AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 26, 2026
NASCAR Chase Race Halted by Major Crash at Talladega Superspeedway
The NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway was brought to a halt under the red flag with just five laps remaining on Sunday, October 25, 2026, after a dramatic 15-car pileup that sent Joey Logano’s car airborne and flipping onto its roof. The incident gave a stark reminder of the track’s reputation for spectacular and dangerous crashes.
Details of the 15-Car Pileup and Joey Logano Wreck
Joey Logano, a three-time Cup Series champion and winner at Talladega, was in fourth place when his No. 22 Ford lost control after a push from Carson Hocevar. The ensuing crash on the frontstretch involved multiple drivers, including Chase Briscoe, Brad Keselowski, Austin Cindric, Josh Berry, and Riley Herbst. Logano’s car went airborne before coming to rest on its roof, leading to a tense scene as safety crews rushed to his aid.
Joey Logano’s Rapid Response from Safety Crews
Safety crews spent several minutes flipping Logano’s car back onto its wheels. The crowd erupted in cheers when Logano climbed out of the car unharmed. Reflecting on the incident, Logano described the sensation: “I just got a push in the wrong spot there. It was very much a ‘Talladega Nights,’ Oh no, I’m upside down, this is not good’ moment. I can’t thank the safety crew enough. They did an amazing job flipping that thing over.”
Riley Herbst Crash and Aftermath
Riley Herbst also faced a harrowing moment during the race wreck. Herbst, who missed the August Daytona race due to a concussion sustained at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, lost his brakes in the No. 35 Toyota and crashed into the inside wall at high speed. He received prompt attention from safety workers and was helped from his car. In a postrace interview, Herbst appeared with a soft cast on his left hand and a wrap around his wrist and forearm. “I’m OK; it was a big one,” Herbst said, adding his gratitude to his team and supporters. He also remarked on the tough nature required of drivers, referencing his father’s advice, "If you’re going to be dumb, you better be tough."
NASCAR Safety Enhancements Highlighted by Logano’s Experience
Following the joey logano wreck, the integrity of modern NASCAR safety measures came into focus. Logano recalled a similar airborne crash at Talladega in April 2021, expressing relief at improvements since then. “The last time I flipped it was crushed on my head. This time, I don’t think any of the roll cage crushed at all, so I appreciate what NASCAR’s done,” Logano said, emphasizing the importance of ongoing nascar safety enhancements. He also praised the safety team for their quick and effective response, stating, “There was some vicious hits in this one. Just happy to be alive.”
Talladega’s Ongoing Reputation for Large Wrecks
The 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway once again proved why it is infamous for multi-car wrecks, often involving airborne cars and high-speed impacts. The latest nascar talladega crash underscores the intense danger drivers face at superspeedway events. The 15-car pileup and the joey logano crash will be remembered as a significant moment of the 2026 NASCAR season, highlighting both the risks and the resilience of the drivers and safety crews involved.
Source: whnt.com.
