NASCAR’s Controversial Call: Joey Logano’s Penalty Sparks Debate

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season has already seen its share of controversy, with the latest incident involving Joey Logano at Phoenix Raceway. The defending champion faced a pass-through penalty for a restart violation during the Shriner’s Children 400, relegating him to the back of the pack. This decision has ignited a debate among drivers, analysts, and fans about the consistency and fairness of NASCAR’s officiating.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., a respected voice in the NASCAR community, expressed sympathy for Logano, stating, “Look man, we’re not gonna torpedo Joey’s day over about 12 inches of asphalt.” Earnhardt Jr. labeled the call as “nitpicky,” arguing that Logano “didn’t gain anything from it.” This sentiment was echoed by FOX Sports broadcaster Clint Bowyer, who referred to it as a “ticky tack foul.”

However, Mike Forde, NASCAR Managing Director, defended the decision during a recent ‘Hauler Talk’ episode. Forde emphasized that the rules were clearly communicated in the drivers’ meeting, stating, “It was a bang-bang play. But as per the driver meeting video – rules for the race are communicated with each team. That is a black-and-white penalty foul.” He likened the situation to an NFL player stepping out of bounds, stressing the importance of clear, consistent rules.

Despite the setback, Logano managed to salvage a 13th-place finish, showcasing his skill and the strength of his car. Forde noted, “And he had a strong car – he was eventually able to make his way and didn’t even lose a lap. It was great to see for him – he was able to get back into the race and lead.”

The incident has reignited discussions about consistency in NASCAR officiating. Kevin Harvick, a veteran driver, expressed frustration over perceived inconsistencies, citing a similar incident involving Denny Hamlin at Richmond in 2024 that went unpunished. Harvick stated, “I’ve got no problem with black-and-white calls, as long as we call the black-and-white calls all the time. Let’s be consistent.”

As the Cup Series moves to Las Vegas, all eyes will be on Logano to see if he can bounce back from this controversial start to the season. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges NASCAR faces in balancing strict rule enforcement with the spirit of competition.