Larson Rebounds From Early Struggles

TALLADEGA, Al.— Kyle Larson did not have the day he was hoping for in the GEICO 500 from Talladega Superspeedway. After starting from the 21st position, Larson was in danger right from the get-go.

In the first 20 laps of the race, Larson hit the wall on the backstretch while in the middle of the pack on the backstretch. Shortly after he hit the wall, the right front tire blew sending Larson into the turn one wall on lap 18. According to Goodyear, the tire blew due to the contact with the wall.

Larson and the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing quickly went to work to repair the car. Larson would not be in contention to win the race, but continued to battle through the event. Larson and his crew were able to finish sixth in the second stage to gain five driver championship points.

Finding their niche in the race, Larson and his crew set quietly waiting to pounce. That opportunity ran itself short as Larson rallied to finish in the 12th position.

Despite his struggles, Larson was able to extend his points lead over Martin Truex, Jr. from 40 points after Richmond to 54 points after the GEICO 500 at Talladega.