Joey Logano’s NASCAR Cup Series playoff hopes have been dramatically resurrected despite finishing the Bank Of America Roval 400 below the cut line to make the Round of 8.

In a stunning turn of events, NASCAR disqualified Alex Bowman post-race for his car being underweight, propelling Logano into the next round of the Cup Series playoffs. Brad Moran, NASCAR Cup Series managing director, detailed the inspection process: “Unfortunately, the 48 had an issue (and) did not meet minimum weight.

“We put the car to the side. We continued on. We… gave them the opportunity to fuel the car as well as purge the water system and add water. So we gave them every opportunity to make weight.

“We ran them back through. Unfortunately, they were light again. They are allowed a 0.5 percent weight break, which is for usage of fluids and so on. That’s about 17 pounds.

“We backed the car back off the scales, ran it back on and then, unfortunately, it was the same weight. So the car had a weight issue. All the other cars cleared inspection. The 48 didn’t, and that ends up in a disqualification.”

Moran mentioned the likelihood of an appeal from Hendrick Motorsports but noted that details must remain scarce for now. “If the appeal happens, it’ll be expedited, so it’ll probably happen in the next couple of days,” Moran said. “So really can’t get into all the details of the information, but the car was light, and that’s where we ended up.”

On social media, Hendrick Motorsport informed enthusiasts that a decision on an appeal will be made when appropriate. Logano manages to scrape into the Round of 8 with other top drivers, while Bowman, Austin Cindric, Daniel Suarez, and Chase Briscoe find themselves out of the playoff picture.

Alex Bowman’s car was revealed to be too light after the race ( 

Image:

Getty)

The recent NASCAR verdict has thrown Logano and his crew a lifeline following a challenging Charlotte raceday. Post-race, an elated Logano expressed to NBC Sports his pride in his team’s performance, despite fearing his playoff chances were dashed.

“We fought hard for sure,” he proudly shared with NBC Sports. “I think Paul and the guys did a good job of executing the strategy of what we needed to do today.

“Just didn’t get enough there at the end, fell off too much that last run. Honestly, Tyler (Reddick) and those guys did a good job driving through the field and scored more points. Starting to think a little about Richmond now. The positive is we are in the owner’s championship so can confuse fans from here about drivers and owners.”