Joey Logano, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, erupted in anger after Ross Chastain intentionally wrecked him during a race at the Chicago Street course on July 7, 2025. With 12 laps to go, Chastain’s No. 1 Chevrolet forced Logano’s No. 22 Ford Mustang out of control going into Turn 2, causing a major incident that dropped Logano to 11th place. The event sparked a heated confrontation between the two drivers at pit road immediately after the checkered flag.

This incident is the latest chapter in an ongoing feud between Logano and Chastain, who have clashed multiple times throughout the 2025 season. The collision has not only intensified tensions but also thrust the Ross Chastain NASCAR controversy into the spotlight, as Logano demanded disciplinary action against Chastain, who openly admitted to wrecking him on purpose.

Steve Letarte Calls for Accountability from Ross Chastain

Following the crash, Joey Logano’s frustration was palpable in his team radio messages, which included expletives as he described how multiple cars collided in the chaotic moments on the course. Speaking to FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass, Logano made a strong case for penalties against Chastain, stating,

“He [Chastain] admitted he wrecked me on purpose, which means he should get fined … that’s not okay.”

This blunt admission has raised questions about NASCAR’s response to on-track intentional wrecks.

NASCAR commentator and insider Steve Letarte shared his opinion on the situation, expressing reluctant agreement with Logano. Letarte remarked,

“I hate to agree with Joey, but there’s a real argument there, I guess.”

He urged Chastain to own up to his actions privately, suggesting,

“If I’m Chastain, I’m calling Joey Logano this week, taking my b— chewing. Even if you get turned around at Sonoma, I just think that Ross and Trackhouse are building stuff, and you don’t want a guy like Joey Logano as an enemy. It’s just unnecessary.”

This recommendation highlights the broader impact such conflicts can have on team dynamics and driver reputations, especially as both competitors prepare for the high-stakes playoff season.

The Chain Reaction Leading Up to Chastain’s Retaliation

The deliberate wreck was rooted in earlier chaos during the race. Austin Cindric locked up his brakes in Turn 1, triggering a multi-car pileup involving Team Penske’s No. 2 Ford Mustang, Ryan Preece, and Kyle Larson. This mishap forced several drivers into unexpected contact, with Logano’s car being squeezed between wreckers, including Chastain’s Chevrolet.

Though the initial crash was unintentional and part of the chain reaction, Chastain reacted by spinning Logano out shortly after, also taking Ricky Stenhouse Jr. down with them. Stenhouse’s race ended prematurely, while Logano managed to limp back to the track and finish 11th. The deliberate nature of Chastain’s move has stirred controversy within the NASCAR community and threatens to escalate tensions between rival teams.

“Ross Chastain vs. Joey Logano. Ross admitted to wrecking him on purpose. Joey thinks he should be fined for it. Either way it was stubborn vs. stubborn on the race track. #NASACR #InsideTheRace” —Steve Letarte, NASCAR Commentator

Historical Context: Chastain’s Aggression Precedes Current Fallout

Ross Chastain’s reputation for aggressive driving is well-known, a characteristic that has previously sparked rivalries with notable competitors. His earlier feud with Denny Hamlin during the 2022 season involved back-and-forth wrecks, and incidents with Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson further positioned him as a divisive figure on the circuit. Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, once warned Chastain,

“If you wreck us, you’re going to get it back.”

Although Chastain has moderated his driving style in recent years, flashes of his earlier intensity occasionally resurface, as seen in Chicago. NASCAR reporter Jeff Gluck shed light on the situation, explaining that Chastain’s spotter, Brandon McReynolds, had informed him that Austin Cindric caused the initial chaos. However, by the time Chastain learned this, he had already made his retaliatory move against Logano. Gluck described the aftermath, noting,

“Brandon McReynolds (Chastain’s spotter) is like, ‘Hey, just to let you know, that was the 2 who jacked up everybody there and did a kamikaze move.’ But too late then, because Ross had already dumped Logano. And that’s when (Ricky) Stenhouse got his damage, too. And then Stenhouse has a smashing watermelons gif on X afterwards.”

This ongoing pattern of aggressive behavior amidst unpredictable race incidents contributes to the volatile environment surrounding Chastain’s racing style.

Potential Consequences and Future Rivalries After Chicago Incident

The situation has left NASCAR fans and teams wondering what retaliation might follow. With a playoff spot already secured, Chastain is expected to fight hard in upcoming races but must now also deal with the fallout of his actions. Both Logano and Stenhouse are plausible candidates for seeking their own payback in Sonoma Raceway and other forthcoming events. Chastain’s aggressive tactics have raised concerns about the long-term consequences for driver relationships and on-track safety.

As tensions simmer, the Ross Chastain NASCAR controversy serves as a reminder of the high stakes in competitive racing and the fine line between boldness and recklessness. The official response from NASCAR, including any fines or sanctions, will be closely watched as the season progresses.