Austin Dillon, who grew up near Richmond Raceway and other iconic NASCAR venues, remembers his 2023 summer victory at Richmond Raceway as one of his most memorable achievements despite a major controversy with Joey Logano. The Joey Logano Richmond race controversy arose when Logano labeled Dillon a “chicken s**t” following a collision that decided the race outcome. This incident led to penalties for both drivers and changed playoff implications.
Dillon Recalls Richmond Win Amid Continued Disputes
Dillon’s win at Richmond in 2023 marked his fifth Cup Series victory and remains a highlight in his career, second only to his 2018 Daytona 500 triumph. Although he received the race trophy, NASCAR disqualified the victory from counting toward his playoff eligibility due to penalties issued after the race. Dillon, his crew chief, and Logano all faced sanctions involving fines and point deductions.
Reflecting on the event, Dillon told Speedway Media,
“It was still a big day and I’ll always remember it as one of my favorite wins. We got the trophy, just not the NASCAR Playoffs spot. That part was a struggle, and I hate it for RCR.”
Despite the fallout, Dillon continues to regard the win positively.
Current Season Struggles and Playoff Challenges for Dillon
Following that memorable Richmond victory, Dillon’s performance declined significantly. He finished the 2024 season ranked 32nd in points—the lowest of his Cup career—and has yet to improve much this year. As he enters the upcoming Richmond race, he is 28th in the standings, without a win or top-five finish, and only four top-10s across 24 races.
This position leaves him with slim playoff hopes, relying heavily on securing another win either at Richmond or at the next regular-season finale in Daytona to qualify for the postseason.
Dillon’s Ambition to Secure a Playoff Spot with Another Richmond Win
Despite the challenges, Dillon remains optimistic about replicating his Richmond success. He emphasized his determination to not only win again but also advance to the playoffs.
“This year going back I definitely want to go out there and try to win again, but this time lock ourselves into the Playoffs,”
Dillon said.
“We had a dominant car last year and really came on strong at the end. We had a multiple-second lead and passed two of the best (runner-up Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano) to do it, so that’s pretty cool.”
Details of the Controversial Final Lap Incident
The 2023 finish sparked heated debate after Dillon made contact with Logano, who was leading on the final lap as they approached Turn 3, causing Logano to crash into the wall. Dillon insisted the move was accidental, but Logano took offense and repeatedly insulted Dillon, including calling him a “chicken s**t.” Logano later confronted Dillon and his team on pit road, prompting NASCAR to fine him $50,000 for his conduct.
This confrontation and the resulting penalties kept the controversy alive, underscoring the intensity of competition and personal tensions between the drivers.
Potential Impact of the Rivalry on Upcoming Races
The ongoing Joey Logano Richmond race controversy highlights the fierce rivalries that fuel NASCAR competition, especially at tracks where personal and family legacies run deep. For Dillon, a repeat victory would not only restore playoff hopes but also help close a difficult chapter marked by criticism and penalty. Meanwhile, Logano’s reaction reveals how emotionally charged these high-stakes moments can be on and off the track.
As the season continues, the rivalry and stakes at Richmond this weekend promise to draw plenty of attention and could significantly influence the playoff picture for both drivers.