The Cup Series race at Las Vegas was full of ups and downs. The key highlight of the race was the playoff drivers battling it out at the front. However, the feisty battles did not result in a good ending for Chase Elliott and Tyler Reddick , who came together, causing the 23XI Toyota to barrel roll across the infield.
Tyler Reddick started the race from a prime position to take victory around 1.5-mile track. Moreover, he showcased his pace in Stage 1 as he took the stage win in the early phase of the race. Subsequently, in the second stage of the race, he aimed to get some moves under his belt and drove around the outside of Chase Elliott in an attempt to get past the HM driver.
However, his attempt at passing the 2020 Cup Series champion was fatal as he got involved in a massive wreck, which saw him get airborne and roll over the infield. On the other hand, this innocently caught out Martin Truex Jr. in the crossfire, who later managed to get in a stellar recovery drive.
TYLER REDDICK FLIPS!
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 20, 2024
Reddick and Chase Elliott both crash. Reddick was able to drive his car to pit road but is done for the day. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/kBjgRp4TC0
Despite the No.45 driver’s driving the car back to his pit road, his attempts were left in vain as his car suffered major damage. This adversely affected him in the fight for the playoffs, as he currently sits below the playoff bubble with a hefty 30-point deficit.
Though the lap 89 incident saw Reddick walk away unharmed, discussion around the collision had just started. While the 23XI driver reckoned the his collision with Elliott was a racing incident, the HM driver thought otherwise.
On the contrary, the No.9 driver lashed out at his playoff rival and claimed that Reddick gambled by taking the outside line at that corner.
There wasn’t a lot of room there; I certainly understand. There was not a lot of room in the corner at that point in the race. That was a big gamble for him to bank on me recognizing Martin and recognizing that he had a big run up top. There was probably no way that Martin could see that you know, that late.
Chase Elliott said in a post-race interview
Chase Elliott to FOX Sports on the wreck and challenges ahead. Elliott: “I certainly understand but there was not a lot of room … in the corner. At that point in the race, it was a big gamble for him to bank on me recognizing and Martin recognizing that he had a big run up top.” pic.twitter.com/L7CifqaAN7
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 20, 2024
While multiple drivers had a bad weekend in Las Vegas, Joey Logano was not a part of the list of drivers, who had a bad outing. Moreover, the Penske driver got a major triumph under his belt which has aided him to get the golden ticket to the final four in Phoenix. Thus, only three spots remain up for grabs for the rest of the seven drivers who want have a shot at the 2024 Cup Series title.
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