In the middle of Stage 2, Kyle Larson was spun out of the top-5 by Christopher Bell and almost the entire field passed him by. Larson went from 5th to 35th temporarily. It was a nightmare situation for the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team in this NASCAR race.
Kyle Larson was slowly moving up through the field. He had been a top-5 car throughout the beginning of the race. Christopher Bell was running long on tires and fuel compared to the rest of the field. Battling for position, Bell got into Larson as they went into a turn.
Larson spun around 180 degrees and was pointed the wrong way. He would be passed by almost the entire field before he was able to safely turn himself around.
Kyle Larson won the Xfinity Series race on Saturday. If he wants to win this race, he will have to fight back and earn it. The Stage 2 pit stops are going to help Larson get some track position back. However, the damage is already done.
Larson was able to pit with those who waited until after the stage break going into the final stage. Good news, Larson has had speed all day. Also, he’s going to be relatively equal to the other drivers. No, he won’t have great track position, but he won’t be in the worst position, either.
Kyle Larson battling back from spin
The course at COTA provides passing zones and a lot of opportunity to move up. The course is long and it has technical aspects. There are also areas where pure speed will get you an advantage.
For Kyle Larson, the focus is going to be the same to finish this race as it was to start it. He just needs to hit his marks and keep the car under himself. There will be green flag stops or if there is a caution, stops under the yellow, before the race ends. So, keep at it, and you might just steal a win like Saturday.
Larson’s teammate William Byron has led the most laps today. He’s been fighting the Toyotas of Ty Gibbs and Tyler Reddick. Ross Chastain has also been in the mix, fighting hard in Stage 3.
There are times when everything goes your way and other times when nothing does. Right now, Kyle Larson has to be patient and hope he gets a break like he did in the Xfinity Series.
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