Joey Logano wins three-in-a-row at Dover

Credit: Beth Bence Reinke for Skirts and Scuffs   
Joey Logano may have to start paying rent for Victory Lane at Dover. After winning the past three Nationwide races, it’s almost like he’s moving in permanently. Yet Logano said today’s win of the 5-hour ENERGY 200 is a “first” victory in a lot of ways.

“That was a lot of firsts for me today, winning for Hertz, with the 22 Nationwide team, winning for Ford and most importantly winning for Roger (Penske). That is definitely the coolest part about this win.”

A last-minute call for two tires on the last pit stop made the difference, especially when others took four.

“Jeremy (Bullins, crew chief) made a great call on that,” Logano said. The call was four and he watched a couple of cars come down pit road and he said, ‘Two, two, two, two.’ The pit crew did a great job changing the plan and getting us in clean air and it was up to me to hold them off.”

A handful of drivers traded the lead in the 5-hour ENERGY 200: Austin Dillon, Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne and Trevor Bayne. Busch led the most laps with 72, but got behind due to tire strategy. During the fifth caution, Busch hit pit road for four tires and restarted tenth. He raced back into the top five as the race wound down, but couldn’t close the deal.

After starting on the pole for the fifth time in his Nationwide career, Austin Dillon took home an eighth place finish. Dillon led three times for 43 laps.

Brian Vickers finished second with Matt Kenseth, Trevor Bayne and Kyle Busch rounding out the top five.

Caution report:

#1 The No. 87 of Joe Nemechek brushed the wall.
#2 Elliott Sadler slid down the track and smacked the inside wall causing damage to the left front.
#3 Mike Wallace got turned and slammed the inside wall, ending his day.
#4 Reed Sorenson’s car stopped on the track.
#5 Dexter Stacey spun in Turn 4.

Race notes:

~ When Mike Wallace’s car hit the inside wall, the front splitter was stuck under the SAFER Barrier, requiring extraction by the track crew.

~ After Reed Sorenson’s car stalled on the track, it lost the battery, which had to be retrieved by the safety crew.

~ Elliott Sadler finished 28th, nine laps down, after his accident on Lap 80.

~ Kyle Larson, in 10th place, was the highest-finishing rookie.


For complete finishing order, click here.

For Nationwide points standings, click here.
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Beth Bence Reinke is a columnist, support editor & media rep for Skirts and Scuffs. Her column, “Faith on the Frontstretch,” explores the role of faith in motorsports. Beth is also the author of Race Fans’ Devotions to Go, a devotional book geared toward female NASCAR fans. Follow her on Twitter at @bbreinke or reach her at bbreinke@skirtsandScuffs.com
Joey Logano wins three-in-a-row at Dover Joey Logano wins three-in-a-row at Dover Reviewed by Beth Reinke on Saturday, June 01, 2013 Rating: 5