forget, the NASCAR Cup Series Championship will crown its champion on November 2 in Phoenix, broadcast on NBC. Who will take home the title? The race is on—and it’s anyone’s game!
