Roundtable: Joey Logano’s move too aggressive?

11:02 am | October 29, 2018 | Go to Source | Author:

2:06 PM ET

The short-track racing at Martinsville Speedway has been known to create some fireworks, and Sunday’s NASCAR Cup series race did not disappoint.

Joey Logano used a bump-and-run on Martin Truex Jr. on the final lap to take the checkered flag and advance to the championship round. Truex slid across the finish line to come in third and then assuredly said in his postrace interview that he was going to win the title this year.

Was Logano’s bump-and-run too aggressive? Should Truex have expected anything different? ESPN’s experts circle back to the final laps around the paper-clip-shaped racetrack:

What are your thoughts on Logano’s last-lap move on Truex?

Mike Clay, ESPN: If I wanted to watch cars follow each other around a course, I’d go watch my 2-year-old drive the antique cars over at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut. Yes, there was some significant contact between the two, but Logano didn’t crash him — he aggressively moved him out of the way and won the race. Truex was clearly frustrated (and understandably so), but, after the race, even he said, “That’s short track racing … but what goes around comes around.” The bump-and-run is a part of the deal at tracks such as Martinsville. I have no issue with it.

Ricky Craven, ESPN NASCAR analyst: Logano did exactly what he needed to do to advance to the championship round. The difference between how he handled the move against Truex and how he handled Matt Kenseth a few years ago is the difference between day and night. Kenseth was dumped the same way Chase Elliott was dumped last year in this race. Before we ask ourselves is that how Truex would have handled it, or is that how Kevin Harvick would have handled it, we must remind ourselves that they both have championships already. A better question is: would either of those two drivers have handled the situation the same way a couple years ago in their pursuit of that elusive first title? I have to confess, had I been put in the same exact position I would have done the same thing Logano did because as a driver you owe it to your team, owe it to your sponsors and fans and ultimately you owe it to yourself. In an era where NASCAR has created a formula that encourages this type of “who wants it most” playoff racing, Logano did what had to be done.

Ryan McGee, ESPN senior writer: What do I think? I think I’m mad I wasn’t there to see it in person! It was classic Martinsville. It was exactly what everyone always says they want more of, a win-or-bust, bumper-powered last-lap pass for the win on a short track. Plus the added bonus of the Truex interview, which was also an all-timer. I know a lot of people are mad, but that’s because it was Joey. If the players were different — let’s say Logano is an Earnhardt and Truex is a Busch — people would be asking Sam Bass to do a painting of it to hang in their living rooms.

Alisha Miller, ESPN.com: I tell ya what — that was some entertaining racing with 30 laps to go. The cherry on top was the white-knuckled final lap, just knowing Logano or Truex would bump each other, and I had no idea which one would emerge unscathed. Logano did what he had to do and so did Truex, and I’m good with it. As they say, rubbin’s racin’ and as Truex says, there’s three more races left in the “damn war.” Can’t wait.

Scott Page, Jayski editor: Martinsville was typical short-track racing. I would have been more shocked if Logano didn’t bump Truex out of the lead. He had every incentive to do so. It was Logano’s best chance to get to Homestead as a championship contender and he took it. I think any other driver would have as well. I was actually somewhat surprised that Truex didn’t wait until the last lap to make his move on Logano, knowing that payback would be likely once he took the lead.

Bob Pockrass, ESPN.com: I struggle with it but in the end, I’m OK with it and then OK with Truex retaliating at some point in similar fashion (and not when he’s nine laps down a la Matt Kenseth). I don’t agree with Logano’s assessment that it was a typical bump-and-run because of the continued contact to the finish, which one could characterize as a little dirty. But they are coming to the checkered flag with a spot at Homestead on the line, so I can’t blame Logano for the move and don’t think it was a cheap win.

Scott Symmes, ESPN.com: On the surface, it was classic short-track racing and fans got the bump-and-run finish they so often crave. Considering the circumstances, I don’t have a huge issue with Logano’s course of action. He didn’t wreck Truex and a spot in the title race was on the line. However, I struggle with whether the win was truly “earned.” We saw Logano and Truex race side-by-side in thrilling fashion for several laps. Truex ultimately made a clean pass, using controlled aggression and precision skill. Then Logano simply shoved Truex out of the way and drove to victory. Not much skill there. Fans love bump-and-runs, but to me, the battle leading up to that was the most exciting and satisfying part of Sunday’s race. Now Logano has a bulls-eye on his back — again.

Matt Willis, ESPN Stats & Information: I’m firmly on Team Logano. He didn’t enter the round of eight with the bonus points needed to cruise in to the championship round. His goal should be to win races and championships, not finish second and be a good sport. As fans, we want to see drivers giving it their all, racing hard and looking for valuable wins. Stopping short of being reckless and endangering other competitors, an exciting finish using a bumper beats one where a driver is content with second. With attendance and TV ratings a concern for the sport, putting on the most exciting show and getting the most competitive racing possible is a priority. Even if it means rattling a few cages.