Joey Logano in precarious playoff position after Kansas

Defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano has a slightly tougher road to a fourth title following Sunday's Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. 

After finishing fourth in the opening race of the Round of 12 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway one week ago, Logano had a solid gap to the cut line (+24) and some breathing room going into Kansas. Now, nearly half of that breathing room is gone. 

Logano was forced to start at the rear of the field after his No. 22 Team Penske Ford sustained damage on Saturday. That led to an uphill battle all afternoon that culminated in a 21st-place finish after Logano was involved in a crash on a restart. 

Logano will go to the Round of 12 elimination race at the Charlotte Roval just 13 points above Ross Chastain for the final spot in the penultimate round of the postseason. 

"Just a tough weekend," Logano told USA Network. "We had the flat tire in practice, (had to) start at the back, (we) worked our way up there and got points in both stages. Pretty proud of that. 

Got caught up in that restart wreck. I really don't even know what happened yet. I guess it could've been worse, that's one way to look at it, but it also could've been much better."