“I don’t think you’re going to be allowed to just wipe someone out to move on. It’s an intentional wreck, is it not?” This was Denny Hamlin, pissed post-race, quick to call for a penalty. After Ross Chastain threw a full-blown Hail Mary in an attempt to steal a playoff point from Joey Logano, to keep his championship hopes alive, he ended both his and Hamlin’s day earlier than expected. Then came the calls to slap Chastain with a penalty, but amid that, Dale Jr. holds a different opinion.

Heading into Charlotte, Dale Jr. had his eyes on Chastain, even rooting for another “Hail Melon” moment. But Joey Logano swept through with a four-point edge, advancing to the Round of 8 despite finishing just one spot above the No. 1 driver. When Hamlin was questioned about whether Chastain deserved

See Full Page