What Cup drivers said at North Wilkesboro after win by Joey Logano - NBC Sports

What the report says

NBCSports.com reported that Joey Logano won Sunday night’s NASCAR Cup Series race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, giving the Team Penske driver his first victory of the season. The July 19, 2026, event was notable as the first points-paying Cup race at the North Carolina short track since 1996, adding significance to Logano’s return to victory lane.

According to NBCSports.com’s collection of postrace comments, Logano credited crew chief Paul Wolfe, his pit crew and the strength of his car, saying the team was able to manage the race smoothly and capitalize on needed points. He also noted pressure from Denny Hamlin late in the race, describing track position as decisive in the final run. Hamlin finished second and praised Logano’s performance while saying his own car was close but not quite strong enough.

Chase Briscoe placed third after starting 30th and said his Toyota was especially competitive on longer runs, though a caution affected his stage strategy. Ty Gibbs finished fourth, while Shane van Gisbergen was fifth after scoring stage points and briefly taking the lead. Bubba Wallace, Brad Keselowski and Todd Gilliland were among other drivers quoted by NBCSports.com after top-10 finishes.

The result matters for the Cup Series playoff picture because Logano’s win and points gain came during a stretch when several drivers are trying to strengthen or secure postseason positions. Several competitors also pointed ahead to Indianapolis, with momentum, short-track form and points accumulation emerging as key themes after a demanding North Wilkesboro race.