How Joey Logano Won His First Race Since Phoenix to Make the Championship Race at Phoenix

Joey Logano stunned Kevin Harvick and the rest of the NASCAR Cup Series field to become the first driver to seal a spot in the ‘Championship 4’ race. Logano took the lead with 45 laps to go and just did not let go, overcoming the challenge from Harvick.

The win means Logano made the championship race for the 4th time in the last eight years. Interestingly, Logano’s last win this season was at the Phoenix Raceway in early March.

“We’re going to Phoenix! We’re racing for a championship again! Heck yeah!” said an excited Logano right after the race.

Logano then explained what transpired on the racetrack in those final laps as the battle between him and Harvick kept getting nervier.

How Joey Logano held off Kevin Harvick at Kansas

Logano said, “Pit stops put us in position, got us the lead. The 4 is fast, he’s real fast, especially on the straightaway. He was really fast on those straightaways,” Logano said further. “I thought if I can hold him off the first 15 laps, I have a chance. Dirty air was the best for us. As we caught lap traffic, I was able to gap ourselves as he got more dirty air.”

Logano, time and again this season, did not shy away from blocking others on the track and always defended his tactic. Logano’s motive was just one – anything to win. He used his blocking techniques to good effect on Sunday and blocked Harvick for the last 40-something laps.

Logano does not give Harvick an inch

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Harvick clearly had the fastest car on the track, just like he has had all season. Logano won the race off pit road with under 45 laps to go and never let go of the lead. The current NASCAR rules package enabled Logano to block his way to the finish, and Harvick was just not able to beat through the air.

Alex Bowman continued his good run in recent weeks and finished third. This comes as a big boost for his playoff chances. Brad Keselowski finished in 4th place to close the gap on Denny Hamlin in the standings, to some extent. Kyle Busch finished in 5th place. Chase Elliott, who won the opening stage, finished in 6th place.

WATCH – Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick in a Thrilling Battle During the NASCAR Kansas Race