The Art of the Perfect Restart: Logano’s Championship-Winning Move
In a defining moment at Phoenix Raceway, Joey Logano demonstrated why he’s considered one of NASCAR’s finest restarters. The stakes couldn’t have been higher – with championship contenders clustered together and enough fuel and tires to make it to the finish, everything came down to execution.
The Setup
The restart configuration was critical:
- William Byron leading the field
- Joey Logano’s #22 positioned in the third row (inside)
- Ryan Blaney alongside
- Tyler Reddick trailing behind
"When you get to turn one, the outside is actually preferred because you can keep your momentum up to go down the backstretch, but the bottom gives you options."
Phoenix’s Unique Restart Dynamic
Phoenix restarts are characterized by several key elements:
- Four and five-wide racing through the dog leg
- Multiple viable paths:
- Super low line chasing clean air
- High arc for momentum down the backstretch
- Grip availability below the traditional racing line
The Technical Breakdown
| Position | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Outside Line | Maintains momentum | Less flexible line choices |
| Bottom Lane | Clean air access | Requires perfect execution |
| Middle Grove | Compromise position | Traffic exposure |
The Winning Strategy
Logano’s execution involved several critical components:
- Initial Positioning: The #22 maintained a strategic position that allowed for multiple options
- Car Performance: Both Logano and Blaney’s cars demonstrated exceptional ability to:
- Cut down low
- Drive strong exits
- Maintain momentum through corners
"The difference is the 22’s in clean air and the 12’s not."
The Critical Moment
The race-winning move came when Christopher Bell’s #20 car washed up the track slightly in Turn 4. This created the opening Logano needed, as he:
- Wrapped the turn smoothly
- Maintained maximum momentum
- Utilized the clean air on his nose
- Executed a perfect launch
When Bell missed the bottom slightly, Logano capitalized immediately, wrapping his line perfectly and clearing him into Turn 1. From that point forward, the race was effectively Logano’s to lose, demonstrating how a single restart can determine a championship outcome.
The combination of technical skill, strategic positioning, and split-second decision making showcased why restarts at Phoenix are such a critical element of success, particularly in championship-deciding moments.
