After looking poised for a possible breakout weekend in Bristol, tire issues ended Kyle Larson’s chance for that elusive first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory.
The second-year driver ran as high as second following a two-tire pit stop during and hung among the leaders for much of the first part of the race. However, late in the run Larson encountered a left-front tire blowing out, possibly as a result of contact, sending him to back among lead lap cars.
Larson continued to battle, but on lap 359 the No. 42 Chevrolet SS had a right-front tire blow and made heavy contact with the wall, ending his night and settling for 41st.
“I guess on our left front the side wall got cut out,” said Larson. “I don’t know if that was a wear issue or not. Then we got into the wall and we were pretty tight after that with lots of damage on the right side. So, probably just used up our right front tire because I couldn’t turn. I just hate it we hit the wall with a blown right front and ended out night.”
Image: Chris Trotman/Getty Images
