Kyle Larson’s Phoenix Raceway woes were felt throughout Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Chase race as the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports driver crashed late after a tire went down with 28 laps to go.
Entering Turn 1 at the 1-mile oval, the No. 5 shot directly up the race track and collided into the outside retaining wall. The damage was significant enough to put Larson behind the wall and end his race and unofficially scoring him 34th.
Larson also failed to score points in the opening two stages of the Freeway Insurance 500.
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Larson struggled in both Saturday’s practice and qualifying sessions – starting on the back foot in 22nd place.
The No. 5 opted for a two-tire stop late in Stage 1, but parachuted outside the top 10 before the opening stage checkered flag, returning to 22nd after 60 laps. The day continued to get worse for Larson as he lost more spots in the second stage, eventually falling a lap down.
Larson returned to the lead lap as he took a wave around during a Lap 158 caution as all lead-lap cars pitted. Larson ended Stage 2 in 27th place.
A handful of Larson’s closest championship rivals took advantage of the No. 5 misfortunes. Joey Logano swept the opening stages to collect a vital 20 points. Christopher Bell scored 16. Chase Briscoe, who won the last two Cup races, tallied 15, while both Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin each scored 12 stage points.
Larson entered Phoenix with a 49-point lead ahead of Hamlin.
This story will be updated.