Kyle Larson, who started 21st in the 325-lap race at the newly reconfigured Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, maneuvered up to 15th by lap 57. He broke into the top 10 on lap 91 before a caution waved three laps later. When the race restarted, Larson narrowly avoided two spinning cars on lap 101. Under caution, the 29-year-old driver finished stage one at lap 105 in ninth.
During the stage break, Larson stopped for four tires and fuel but was forced to stop a second time to ensure all lug nuts on the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet were secure. He restarted 25th at lap 110 and battled his way up to 10th by lap 130. But Larson’s Camaro ZL1 suffered minor damage during an incident on lap 144 and he pitted several times for repairs during the ensuing caution. After another quick caution at lap 155, Larson again restarted 25th on lap 161 and, again, he charged forward. On lap 184, the defending NASCAR Cup Series champion was scored eighth and, when a caution waved at lap 200, he was second.
When the race resumed on lap 207, Larson quickly moved to the top spot. But contact from another car in turn four on the next lap sent Larson’s No. 5 entry into the wall. With damage too severe to continue, his race ended short of the scheduled distance.
QUOTING KYLE LARSON
“We were just coming to the end of the stage. He (Denny Hamlin) was just trying to help me get a run down the front stretch. He just got to me in the corner and got me loose. I hate that happened, but it’s a product of this racing and product of pushing; trying to draft and get your lane going. Nothing is intentional.
“The good thing is we have a win already. Two DNF’s in a row isn’t what we want, but our No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevy is fast. We were able to drive to the front a few different times and avoid a couple different wrecks. I was happy with the car. I know the speed was there to contend. We’ll move along and go have some fun on a road course.”
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