Logano Defends Spot in Chase

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. 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.

NASCAR has already replaced Martin Truex Jr. in the Chase with Ryan Newman after deciding that Michael Waltrip Racing manipulated the outcome of Saturday night's race at Richmond to help Truex.

There were a smattering of boos for Logano when he was introduced today at NASCAR's Chase Contenders Live! event in Chicago.