A Track Revived After 25 Years
Joey Logano captured his first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season at North Wilkesboro Speedway, ending a year‑long drought that dated back to May 2025 at Texas Motor Speedway. The win marks the 15th consecutive season in which the 35‑year‑old has celebrated at least one race win, underscoring his longevity at the top of the sport.
The event unfolded on a track that had been dormant for 25 years before undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment, a transformation that gave drivers a fresh surface to work with. Logano seized the lead during Stage 2 and never relinquished it, controlling the pace for the remainder of the 200‑lap contest.
In‑Season Challenge Finals Set for Brickyard 400
Denny Hamlin finished second, with Chase Briscoe, Ty Gibbs and Shane Van Gisbergen rounding out the top five. Ryan Blaney, who started the race from the rear of the field after a power‑steering pump issue forced him to the garage, battled his way forward only to be penalised for speeding on pit road, which dropped him out of the top five.
The race also served as a qualifier for the $1 million NASCAR In‑Season Challenge. Ryan Blaney advanced to the finals by defeating Christopher Bell in the semifinals, while Todd Gilliland topped Chase Elliott to earn the other spot. The championship of the challenge will be decided at the upcoming Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.
Looking Ahead to Indianapolis
Tyler Reddick’s night ended in controversy when he was caught up in a wreck on lap 184 after Alex Bowman cut him off, a moment that added drama to an already eventful race. Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace captured his first crown‑jewel event last year after a late‑race tire failure for Austin Cindric.