With just two laps remaining in the race, Bubba Wallace made contact with Kyle Larson, resulting in Larson’s car spinning out and triggering the fifth caution of the race, leading to overtime. This incident ultimately changed the outcome of the race, as Denny Hamlin and his pit crew capitalized on the late restart to snatch victory from Martin Truex Jr. which triggered a collision between Truex and Kyle Larson.
After the race, Kyle Larson opened up about the incident involving Martin Truex Jr and shed light on the reasons that may have compelled Truex to make the move.
Kyle Larson opens up after the race
"I hope [Truex] doesn't have any hard feelings towards me because I definitely don't towards him."- Kyle Larson@JamieLittleTV | https://t.co/XUF5a2ZHos pic.twitter.com/i51EjPPST0
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 1, 2024
After the race, Kyle Larson discussed his comeback to third place following the collision with Bubba Wallace and reclaiming his position. He then shifted the conversation towards the incident involving Martin Truex Jr.
Larson suggested that Truex’s actions might have been influenced by Denny Hamlin’s bold move ahead of the final restart, where Hamlin took the lead from his teammate. Truex may have been frustrated with the loss and viewed Larson as the closest competitor, leading him to make the move.
Larsin ended up with his conversation referring to Truex as one of the respected personalities in NASCAR and added, “I hope [Truex] doesn’t have any hard feelings towards me because I definitely don’t towards him.”- Kyle Larson”
Truex vs Hamlin: The last lap drama
On the green flag restart, Martin Truex Jr. pinched Denny Hamlin, forcing him into a narrow entry in turn one. Hamlin retaliated by running Truex Jr. wide off-turn two and took over the lead. Truex Jr. was visibly frustrated, with steam shooting out of his helmet.
As the race approached its conclusion, Joey Logano worked under Truex Jr. for 2nd place. Larson attempted to follow Logano through and ran side by side with Truex Jr. for 3rd. In a fit of frustration, Truex Jr. turned left, making contact with Larson’s door. Larson responded by driving deep into turn three, running Truex Jr. wide and into the wall. Despite the smoke billowing from the contact, Larson won the battle to the checkered flag.
READ MORE: NASCAR VP Deliver Verdict on Denny Hamlin’s Victory after Late Restart Drama
