Tire troubles dash Larson’s chance for a solid finish at Bristol

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

About Joey Barnes 624 Articles
Joey Barnes is the Founder of Motorsports Tribune, an outlet that began with the goal of helping aspiring journalists break into and grow the industry. A regular on the racing scene since 2013, the journey for Joey started by covering a Grand-Am event at Circuit of The Americas in his home state of Texas. He has since primarily focused on the IndyCar Series, with appearances in the garages of NASCAR, paddocks of Formula 1, IMSA and World Endurance Championship, while also occasionally engulfing clouds of dust at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals and select Supercross rounds. With previous stops at Autoweek, IndyCar.com, Motorsport.com and RACER, among others, Joey evolved from the singular task as a freelance writer to advanced roles behind the copy desk and alongside some of the best editorial teams in the business. Recognized as a multi-time award winner by the National Motorsports Press Association, Joey currently resides in Dallas-Fort Worth with his trusty four-legged canine companion, Rocket.

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