NASCAR Results Today: Cup Series star in last-lap playoff heartbreak after pit road mistakes

Joey Logano transferred to the NASCAR Cup Series playoff Round of 8 on Sunday by the narrowest of margins at the Charlotte Roval, with his main rival Ross Chastain crossing the finish line in reverse to cap off an incredible elimination race.

Chastain had recovered from a self-inflicted mishap on the exit of pit road to claim seven absolutely crucial points in Stage 2 to put him just three points behind Logano for the final playoff place, and looked in prime position to put enough distance between himself and the reigning champion when disaster struck.

More accurately, another complete mental lapse struck. Chastain had just taken his last planned pit stop when, as he relayed on team radio, he put his car in the wrong gear on exit. A penalty for speeding on pit road ensued, leaving him a handful of points below the cut line with about 15 laps to go.

A second brilliant fightback of the day saw Chastain on old tires looking to hold off drivers as Logano – on newer tires – fought tooth and nail to gain enough positions to squeeze into the Round of 8 by the skin of his teeth, as he did when Chastain was passed by Denny Hamlin on the final lap.

Chastain was still within touching distance of Hamlin going into the final chicane, and threw his car in for one wild last-ditch overtake attempt – spinning both cars, and slamming his own car into reverse to cross the line as fast as possible in a futile attempt to minimise his losses.

At the front, Shane van Gisbergen delivered an early reminder of why he's considered NASCAR's road course master on Sunday, dominating the first two stages before winning a physical battle with Kyle Larson in the extended final stage.

The New Zealander took his fifth road course win in a row in the Cup Series, while drivers around him battled desperately to avoid playoff elimination in the final race of this year's Round of 12.

Who won the NASCAR Charlotte Roval race today?

NASCAR Cup Series - Charlotte Roval Stage race results

NASCAR Cup Series - Charlotte Roval Stage two results

NASCAR Cup Series - Charlotte Roval Stage one results

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