The Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway delivered exactly what NASCAR fans love—early chaos, surprise contenders, and a dramatic finish that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Sunday’s race saw top drivers like Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Joey Logano caught up in early cautions, shaking up the field and setting the stage for an unforgettable day at the track. Whether you were cheering for a breakout star or watching your favorite driver fight through adversity, there was plenty to talk about. Let's break down the biggest winners and losers from this weekend's action.
Chase Elliott may not have had the smoothest path to victory lane, but the No. 9 team proved why they’re a force to be reckoned with. Even before the checkered flag waved, Elliott was poised for a strong points day—but a late caution with just 10 laps to go threatened to derail his momentum. Instead, Elliott kept his cool on the final restart, powered through, and drove his way to the win. The victory gives him a comfortable cushion inside the top four of the points standings through 11 races, and it’s clear that the fastest car at Texas Motor Speedway belonged to him on Sunday.
For Christopher Bell and the No. 20 team, Texas has been anything but kind. Coming into the Würth 400, Bell had finished 17th or worse in three of his last nine races at the track. Early on, things looked promising—Bell led 22 laps and was closing in on a Stage 1 victory. But as he worked to pass teammate Denny Hamlin, Todd Gilliland got loose and spun directly into the No. 20 car. The damage was race-ending, leaving Bell with a last-place finish and just one point to show for it. It’s a tough break for a driver who clearly had the speed to contend.
While Corey Heim stole the spotlight by leading 69 laps and reigniting calls for a full-time ride with 23XI Racing next season, Riley Herbst quietly delivered a statement performance of his own. Herbst picked up three stage points in the second stage and earned his third top-20 finish of the season. While many believe Heim will eventually take the wheel of the No. 35 car for 23XI, Herbst is building a solid case for himself. His consistency in 2026 could earn him a ride with Legacy Motor Club, making this a pivotal season for the young driver.
Joey Logano’s day started on a rough note, finishing 23rd in Stage 1. But fortune seemed to smile on the No. 22 team when, on Lap 94, William Byron spun out directly in front of Logano. With quick reflexes and a bit of luck, Logano narrowly avoided disaster, keeping his car clean and his hopes alive. While it wasn’t the dominant performance fans have come to expect from the two-time champion, survival sometimes matters just as much as speed in NASCAR.
