Logano Wreck Leads to Scary Hit for Cindric at Phoenix

Incident in final stage of Straight Talk Wireless 500 NASCAR race causes major damage

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A wreck initiated by Joey Logano led to a major collision involving multiple drivers, including a hard hit into the wall for Austin Cindric, during the final stage of the Straight Talk Wireless 500 NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway. Logano admitted fault on his team radio for making contact with the back of Ross Chastain's car, which caused Chastain to spin across the track and get hit by Anthony Alfredo, before Alfredo's car then slammed into Cindric's, sending Cindric hard into the outside wall.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers and unpredictability of NASCAR racing, where a single mistake by one driver can quickly escalate into a multi-car wreck with the potential for serious injury. Cindric's hard impact with the wall raises concerns about driver safety, while Logano's admission of fault could lead to penalties or further scrutiny from NASCAR officials.

The details

According to reports, Logano made contact with the rear of Chastain's car on the low side of the track, causing Chastain to spin across the racing surface. Alfredo then hit Chastain, which sent Alfredo's car careening into Cindric, resulting in the heavy impact with the wall. Cindric reported being okay on the team radio, but his car sustained significant damage in the crash.

  • The incident occurred during the final stage of the Straight Talk Wireless 500 NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway on March 8, 2026.

The players

Joey Logano

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who initiated the wreck by making contact with the rear of Ross Chastain's car.

Ross Chastain

A NASCAR Cup Series driver whose car was hit by Joey Logano, causing him to spin across the track and get hit by Anthony Alfredo.

Austin Cindric

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who suffered a hard impact with the wall after being hit by Anthony Alfredo's car.

Anthony Alfredo

A NASCAR Cup Series driver whose car hit Ross Chastain's spinning car and then slammed into Austin Cindric.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the inherent risks and dangers of NASCAR racing, where a single mistake by one driver can quickly escalate into a multi-car wreck with the potential for serious injury. The hard impact suffered by Austin Cindric raises concerns about driver safety and the need for continued improvements in vehicle design and safety protocols to protect competitors.