Logano Earns Top 10 Finish, But Sits 5th in Chase Standings

There are only four spots available in the final round of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, one spot is now reserved for Jimmie Johnson who dominated over the final 75 laps of the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Should two different drivers win at Texas and Phoenix only one more driver will qualify for the final based on points. Joey Logano ran among the leaders for most of the race until the final caution, with just over 100 laps to go, trapped several drivers a lap down as the yellow waved during green flag pit stops. NASCAR held the field under yellow for 29 laps as they sorted out the scoring mess created by the untimely caution. Logano was able to take a wave-around and get back on the lead lap, but started at the back of the pack. The only Ford Fusion in the championship hunt took the final green flag in ninth and was unable to improve his position over the final 100 laps. Logano’s Team Penske teammate, eliminated from the Chase by a blown engine last week at Talladega, rebounded to finished second this week.Denny Hamlin and Matt Kenseth finished third and fourth respectively, Kenseth earned a bonus point for leading the most laps so both drivers sit six points ahead of Logano. Kyle Busch finished fifth and holds a four-point edge over Logano. The big losers Sunday were Carl Edwards, Kurt Bush, and Kevin Harvick. Edwards was responsible for bringing out the final caution when a tire when down and he hit the outside wall. Edwards was forced to take his car to the garage for repairs and finished 36th, he trails Logano by 28 points. Busch finished 22nd and Harvick placed 20th leaving them 14 and 12 points behind Logano, likely placing the three drivers in the position of needing a win to advance.A repeat winner in the round of eight opens an additional spot for a points qualifier and would benefit those chasing Hamlin and Kenseth. Next Sunday at Texas will clarify which 3 drivers are likely to join Johnson for the championship final at Homestead.