Before the race, Section 7 of pit road posed a problem. Now, NASCAR has penalized Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Ty Gibbs, and Daniel Suárez. Larson, Elliott, and Gibbs were in contention for the win before receiving penalties.
As a result, Larson and the others will start from the back of the field. This opens up opportunities for drivers like Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and William Byron, who now face a clearer path to victory without the presence of Larson (#5), Elliott (#9), and Gibbs (#54).
However, Larson is familiar with charging from the rear to the front, and there’s speculation he could still surprise everyone by recovering. The final stage of the race is crucial, where drivers push themselves to the limit on the track.
Earlier, 33 cars exceeded the speed limit on pit road in Section 7, a known sensitive area. The penalty for Larson, Elliott, Gibbs, and Suárez could be significant if they struggle to regain positions towards the front.
Despite the setback, Larson showed competitiveness throughout the race and remains optimistic about his chances to advance. The track’s width allows for passing, especially with a fast car, although it becomes more challenging near the leaders.
Multiple cautions have already disrupted the race following these incidents. If the race remains chaotic, Larson, Elliott, Gibbs, and Suárez might find opportunities to climb back into contention.
Recently, Tyler Reddick has surprised Larson with his performances and current points standing. Initially, Larson focused on rivals like Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin, but now finds Chase Elliott and the ongoing Hamlin rivalry competing closely in the points battle.
