Austin Dillon clinched a spot within the NASCAR Cup Sequence playoffs, however controversy on the tactic of the Richard Childress Racing driver’s win clouded the outcome at Richmond Raceway on Sunday.
The checkered flag waved in the course of the remaining lap of NASCAR Extra time with Joey Logano within the lead. Dillon hit the Workforce Penske driver’s rear bumper to ship him crashing into the barrier. Dillon instantly moved low and hit Denny Hamlin, sending the Joe Gibbs Racing driver apart. The RCR driver claimed his first win within the Cup Sequence in two seasons.
“I do not know, man, It has been two years and that is the primary automotive I’ve had a shot to win with,” Dillon advised reporters when requested about his transfer on the ultimate lap, per NASCAR. “I felt like with two to go, we have been the quickest automotive. Clearly, we needed to have a straightaway. Wrecked the man. I hate to do this, however typically you simply received to do it. I received to thank the nice Lord above. It has been powerful for the final two years, man. I care about RCR, these followers, my spouse. That is my first (win) for my child woman. It means so much. I hate it, however I needed to do it. When provided that shot, you’ve received to take it.”
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Logano, who clinched a playoff spot in June at Nashville Superspeedway, was not as joyous as Dillon after the race. His crew chief Paul Wolfe advised reporters that it will be a “joke” to name what occurred Sunday “racing,” however the Workforce Penske driver went additional than that.
“It was hen (expletive) — there’s little doubt about it,” Logano advised reporters, per NASCAR. “He was 4 car-lengths again, not even shut. Then he wrecks the 11 (Hamlin) to associate with it. I imply, I get it, bump and run. I’ve finished that, however he simply drove by way of me. It’s ridiculous.”
Hamlin after the race referred to as Dillon’s transfer a “foul,” however in keeping with NASCAR, the outcome will stand. Followers will maintain an eye fixed out subsequent Sunday at Michigan Worldwide Speedway to see if there can be retaliation over how the RCR driver received.