Logano Reveals: ‘If I Could’ve Reached Him, He Was Going Around’

Joey Logano shared strong feelings after the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 18, 2025. Logano, a veteran in the Cup Series, felt frustrated with his finish and the way Christopher Bell raced him for the win.

He explained that if he could have gotten to Bell’s bumper, “he was going around.” The All-Star Race, known for its high stakes and fierce competition, produced heated moments on track and in post-race interviews.

The race, running 250 laps at the historic North Wilkesboro track, featured an unusual twist. Organizers introduced a one-time discretionary caution, allowing them to pause the race at any point between laps 100 and 220.

This move, referred to as the ‘gimmick caution,’ changed the rhythm of the race and affected strategy for every leading team. For more on NASCAR’s race regulations, you can explore the official NASCAR rulebook. Logano led for much of the night, showing speed and control with his Team Penske Ford before the caution reshuffled strategy for the frontrunners.

Following the caution, most of the field came to pit road for fresh tires, but Logano and a small group elected to stay out, betting on track position. The decision did not pay off as the field cycled, and Bell gained the advantage with fresher rubber.

On the restart, Bell capitalized, overtaking for the lead, and held off the challengers to take the checkered flag. Logano described the outcome as particularly frustrating, saying, “We had the fastest car, but with the timing of that caution, everything changed.”

The aftermath of the race brought attention to NASCAR’s use of special rules in marquee events. Logano voiced his preference for traditional race management, stating his disappointment with the discretionary caution.

He mentioned his plan to talk with officials about the outcome. Despite his frustration, he acknowledged the unpredictability that special rules can bring to high-profile races. For further insights into race strategy, check out this analysis from MIT’s Sports Lab.

Christopher Bell, meanwhile, celebrated the victory. Bell’s late surge and ability to manage restarts were critical in securing the All-Star Race win at North Wilkesboro.

He fended off several strong competitors and delivered Toyota their first All-Star victory at the revived short track. Bell later commented that he was satisfied with the result after a challenging day, while Logano’s remarks highlighted the intense rivalry and split opinions on NASCAR’s rule changes.

The 2025 All-Star Race showed how strategy, speed, and unexpected twists can alter the sport’s biggest nights. Logano’s reaction summed up the emotion that still defines NASCAR, while Bell’s win added another memorable moment to the history of the event.

As the Cup Series moves on to its next points race, discussions about race formats and special rules will likely remain a topic among drivers and fans alike. For historical context on NASCAR’s evolution, visit the Smithsonian’s Motorsports Collection.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.