Driver Logano Defends Chase Status

CHICAGO (AP) – Joey Logano is defending his place in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, saying he earned his spot in the 12-driver field.

Logano is the latest driver caught in the fallout of NASCAR’s investigation into the field-deciding race at Richmond on Saturday. Radio traffic appears to show Front Row Racing offering to let Logano pass David Gilliland for a pivotal track position in exchange for something unidentified from Penske Racing.

There’s nothing in Penske radio transmissions to indicate wrongdoing. NASCAR said Thursday it is still looking into the incident.