Another Solid Run Leaves Kyle Larson Near the Series’ Lead

Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, races during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 12, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Photo – Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Those looking for an in-depth understanding of NASCAR’s stage-based competition format can take a lesson from Kyle Larson.

With his runner-up finish in Sunday’s Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Larson recorded his second straight second-place run in the young Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. Continue reading

Danica Patrick’s Engine Failure Sets Up Late-Race Pyrotechnics

Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Ford, races Danica Patrick, driver of the #10 Aspen Dental Ford, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 12, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Photo – Chris Trotman/Getty Images

With 16 laps left in Sunday’s Kobalt 400, Brad Keselowski appeared headed for his second straight Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory.

Keselowski had a comfortable lead over Martin Truex Jr. – until the engine in Danica Patrick’s No. 10 Ford exploded as she ran in front of Stewart-Haas Racing teammate Kurt Busch. Continue reading

Flat Right Front Tire KOs Kevin Harvick

Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Mobil 1 Annual Protection Ford, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 12, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Photo – Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Kevin Harvick was steadily gaining ground from the 19th starting position in Sunday’s race when the right front tire on his No. 4 Ford exploded on lap 69 and shredded the right front fender of his car. Harvick rode the wall from the end of the tri-oval to the apex of turns one and two.

His car was damaged beyond repair, and Harvick fell from the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series points lead to seventh in the standings. Continue reading

Truex Wins at Las Vegas; Kyle Busch, Logano Brawl on Pit Road

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In a race whose aftermath left hometown driver Kyle Busch with a bloody forehead, Martin Truex Jr. passed the faltering car of Brad Keselowski on the white-flag lap and cruised to a sweep of all three stages in Sunday’s Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

As Truex approached the checkered flag to win a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race for the first time this season and the first time at LVMS, Joey Logano’s Ford slid up into Kyle Busch’s Toyota in a battle for third position. Busch spun into the inside wall on pit road and limped across the finish line in 22nd place. Continue reading