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Larson, Berry race into Cook Out Clash via Last Chance Qualifier
NASCAR Cup Series driver Ty Gibbs (54) and NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) lead a restart during the Last Chance Qualifier race for the Clash at Bowman Gray at Bowman Gray Stadium. Peter Casey-Imagn Images

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. 

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.

Samuel Stubbs

Hailing from the same neck of the woods as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Samuel has been covering NASCAR for Yardbarker since February 2024. He has been a member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) since October of 2024. When he’s not writing about racing, Samuel covers Arkansas Razorback basketball for Yardbarker

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