CHICAGO, IL — The NASCAR Cup Series race at the Chicago Street Course was already full of drama, but the on-track fireworks between Ross Chastain and Joey Logano after the race only added fuel to the fire. The two drivers, who have had multiple run-ins this season, found themselves in the middle of a heated exchange following an incident that involved both cars on Lap 64.

As the race entered its final stages, a restart on Lap 64 set the stage for chaos. Austin Cindric, struggling with his car’s handling, locked up his rear brakes as he entered Turn 1, sliding into the pack in front of him. Among the cars caught in the melee were Kyle Larson and Ryan Preece. Larson was forced into Chastain, spinning him out, which led to Chastain backing into the tire barriers in Turn 1

Despite the impact, Chastain quickly refired his car and continued, but not without a chip on his shoulder. As the race continued, Chastain made contact with Logano entering Turn 2, bumping the No. 22 Ford and sending both Logano and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. spinning. The incident was the breaking point for Logano, who voiced his frustration loudly over the radio.

“What the [expletive] is his problem?” Logano furiously radioed, clearly incensed after spinning into the Turn 2 tire barriers. The anger was still palpable moments later when the caution flag flew for Cindric’s stalled car. “Ross better get the [expletive] information right before he goes and wrecks somebody. There’s … six cars behind me wrecking into me, and then he destroys me from four (car lengths) back. That [expletive]!”

Logano’s words were a testament to the frustration that had been building between the two drivers, who have had multiple confrontations this season. The Chicago race added another chapter to their ongoing rivalry.

A Heated Confrontation

After both drivers finished the race, with Chastain securing a 10th-place finish and Logano coming in 11th, the drama continued on pit road. Once the race was over, Logano, still seething from the incident, walked over to Chastain’s car, confronting him directly.

“He admitted he wrecked me on purpose,” Logano told reporters post-race. “He admitted it — which means he should get fined if he admittedly wrecked someone on purpose. That’s not OK. … It’s just typical Ross. He just sees red and does dumb stuff. That’s all. And that’s twice this year on road courses at the end of these things I’ve been cost by Ross. Just over it.”

Logano’s comments reveal the depth of his frustration not only with the specific incident but with the way Chastain has raced throughout the year. His use of the word “admitted” suggests that he feels Chastain’s actions were deliberate, something that, if true, could bring consequences from NASCAR in the form of a fine or other penalties.

However, Chastain was not available for comment following the race, leaving his side of the story untold in the immediate aftermath.

Previous Encounters Fuel the Fire

This latest incident isn’t the first time these two have crossed paths. Their rivalry began in earnest at the Circuit of the Americas in March. During that race, Chastain made contact with AJ Allmendinger, sending Allmendinger wide and into Logano. The resulting collision led to Logano finishing in 24th place while Chastain managed to come home 12th. Afterward, Logano expressed his displeasure, saying, “He [Chastain] just races like a jackass every week, and I keep paying the price. I’m sick of paying the price.”

Chastain responded to Logano’s comments, admitting he was “disappointed” and “confused” by the criticism. “I don’t understand why he feels that way,” Chastain said at the time, adding that he wasn’t intentionally trying to cause issues with Logano.

Their tension continued to escalate, and the following month at Martinsville Speedway, another incident occurred when Chastain made contact with Chase Briscoe, sending Briscoe into Logano and spinning him out. That race added more fuel to the fire, with Logano once again airing his grievances after the race. “I keep paying the price for his mistakes, and I’m done with it,” Logano remarked.

A Pattern of Controversial Moves

Chastain has earned a reputation for his aggressive racing style, which has led to multiple run-ins with drivers across the field. His aggressive tactics, while sometimes effective, have made him a target for criticism from both fans and competitors. Many drivers, including Logano, have openly questioned his approach to racing, often labeling him as reckless.

Despite the controversy, Chastain has continued to perform at a high level, finishing in the top 10 in several races. However, his rivals, including Logano, have consistently called out his methods, suggesting that he often puts himself and others in risky situations, especially in critical moments.

What’s Next for Chastain and Logano?

The incident at the Chicago Street Course marks the latest chapter in a simmering feud between two of NASCAR’s biggest personalities. With Chastain not responding to questions after the race, the ball is firmly in Logano’s court, who seems intent on holding his rival accountable for what he perceives as intentional wrecking.

As NASCAR moves forward into the second half of the season, it remains to be seen whether NASCAR will take action against Chastain. If the situation continues to escalate, the fallout could have significant implications for both drivers, especially as both are contenders for a spot in the playoffs.

Logano’s call for a fine could lead to more scrutiny of Chastain’s racing tactics, but only time will tell if NASCAR intervenes. Regardless of whether any punishment is handed down, this incident further intensifies the rivalry between these two, ensuring that their next on-track encounter will be one to watch.

Conclusion

The aftermath of Sunday’s race in Chicago only adds to the growing rivalry between Ross Chastain and Joey Logano. With both drivers clearly on edge, their next meeting on the track promises to be filled with drama. Whether NASCAR will take action remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Chastain and Logano’s feud is far from over.