KANSAS CITY, Kan. — That horrific barrel roll at Dover, the one that looked more like a scene from “Talladega Nights” than a real NASCAR wreck? Turns out it gave Joey Logano confidence, not fear.
Passing points leader Kyle Busch with three laps left, Logano won at Kansas Speedway on Saturday, pulling out his fourth Nationwide victory less than a week after that spectacular crash during a Sprint Cup race.
“If you can barrel roll a race car like that and come out OK, it’s going to give you confidence to drive it harder,” Logano said. “I didn’t think it was a big deal at all coming into today.
“I knew a lot of people did and were wondering how I was going to be. This should put it all to rest, I hope.”
Overcoming early handling problems, Logano stayed near the front for most of the race, then made his move after a late caution. Even a near wreck didn’t slow him down. Logano regrouped, hit the accelerator and passed Busch for his fifth career Nationwide win.
“I had no fear,” Logano said. “I didn’t think about anything like that and I don’t think 90 percent of these race car drivers think like that.”
Dixon still dominant
MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Larry Dixon raced to his third consecutive and seventh No. 1 qualifying position of the season, topping the top fuel field at the O’Reilly NHRA Mid- South Nationals.
Dixon powered his dragster to a 3.810-second run at 318.99 mph.
In funny car, Robert Hight, held the lead with a 4.074 run at 310.70 mph, setting a track record for time and speed. In pro stock, Mike Edwards held his lead with a 6.552 at 210.18 mph, setting a track record.
Hector Arana was the quickest in pro stock motorcycle history, with a performance of 6.851 at 195.03 mph.
The Associated Press
