Austin Dillon wasn’t the only headline at Richmond Raceway in the 2025 Cook Out 400. Behind the scenes, Joey Logano’s influence loomed large. Running strong throughout the race, Logano played the role of disruptor. As he didn’t end up in victory lane, Logano’s post-race interview perfectly captured what the night represented for the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. And let’s just say, the 35-year-old is leaving Richmond with more of what he could have done than what he did.
At Richmond, Austin Dillon’s victory was a masterclass in redemption and strategy. The win rightfully earned him a well-deserved spot in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Leading for 107 laps, Dillon fended off a late challenge from Alex Bowman, crossing the finish line with a 2.471-second advantage. In a season that’s been as much about survival as speed, Dillon finally found both at the right time.
As we said, Dillon wasn’t the only one who stole the show, Logano’s words grabbed attention and sparked conversation long after the checkered flag fell.
Joey Logano reflects on bittersweet finish
Joey Logano’s night at Richmond Raceway was a testament to resilience and determination. Starting with a challenging qualifying session that placed him 31st, Logano faced an additional setback when he had to drop to the rear of the field before the green flag of the Cook Out 400. Despite these obstacles, he impressively climbed through the pack to secure a solid fourth-place finish. “We had a decent result tonight, not a win. Top Five,” Logano reflected.
“It’s bittersweet because, on one hand, we overcame a lot of things. We should be proud of that, but I’m pretty greedy when it comes to being a racecar driver. I think that we should have won the race.” As soon as the race started, Logano reported that his car was extremely tight. Unfortunately for Logano, the condition never improved.
However, Logano’s drive showcased grit and skill as he navigated tricky race conditions and kept himself competitive, running among the top spots during the last part of the race. The battle on track became particularly intense between Logano and other frontrunners, including race winner Austin Dillon. When asked about Dillon’s victory, Logano admitted, “Wish I could have raced him, wish I had air in my tires,” highlighting how fine the margins were between a win and the near-miss.
Joey Logano had a tire leak
How does he feel about the 3 winning
“Wish I could have raced him”
He also says this was a racing purists race pic.twitter.com/oqj1YGG4HW
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) August 17, 2025
The reduced tire quota situation became a pivotal factor, with Logano clarifying, “I’m going to think about it, just tires kept there and it’s not Goodyear’s fault…It’s just that, you know, I ran stuff over, apparently.” Logano was at a major tire disadvantage compared to the rest of the field, as NASCAR rules require drivers to scuff their tires in qualifying to transfer that set into the race.
Since he couldn’t do so, Logano was left without the option to bring his qualifying tires forward. Naturally, this put him in a tougher spot, and he was unable to keep pace as the laps wore on. And that’s what made the difference in the end! Looking ahead, Logano’s focus now shifts to Daytona, the final race of the regular season. With Richmond fueling momentum, Logano hopes to turn his strong performances into a playoff run that capitalizes on both skill and strategy.
Joey Logano gives back to Richmond kids
Before his run at Richmond Raceway, Joey Logano took time off the track to connect with the local community in a meaningful way. Partnering with STEP Richmond (Strategies to Elevate People), Logano helped lead a back-to-school drive in the Gilpin Court neighborhood. This is a public housing community that has benefited from STEP’s work for over 35 years.
The event provided backpacks, school supplies, and resources to children preparing for the new school year. Reflecting on the effort, Logano said, “It’s a way for our race team, for ourselves to give back. God’s given us a great opportunity to drive race cars, and I say it all the time, I get to live my dream out. And you can do a lot more than just driving in circles if you take that opportunity and do some bigger things with it.”
His dedication to philanthropy highlights the impact athletes can have beyond the racetrack, using their platform to inspire and uplift communities. Alongside local business partner Good Feet Store, which pledged to donate a portion of its sales to STEP Richmond, Logano’s involvement brought attention to the importance of education and support programs for underserved youth.
The back-to-school event reflected a larger commitment from NASCAR athletes to engage with fans and give back in tangible ways. As racing heats up on track, Logano’s outreach serves as a powerful reminder of the bigger picture. It encourages fans and residents alike to strive for success on and off the raceway. With playoff excitement building, his presence in Richmond has been felt not just in the pits but in the hearts of local families.
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