Daytona Drama: Jeff Burton Defends Joey Logano After Ricky Stenhouse Wreck – Is a New NASCAR Rivalry Brewing?
The Daytona 500 is never short of drama, and this year was no exception. One of the most talked-about incidents of the race involved Joey Logano and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., a wreck that also collected Kyle Busch in its aftermath. With emotions running high, debates have been raging over whether Logano’s aggressive driving was justified or if he crossed the line.
Jeff Burton, a respected NASCAR analyst, weighed in on the situation, offering a perspective that defends Logano’s mindset and decision-making during the intense superspeedway battle.
The Block That Started It All
The wreck in question took place late in the race when Stenhouse Jr. threw a massive block as Logano surged forward in the middle lane. As expected in the high-speed chess match at Daytona, both drivers fought for positioning, leading to an unavoidable crash.
“He’s looking in the mirror. He sees what’s behind him. He knows it’s three-wide, and at some point, he’ll either be leading a three-wide line, or he’s going to be three-wide,” Burton explained via Inside The Race.
Burton elaborated on the critical moment that led to disaster:
- Stenhouse didn’t want Logano underneath him with forward momentum, as that would have forced him down the track.
- Logano refused to lift, maintaining his aggressive stance.
- Both drivers aimed for the middle lane, making it the most contested real estate on the track.
Burton noted that while the block was aggressive, it wasn’t unusual for Daytona. The high-speed nature of superspeedway racing often means that once contact is made, there’s no turning back.
The Brutal Reality of Superspeedway Racing
The collision between Logano and Stenhouse wasn’t just a case of bad luck—it was the result of the high-risk, high-reward nature of Daytona and Talladega racing.
“Every time they hit, the front of Ricky’s car comes to the left because he’s getting hit in the left rear corner panel. He just keeps going down, down, and down,” Burton detailed.
For Logano, there was no escape.
“He’s out of gas, but he can’t hit the brakes because there’s a pack of cars behind him. Once the initial contact happens, it’s game on.”
Why Joey Logano Won’t Change His Style
Burton strongly defended Logano’s aggressive approach, emphasizing that it’s the same mindset that has made him one of the best superspeedway drivers in NASCAR history.
“They’re aggressive as hell,” Burton said. “When you race like that, you’re going to cross the line every now and then. But if you want to win Daytona and Talladega, you have to be willing to make uncomfortable moves and block at the right time.”
Burton believes that Logano won’t second-guess himself:
- He’ll review the crash and analyze what could have been done differently.
- However, he’ll likely make the same move again in the future.
- At superspeedways, you either take risks or get left behind.
Kyle Busch Blasts Logano After Getting Wiped Out
Not everyone was as understanding as Burton. Kyle Busch, who got caught in the wreck, was furious after being eliminated from contention.
Busch didn’t hold back his frustration, calling out Logano’s impatience for trying to force his way forward.
“Kyle Busch did nothing wrong and got wrecked, so he was mad,” Burton admitted.
Busch’s anger stemmed from being an innocent bystander in the chaos. As Logano charged ahead, Stenhouse attempted to block, triggering the massive crash that ended Busch’s race.
Understanding Logano’s Thought Process
Burton provided insight into why Logan made his move when he did. The middle lane was the preferred groove as the race developed, and Logano was determined to position himself for the win.
“I think he wanted to be in the middle lane rather than the outside lane,” Burton explained. “If you look at the race throughout the day, the middle lane was better than the outside lane. The outside worked earlier, but once everyone was running full speed, the bottom two lanes were stronger.”
In Logano’s mind, waiting wasn’t an option. He had to make his move before the opportunity disappeared.
What’s Next for Logano and Stenhouse?
The Daytona 500 may not have ended well for Joey Logano, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., or Kyle Busch, but one thing is clear: these drivers will continue to be a force at superspeedways.
They won’t have to wait long for redemption. With the NASCAR Cup Series heading to Atlanta Motor Speedway, another high-speed, pack-racing track, Logano and Stenhouse will have a chance to prove themselves once again.
Will Logano adjust his strategy? Not likely. If history has taught us anything, it’s that he’ll keep pushing the limits—and that’s exactly why fans love him.
The Fallout: Tensions Rise Between Logano and Stenhouse
Following the crash, Joey Logano and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. had a heated post-race exchange. While Stenhouse felt he had no choice but to block, Logano believed he was simply making the right move at the right time. Neither driver was willing to take full responsibility, leading to growing tensions between the two.
After the race, Stenhouse voiced his frustration, claiming that Logano “forced the issue” too early. He defended his aggressive block, arguing that if he hadn’t made the move, he would have been swallowed up by the pack. Logano, on the other hand, fired back by saying that blocking is part of the game, and if Stenhouse wanted to lead, he had to be ready for contact.
Will There Be Payback?
With emotions running high, could we see retaliation later in the season? Both drivers are known for their aggressive styles, and if they find themselves battling for position again, the risk of another clash is high.
The NASCAR Cup Series is built on rivalries, and this Daytona wreck has only added fuel to the fire. Fans will be watching closely to see if this battle spills over into future races—especially at Atlanta, Talladega, and beyond.
