Austin Dillon entered Richmond Raceway in desperate need of a victory to secure a spot in the 2024 NASCAR Playoffs, and he pulled off one of the year’s most shocking upsets. In the final laps, Dillon overtook Joey Logano and made contact with Denny Hamlin as he raced toward the finish line.
However, the driver of the No. 3 car may face suspension from NASCAR following the race. The organization plans to review Dillon’s actions during the last lap to decide if any penalties are warranted. They will specifically examine whether Dillon intentionally pushed Hamlin’s car into the wall, which could lead to a one-race suspension based on previous rulings.
Additionally, NASCAR is expected to analyze the radio communications from the No. 3 team, as Dillon’s spotter was heard urging him to “Destroy him” in the heat of the moment. Ultimately, the SMT data will play a crucial role in determining if Dillon will face any consequences. The dramatic finish is sure to spark conversations for days and weeks ahead. While Dillon celebrates his victory, the possibility of a penalty looms over the No. 3 team.
Joey Logano didn’t hold back his feelings towards Austin Dillon after a last-minute incident at Richmond in 2024. As Logano approached the final lap at Richmond Raceway, he was on the verge of celebrating his second victory of the year. But things took a turn in turn 3 when Dillon made it clear he had no intention of letting Logano take the lead.
Dillon’s move ultimately led to a collision with Denny Hamlin, derailing Logano’s hopes and forcing him to settle for a disappointing 19th place finish. After the race, Logano was visibly upset and directed his anger at Dillon, expressing his frustration with the driver from Richard Childress Racing. “It’s a joke,” Logano exclaimed. “No question about it. [Austin Dillon] was four cars back, nowhere near me, and then he wrecks the 11 to get ahead.”
He continued, “Then he goes and thanks God and acts like everything’s fine with his son. It’s ridiculous. This is not how it should be.” Logano added, “Look, I get it, but come on. I didn’t leave my lane. He just barged in and pushed me aside. It’s frustrating to race like that. I’ve got my share of bumps and bruises from this sport. I was ready for him, but being four cars back, he had no chance to make that turn without wrecking someone. He took out [Denny Hamlin] just to get ahead. What a disgrace.”
Logano was just one lap shy of clinching his second victory in the 2024 NASCAR season, a moment that would have solidified his position as a strong contender for the championship. Despite his impressive performance throughout the race, he ultimately crossed the finish line in the top 20, leaving him and his fans feeling a mix of disappointment and frustration. The NASCAR community is now abuzz with speculation and discussions regarding the potential penalties that Dillon might face following the race, as his actions during the event have raised eyebrows and sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
For Logano and his team, Team Penske, the outcome of the race is particularly disheartening. Missing out on the victory not only means that Logano will not be celebrating on the winner’s podium, but it also translates to the loss of five crucial playoff points that could have significantly bolstered his chances in the upcoming races. These points are vital as they can make a substantial difference in the playoff standings, and losing them this week could have long-term implications for Logano’s championship aspirations.
As the dust settles from the race, Logano and his team will need to regroup and refocus their efforts for the next event. The disappointment of this near-miss will undoubtedly serve as motivation for Logano to push even harder in the upcoming races, as he aims to reclaim his momentum and secure the victories necessary to advance in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the ongoing discussions about Dillon’s potential penalties will continue to add an extra layer of intrigue to the NASCAR season, keeping fans engaged and eager for the next race.
