Joey Logano (Ford) became NASCAR CUP SERIES 2018 Champion on Sunday, after winning the Ford 400 for the first time ever ahead of defending champion Martin Truex Jr. (Toyota) and other two favourites, Kevin Harvick (Ford) and Kyle Busch (Toyota).
The race, which took place at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, has provided NASCAR with a new and unexpected new monarch from Penske team. It was a magical night for Logano, after the dream he had been chasing for ten long seasons finally became a reality.
Hidden among the favourites
The so-called Big Three; Truex Jr., Harvick and Busch had been capturing all the attention during the NASCAR CUP SERIES 2018 week. All forecasts had them as the absolute favourites, having achieved a total of 20 victories combined throughout the season.
Logano, however, didn’t believe he was weaker than his rivals and was displaying definitive signs of strength in those days before the final battle. He believed in himself and his possibilities.
The top dogs of the NASCAR CUP SERIES 2018, however, continued capturing the spotlight. Not in vain, the 20 victories of the trio (Truex Jr., Harvick and Busch) cast a long shadow over the mere two wins that Joey had managed … until Miami.
Logano’s show
It was under such public perception that the Miami race arrived, where the #22 yellow car would give a performance to remember. Logano led the Ford 400 during 68 laps. His intentions to win the NASCAR CUP SERIES 2018 were now crystal clear.
He had a mission: to cross the checkered flag ahead of his rivals and with only 12 out of 267 laps remaining, he delivered the final blow. He overtook Martin Truex Jr. for the lead, a position he held until he crossed the finish line.
The ‘humble’ racer born 28 years ago in Middletown (Connecticut), had defeated all the odds. Martin Truex Jr. got the silver position at 1,725 seconds, unable to defend his 2017 title. Harvick closed the podium 3,735 seconds later.
Finally, Busch got the fourth place 5,566 seconds after the winner. For a perfect end to the NASCAR CUP SERIES 2018 evening for Logano, his teammate, Brad Keselowski, claimed fifth place in Miami.
A driver that always believed in himself
“We did it. We have won the Championship. I cannot believe it! I do not know what to say. The team, Roger Penske (owner of the team), Todd Gordon (head of training), the pit boss (…)” -declared Logano stepping off his yellow missile – “ (…)Finally, they gave me the car I needed to do my job. I could not be more proud of all the members of the team.”
“We proved why we’re not (the underdog),” Logano said. “This is the favourite, and I told you that before the race started. I’m so proud of everybody. Everyone rose to the occasion, executed under pressure like nobody’s business.” – continued the winner, overcome by joy.
“We have also given Ford not only the Drivers ‘Championship but also the Manufacturers’ Championship. I can’t wait to start that Mustang”-concluded Logano.
Truex Jr. loses his title
Martin Truex Jr. surely felt the most defeated on NASCAR CUP SERIES 2018 day. He could not retain the title he conquered a few years before. During the first phase of the race, he was very combative. With the passing of the laps, however, his car lost power putting an end to his winning chances.
“I just needed time. That’s all I needed. They were faster than us for 15, 20 laps all day long. It was like the reverse scenario of last year, you know?”
“Last year, we took advantage of the short-run car at the end and the 18 should’ve won the race. Tonight, we should’ve won the race and they took advantage of the short-run car. I don’t know what else we could’ve done, honestly.”
After this year’s blow at the NASCAR CUP SERIES 2018, Truex is sure to return in 2019 determined to uncork the champagne although not with Furniture Row Racing which is shutting down.
Main Image: @TalladegaSuperS
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