Larson had already had a full day, qualifying fifth for subsequent weekend’s Indianapolis 500 earlier within the day, and arrived at North Wilkesboro about half-hour earlier than driver introductions for the principle occasion.
As a result of he didn’t drive his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in observe or qualifying this weekend – Kevin Harvick stuffed in – Larson needed to begin the 200-lap major occasion from the rear of the sector.
Whereas he struggled early to realize positions within the 20-car area, a late-race determination to pit for brand new tires offered Larson with a surge that seemed like it might embrace a $1 million repay.
On a restart with 42 of 250 laps to go, Larson lined up tenth, the primary automotive on new tires. Inside 5 laps, he had moved to 3rd however finally his tire benefit dissipated, and he fell properly behind eventual winner Joey Logano and runner-up Denny Hamlin.
“I assumed I used to be doing what I wanted to take care of the stability of my automotive, however I feel we simply pumped the air up loads and I simply constructed actually free, actually shortly, on that run,” he mentioned. “After which I moved up and I simply slowly received tight after that.
“I assumed we had been in an ideal place to win. I assumed for positive we might win, however simply didn’t work out. We’ll do our homework and attempt to get our automotive higher for subsequent yr.”
Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports, HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro, Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing, Nexlizet Ford Mustang
Picture by: Rusty Jarrett / NKP / Motorsport Photographs
Larson credited his NASCAR workforce for all of the work it put into getting ready a aggressive automotive regardless of his absence all weekend.
“Hats off to the workforce,” he mentioned. “I do know that they had loads of work this week; having Kevin (Harvick) observe, swap seats and every little thing again to the place I might drive it. Proud to shuttle (from Indy) and have a shot to win.”
Larson acquired a rousing welcome from the gang at North Wilkesboro when his helicopter landed on the observe bringing him from Indianapolis. He acquired one other ovation when he was launched in driver introductions.
Larson mentioned the robust run Sunday night time meant “one thing extra” following a formidable exhibiting in Indy 500 qualifying.
“To be lined up on the second row of the Indianapolis 500 is fairly loopy. Yeah, I simply can’t imagine it, actually,” he mentioned. “I assumed if we might make the Quick 12, that might be exceeding expectations.
“To qualify in addition to we did (Saturday) after which get into the Quick Six as we speak was unbelievable. Pleased with the way it’s gone up to now there, and now I stay up for hopefully get higher in race trim.”
