Joey Logano was in a strong position to win Stage 2 at Talladega Superspeedway but fell just short. Bubba Wallace managed to edge out Logano and his Team Penske teammate, Austin Cindric, in a tense dash to the finish line. However, Logano’s anger after the stage wasn’t just about losing. His frustration was directed at Cindric, who, according to Logano, failed to give him the crucial push needed to overtake Wallace at the end.
Cindric’s decision not to push Logano was likely a move to avoid a major wreck, given the momentum he had. Nevertheless, Logano was furious over the team radio, lashing out at Cindric for not helping him secure the stage win.
“Way to go, [Austin Cindric],” Logano shouted over the radio. “Way to go. You dumb [expletive]. Way to [expletive] go. What a stupid [expletive]. He just handed [Bubba Wallace] the stage win. Gave it to a Toyota. Nice job. Way to go. What a dumb [expletive]. Put that in the book again.”
While Logano was upset in the heat of the moment, he wasn’t fully aware of what unfolded behind him. If Cindric had slammed into the back of the No. 22 car at full speed, it could have triggered a major crash involving several cars. Even so, the frustration boiled over, and it became a hot topic after the stage ended. Adding to Logano’s rough day, NASCAR later disqualified him from the event due to a loose spoiler bolt found on his car following post-race inspection.
Potential Impact on Team Penske
Logano’s public anger toward Cindric could create some tension within Team Penske. Teamwork and trust are critical, especially at superspeedways where drafting partners are essential for success. If frustration like this lingers, it could weaken their cooperation in future races. Internal friction might cause hesitation in crucial moments, making it harder for Penske drivers to work together effectively. While emotions run high in racing, especially at tracks like Talladega, it will be important for Penske leadership to address the situation and ensure that drivers remain focused on the bigger goal — winning races and championships as a united front.
