Kyle Larson unopposed in Texas

This Texan round launched the “Round of 8” of the playoffs, the final phase of 3 qualifying races for the grand final in Phoenix. Of the eight drivers still in the running, only 4 will remain eligible for the supreme title. Kyle Larson will be in the position of ultra favorite.

Published on 18/10/2021 à 00:33

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Of the 334 laps of the race, we had to wait 300 loops and almost 3 hours to see the race come to life. Previously Bubba Wallace lost control of his car on the 30th lap Toyota of 23Xl Racing in turn 2 causing Alex Bowman, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Ryan Newman to lose. Kyle Busch, miraculously escaping the mayhem, was able to continue his journey towards winning 1^er segment after a quick inspection in the pits.

A tough break for many drivers after this accident. @NASCARonNBC takes a closer look. pic.twitter.com/VkzqoQLohW

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 17, 2021

Kyle Larson then quickly took control of the race and won the second segment. As he passed the milestone of 220 laps led, a gentle routine settled into the peloton, offering a striking contrast to the previous rounds. On lap 300 a white cloud of smoke wakes everyone up when Joey Logano blows the engine of his Ford Mustang. There are only 34 loops left to cover and 5 laps later a cloud of black smoke rises as Anthony Alfredo's car catches fire. The red flag comes out and the cars stop for 20 minutes.

Engine and hopes in smoke for Joey Logano © Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

At the restart, the two most consistent drivers of the season Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin jockey for position within the peloton. Hamlin was the big loser with a puncture which relegated him to 15th and last in the leader's lap.

3 short laps and it's up to Martin Truex Jr. to hit the wall. Right front axle bent, it's over for him. At the restart, Denny Hamlin found himself involved again despite himself when he hit the car of Chris Buescher in distress. Before being severely damaged, Hamlin heroically managed to reach the finish line in an unexpected 11th place.

😬#NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/c4KObhbxgT

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 17, 2021

The last restart is a formality for Kyle Larson who flies to his eighth victory of the season, the most important to date because it qualifies him for the Phoenix final.