Gamble Unsuccessful, But Gets “A” for Effort
Sophomore driver, Kyle Larson was just three laps shy of his first Sprint Cup win in Brooklyn Sunday afternoon…the other Brooklyn. Brooklyn, Michigan, the site of Michigan International Speedway.
Track Position was key in Sunday’s race. Rain was in the forecast for most of the race, which led to multiple red flags. Larson, who started 16th, took the lead on Lap 128 when Carl Edwards pitted and relinquished the lead. Larson held the lead through the restart on lap 130 holding off Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kurt Busch. Larson’s team knew the rain was coming again and hoped it would pour while still in the lead, but three laps later, Larson was forced to pit for fuel.
The rain finally came on Lap 136 with Larson in 17th place after the fit stop. NASCAR ruled the race official after the final red flag. Kurt Busch who was running second to Larson after the restart took the lead after Larson made a green flag stop. Busch was named the winner of the Quicken Loans 400. His second win of this season.
“We are pretty deep in points so we have to take risks like that to make the Chase,” Larson said. “I’m happy with the call, just wish the rain would have come three laps sooner.”
A win means more now than a few years ago when driver were racing just for points. With the new chase format, drivers will do anything for a win, which would lock them into the sport’s playoff bracket.
