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Kyle Larson, Josh Berry race into Cook Out Clash via Last Chance Qualifier
It may have taken some beating and banging, but Kyle Larson and Josh Berry advanced to the Cook Out Clash through the Last Chance Qualifier on Sunday.
While Larson moved through the field early and dominated for much of the 75-lap event, Berry found his way to the front in a more methodical manner, taking advantage of misfortune that befell the likes of Erik Jones and Austin Dillon, who had two of the fastest cars in the LCQ.
Jones was taken out by a crash in the closing laps, which cleared the way for Berry to battle Larson for the lead. Berry took the lead on the race's final restart, but Larson moved the No. 21 out of the way to take the checkered flag first.
Berry held off Dillon in order to take the final transfer spot. Ryan Blaney also advanced to the main event by being the highest-finishing driver in the 2024 points standings to not be already advanced.
Larson and the No. 5 team struggled mightily in their heat race on Saturday night, but they found enough speed to make the big show.
Larson, Berry and Blaney will start 21st, 22nd and 23rd in the Cook Out Clash, respectively.
Lights on. Gloves off.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 3, 2025
This is the lineup for the 2025 #CookOutClash! pic.twitter.com/8TyBMsQ2fk
Dillon, John Hunter Nemechek and Michael McDowell rounded out the top five in the LCQ, with Zane Smith, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Justin Haley, Ty Dillon and local favorite Tim Brown rounding out the top 10.
More must-reads:
- Watch: Hometown favorite crashes out in Cook Out Clash Last Chance Qualifier
- Storylines to follow for Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium
- The 'NASCAR Cup Series winners' quiz
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Bengals finally reach agreement with first-rounder Shemar Stewart
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