The NASCAR world is reeling after a jaw-dropping scandal erupted at Talladega Superspeedway, where Joey Logano, the three-time Cup Series champion, was slapped with a disqualification that’s got everyone talking. The Jack Link’s 500 was already a wild ride, with Austin Cindric snatching victory in a photo finish, but it’s Logano’s post-race nightmare that’s stolen the spotlight. So, what the hell went down?
Logano, piloting the No. 22 Team Penske Ford, crossed the finish line in fifth, a result that would’ve marked his first top-five of the 2025 season. But the celebration was short-lived. NASCAR’s post-race inspection uncovered a violation that sent shockwaves through the paddock: a missing bolt on Logano’s rear spoiler, breaching rules 14.5.8.E and 14.1.P, which demand all fasteners be secure during events. The infraction wasn’t just a slap on the wrist—Logano was stripped of his 41-point haul, relegated to 39th place with a measly single point. Ryan Preece, who finished second, also got the boot for a similar spoiler issue, but it’s Logano’s fall from grace that’s fueling the fire.
Team Penske was quick to downplay the drama, insisting the loose bolt wasn’t intentional and likely occurred during the race. “It was a mistake,” THEY claimed, accepting the penalty without appeal. But fans aren’t buying it. Social media exploded, with one X user fuming, “Joey’s turning into a major jackhole,” while others called out NASCAR’s strict rules, likening them to Formula 1’s playbook. This isn’t Logano’s first brush with controversy—last year, he was caught wearing an illegal webbed glove during qualifying at Atlanta, a move that cost him a starting spot. Is Logano pushing the boundaries too far, or is NASCAR’s rulebook just too tight?
The timing couldn’t be worse for Logano, who’s been struggling in 2025 with just one top-10 finish before Talladega. The disqualification obliterated a chance to climb the standings, and his fiery radio outburst during the race didn’t help his case. Logano blasted teammate Cindric for a tactical misstep that cost him a stage win, calling him a “dumb f***” in a rant that went viral. Even MLB legend Chipper Jones piled on, slamming Logano’s attitude on X, prompting a sarcastic clapback from the driver: “Has Chipper ever driven at Talladega?”
As the dust settles, questions linger. Was this a deliberate cheat or an honest oversight? Logano’s reputation as a fierce competitor is undeniable, but his recent antics have painted a target on his back. With the NASCAR season heating up, all eyes are on the No. 22 team. Can Logano shake off this scandal and claw his way back, or will Talladega’s bombshell define his 2025 campaign? One thing’s for sure: the drama at NASCAR’s biggest oval is far from over.
