NASCAR Driver Logano Apologizes to Chastain After Phoenix Wreck

Logano reached out to Chastain after causing a multi-car crash at Phoenix Raceway.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:54am

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In the closing laps of the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway, a bump from NASCAR driver Joey Logano sent Ross Chastain spinning and caused a multi-car wreck. Logano, who had been running near the front, immediately took responsibility for the incident and reached out to Chastain to personally apologize. Chastain said the two drivers have a good working relationship and that Logano's apology was appreciated, despite the damage done to Chastain's car.

Why it matters

Incidents of contact and wrecks are common in NASCAR, but drivers typically try to maintain good relationships and avoid escalating tensions, especially between top contenders. Logano's quick apology to Chastain shows his effort to be accountable and keep their rivalry professional.

The details

With less than 100 laps to go, Logano was running behind Chastain when he made contact with the rear of Chastain's car, sending it spinning and triggering a multi-car crash that also collected Austin Cindric, Bubba Wallace, and Anthony Alfredo. Chastain was able to continue, but fell 25 laps down by the finish. Logano later crashed out himself in a separate incident, but took responsibility on his team radio and followed up with a personal call to Chastain to apologize.

  • The incident occurred with less than 100 laps to go in the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway.
  • Logano called Chastain shortly after the race to personally apologize for the wreck.

The players

Joey Logano

A three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion who was running near the front of the field when he made contact with Chastain's car, triggering a multi-car crash.

Ross Chastain

The driver of the No. 1 car who was running well before being spun out by Logano, causing significant damage to his vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I got a bad restart in my opinion and then he got a run and ran into the back bumper. But we talked, he gave me a call. Joey and I have a good working relationship on track, we're very alike.”

— Ross Chastain, NASCAR Driver

“He's not that much older than me, but has so much experience in some of the things he does behind the wheel through Gen 6 and Gen 7 cars that I think are very productive. So we have a good relationship, and that was just a bad deal, but we're fine.”

— Ross Chastain, NASCAR Driver

What’s next

The NASCAR season continues next week at Auto Club Speedway, where Logano and Chastain will look to put this incident behind them and focus on earning valuable playoff points.

The takeaway

Despite the wreck, Logano and Chastain maintained a professional relationship, with Logano quickly taking responsibility and reaching out to apologize. This type of accountability and effort to avoid escalating tensions is important for top drivers to set an example and keep the sport competitive but respectful.