A Strategic Battle Under the Lights
Joey Logano led 323 of the 400 laps at North Wilkesboro Speedway to capture the checkered flag in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series points race held at the historic half‑mile track, the first such event at the venue since 1996.
The race unfolded as a study in pit strategy, with green‑flag stops in the closing 100 laps reshaping the order and allowing Logano to extend his advantage. Ty Gibbs had secured Stage 1 earlier, while Logano claimed Stage 2 after a brief battle with Denny Hamlin.
Two caution periods during Stage 2 disrupted the running order, including an incident in which Alex Bowman spun after making contact with Tyler Reddick exiting Turn 2 while attempting a pit maneuver, and Christopher Bell got loose entering Turn 3, sending Josh Berry into the SAFER barrier.
Denny Hamlin finished second, followed by Chase Briscoe, Ty Gibbs and Shane van Gisbergen in the top five, with Bubba Wallace the last driver on the lead lap in sixth. The strategic decisions made under caution proved decisive, as Logano’s crew managed tire wear and fuel to maintain the lead.
The event marked a milestone for the sport, reviving a venue that last hosted a Cup date in 1996, and set the stage for a competitive season ahead.