Austin Dillon arrived at Richmond Raceway with the urgent need for a victory to secure his place in the 2024 NASCAR Playoffs, and he delivered one of the year’s most surprising upsets. In the closing laps, Dillon passed Joey Logano and made contact with Denny Hamlin as he charged toward the finish line.
However, Dillon, driving the No. 3 car, could face suspension from NASCAR after the race. The organization plans to review Dillon’s actions during the final lap to determine if any penalties are necessary. They will closely examine whether Dillon intentionally pushed Hamlin’s car into the wall, which could result in a one-race suspension, based on previous precedents.
NASCAR is also expected to scrutinize the radio communications from Dillon’s team, as his spotter was heard urging him to “Destroy him” during the heated moment. Ultimately, the SMT data will be crucial in determining if Dillon will face any consequences. The dramatic finish is likely to be a topic of conversation for days and weeks to come. While Dillon celebrates his victory, the potential for a penalty hangs over the No. 3 team.
Joey Logano didn’t hold back his feelings toward Austin Dillon after a last-minute incident at Richmond in 2024. As Logano approached the final lap at Richmond Raceway, he was close to securing his second victory of the year. But everything changed in turn 3 when Dillon made it clear he wasn’t going to let Logano take the lead without a fight.
Dillon’s aggressive move led to a collision with Denny Hamlin, ruining Logano’s chances and relegating him to a disappointing 19th place finish. After the race, Logano was visibly upset and vented his frustration at Dillon, criticizing the driver from Richard Childress Racing. “It’s a joke,” Logano said. “No doubt about it. [Austin Dillon] was four cars back, nowhere near me, and then he wrecks the 11 to get ahead.”
He added, “Then he thanks God and acts like everything’s fine with his son. It’s absurd. This isn’t how it should be.” Logano continued, “I understand the competition, but come on. I didn’t leave my lane. He just barged in and shoved me aside. It’s frustrating to race like that. I’ve been through a lot in this sport. I was prepared, but being four cars back, he had no chance of making that turn without wrecking someone. He took out [Denny Hamlin] just to get ahead. It’s disgraceful.”
Logano was just one lap away from claiming his second victory of the 2024 NASCAR season, which would have solidified his position as a strong contender for the championship. Despite his strong performance throughout the race, he ultimately finished within the top 20, leaving him and his fans feeling a mix of disappointment and frustration. The NASCAR community is now buzzing with speculation and discussions about the potential penalties Dillon might face, as his actions during the race have raised concerns and sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
For Logano and his team, Team Penske, the race’s outcome is particularly disappointing. Missing out on the win not only denies Logano a place on the winner’s podium, but it also costs him five crucial playoff points that could have significantly boosted his chances in the upcoming races. These points are essential, as they can have a major impact on the playoff standings, and losing them this week could have long-term consequences for Logano’s championship hopes.
As the dust settles from the race, Logano and his team will need to regroup and refocus for the next event. The disappointment of this near-miss will likely serve as motivation for Logano to push even harder in the upcoming races, as he aims to regain his momentum and secure the victories needed 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.
