Joey Logano has finally scored his first top-five finish of the season by winning Sunday's race at Texas Motor Speedway.
The three-time Cup Series champion recovered from last week's disqualification at Talladega Superspeedway by taking control late in the chaotic race. He passed Michael McDowell with four laps remaining in regulation, and then he held off the field on an overtime restart.
MORE: Joey Logano wins, full results
This win snapped what had been a frustrating start to the season for Logano. He entered the race above the playoff cutline, but he had only one top-10 finish. His average finish was 19.7.
Now, however, Logano has a secure spot in the playoffs. He will have the opportunity to defend last season's title while joining teammate Austin Cindric in the 16-driver field.
JOEY LOGANO WINS AT TEXAS! #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/1S4qIINm7y
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 4, 2025
"The sport changes so quickly," Logano said on the frontstretch after his race. "It's crazy how you can just ride these roller coasters and just proud of the team.
"Finally get AAA Insurance into victory lane. They've been a partner of mine since I've been at Penske, so 13, 14 years. I've yet to win with them. It was awesome to get that done here."
The driver of the No. 22 Team Penske Ford was not the only driver who scored a much-needed finish. Ross Chastain ended the day in second place, his second top-five finish of the season.
Erik Jones crossed the line in fifth place in what was his first top-five finish on a traditional track since Kansas in 2023.
The top 10 also included Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in sixth, Austin Dillon in seventh, John Hunter Nemechek in eighth, and Daniel Suarez in 10th.
The expected names in the top 10 were Ryan Blaney in third, Kyle Larson in fourth, and Christopher Bell in ninth.
With Logano scoring the win at Texas, seven drivers now have secure spots in the playoffs. He joins William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Bell, Josh Berry, Cindric, and Larson.