Kyle Larson still higher

The low number of neutralizations does not illustrate the tension which animated this penultimate round of the season. From technical problems to frequent brushing of walls, no favorite was spared. While the big players of the season, Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott for Hendrick Motorsports and Denny Hamlin for Joe Gibbs Racing, have fallen through the cracks, the other qualifiers will have to play their cards right in a week at Martinsville.

Green Flag © Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

For Joey Logano (Team Penske), the case is clear, he will have to win in Martinsville to play for the title. The other drivers still in the running, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. for Joe Gibbs Racing and Ryan Blaney and Brad Keselowski for Team Penske are holding together like a pocket handkerchief. Failing a victory, you will have to finish in front to reach the last four.

10 laps after the start, a light rain forced the drivers to return to the pit lane. The second start was good but on the 21st lap Kyle Busch made a mistake following a tire explosion and began an anonymous race which took him to 28th place. 

LARSON VS. HARVICK!

It's on for the lead with less than 35 to go in the # HC400! (📺: NBCSN) pic.twitter.com/sGaoB0HwzE

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 24, 2021

Before the end of the first segment won by Larson, Keselowski and Truex Jr. will also make mistakes. If the first will never see the front, victim of engine overheating problems, Martin Truex Jr. will manage to complete a nice climb to 7th place.

Martin Truex Jr.© Sean Gardner/Getty Images

The big loser of this round is certainly Ryan Blaney, forced to retire after being sent into the wall 47 laps from the end of the race by Austin Dillon. A very unfair sanction for this driver with exemplary consistency.

Ryan Blaney © Sean Gardner/Getty Images

The end of the race will be particularly lively, Kevin Harvick (Newman-Haas) remembering everyone by virilely challenging Larson for victory. The driver of the #5 Chevrolet will leave him no opening to race towards his 9th victory of the season.

LARSON VS. HARVICK!

It's on for the lead with less than 35 to go in the # HC400! (📺: NBCSN) pic.twitter.com/sGaoB0HwzE

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 24, 2021

17 years after the tragedy which led to the disappearance of Rick Hendrick's son in a plane accident, Kyle Larson offered the most beautiful tribute to this team which offered him a second chance unhoped for just a few months ago.

Kyle Larson © Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

Head to the Martinsville short track for the last stage of the “Round of 8”. At the end of the race, we will know the 4 qualified for the grand final in Phoenix.

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