Kyle Larson in the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet wins the Federated Auto Parts 400 in championship style after the galaxy appeared to be synchronized for Martin Truex Jr. to be celebrating a coronation all the way to victory lane.
A yellow caution flag on Lap 397 of 400 turned into an overtime victory for Larson. Derrike Cope brushed the outside wall which triggered the caution flag. Truex had a comfortable lead until this incident occurred on the track. Larson won the race off pit road when the lead cars pitted for fresh tires, he was able to pull away on Lap 403 as he cleared Truex who slid into the outside wall to end his chances for the win.
Truex won Stage 2 by racking up his 18th stage win of the season. The stage win added another point to his commanding lead for the driver in the No.78 Furniture Row Racing Toyota. He now has 53 playoff points heading into next weekend’s postseason kick-off race at Chicagoland.
Kyle Busch was the Stage 1 victor and the win was his 11th of the season as he finished ahead of Klyle Larson who took second place. Busch added one playoff point for a total of 21 playoff points entering the postseason.
Larson’s victory guaranteed playoff spots for three drivers who were fighting for spots on points, Chase Elliott, Jamie McMurray and Matt Kenseth who are now in the “Sweet 16” field of drivers who are set to compete in the playoffs.
An unusual incident occurred when an ambulance on the apron near the entrance to pit road forced drivers to take evasive actions. Matt Kenseth paid the price as his car rammed the rear of Clint Bowyer’s Ford knocking him out of the race after 257 laps.
Joey Logano ended up the odd man out in 17th position just one spot short of the victory he needed to make the playoff. His April win was a wash because of a penalty for a rear suspension infraction. His second place finish in Richmond was a good run for sure. He finished first and second at Richmond for the 2017 season.
Ryan Newman finished third, he was followed by Kurt Busch fourth, Denny Hamlin fifth and Erik Jones in sixth place who lost positions on pit road and just did not have the speed to make up the distance.
Next weekend NASCAR Monster Energy Series moves to Chicagoland Speedway for the Tales of the Turtles 400 on Sunday September 17th starting at 3:00 PM eastern time. Our local race fans can follow the action on NBCSN, MRN, or streaming on NBC Sports.
