Joey Logano’s weekend took an unexpected turn as the Team Penske driver now faces a setback in the Round of 8. Despite a victory in Las Vegas, he’ll be starting from the rear in Sunday’s Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, alongside RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher. Both drivers encountered power steering issues that forced last-minute adjustments, a rule violation that mandates their drop to the back of the field.
Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass shared on social media that both Logano and Buescher’s steering systems required replacements. For Logano, the entire system was swapped, while Buescher’s team replaced his steering rack. These adjustments were necessary for safety, yet NASCAR’s regulations require any unapproved modifications to be met with penalties, leaving both drivers to battle from the rear.
The steering issue caught Logano off guard during practice, as he radioed his team about the problem. “I wish I knew; we’d be able to fix it,” Logano said through Racer.com. He explained how the system felt like it was locking up during laps, creating concerns ahead of qualifying.
Though the adjustments meant losing grid position, he noted they could still secure a favorable pit stall. Logano also described his Hunt Brothers Mustang as strong in long runs but needing tweaks on the short run, underscoring that his team would need to refine both their short-run speed and power steering reliability for race day.
Meanwhile, NBC Sports reporter Dustin Long shared updates from Logano’s garage as his crew worked urgently on the steering system. Despite the setback, Logano’s win in the previous race at Las Vegas has already secured him a coveted spot in the Championship 4. This early qualification gives him a strategic edge, allowing his team to focus on fine-tuning and avoid the usual pressures leading up to Martinsville.
Logano acknowledged the benefits of his early Championship 4 berth, explaining that it relieves some preparation pressure, giving his team more time to optimize the car for Phoenix. Reflecting on the strategic advantages, he noted, “All those distractions that you’ll have on championship weekend, you can knock a lot of that out now.”
While Logano’s focus remains on the championship, his teammate Ryan Blaney finds himself in a more precarious position. Currently seventh in the standings, Blaney faces an uphill battle to advance, sitting 47 points below the cut line.
