Fans in for surprises, unpredictability during Daytona’s patriotic summer classic

Posted on July 2, 2018July 2, 2018 by Chase Wilhelm

Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile has been hard at work preparing for Saturday night’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 (7 p.m. ET on NBC/NBC Sports App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) and Friday night’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Coca-Cola Firecracker 250 (7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN/NBC Sports App).

Involved in planning for an always unpredictable July event at the 2.5-mile Florida track includes taking a tour of the Sunshine State, as Wile has traveled from Jacksonville to Tampa and everywhere in between throughout June to spread the news of how seeing racing at Daytona in person is simply special.

RELATED: Tickets on sale!

“You need to see it live to really appreciate the sensation of speed and all the things that go along with the race,” Wile told NASCAR.com. “But, it’s not just a race. It’s an experience. From the time you set foot on the property until the time you leave, there’s so much to do and see.”

Wile has a huge task ahead of him each year to prepare for two of NASCAR’s biggest events — July’s patriotic celebration of speed at the World Center of Racing, along with the sport’s marquee event, the Daytona 500 in February.

Of course, there are major differences between the two events, including the warmer temperatures in July that make the Daytona high banks super slick for competitors.

“I say this to people all the time, there’s a difference between the Coke Zero Sugar 400 and the Daytona 500,” Wile said. “It’s a great opportunity for our local and regional fans to come out and enjoy the Daytona International Speedway and experience the $400 million renovations that we completed a couple years ago and see how coming to a race at Daytona is different.”

There will also be plenty of patriotism to go around Saturday night, especially with Daytona serving as the finale of the NASCAR Salutes Refreshed by Coca-Cola initiative. This race weekend caps off six weeks of honoring our nation’s heroes — another reason why the July classic stands out.

“This is a very different weekend for us,” Wile said. “The summer race is different than the 500 because we do love honoring our servicemen and women. NASCAR does a great job each and every week recognizing our military and making sure they know we appreciate them and the job that they do to keep us free.”

NASCAR SALUTES: Kyle Larson honors military spouse

“We have one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southeast happening at the conclusion of the Coke Zero Sugar 400,” added Wile. “We’ll honor our military and celebrate our country’s independence this weekend with Medal of Honor recipients that will be part of our festivities.”

For Wile, having the ability to honor those who serve, both past and present, on NASCAR’s biggest stage is something he takes great pride in each year.

“It’s an incredible honor for everyone at the race track to host these true American heroes,” Wile said. “And certainly we’re going to honor our servicemen and women before the start of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 with the ‘ Stand and Salute.’ I think that’s a great way to recognize the servicemen and women who are on the property representing their branches of military. We’re going to have a couple other surprises for fans who are on site that will really tug at their heart strings.”

Posted on July 2, 2018July 2, 2018 by Jordan Bianchi

The deep appreciation Dale Earnhardt Jr. carries for NASCAR’s history includes him often re-watching races from decades before. It was fitting then that Sunday his debut Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series broadcast as a full-time NBC analyst just happened to be a race harkening to the classics Earnhardt likes to view.

A thrilling last-lap duel featuring Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson saw them bump-and-bang off one another multiple times, culminating with Busch nudging Larson out of the lead in Turn 3, then maintaining control of his battered car to drive it across the finish line to win the Overton’s 400 at Chicagoland Speedway.

“That’s all Dale Jr. right there,” Busch said of the finish. “It’s 70s-, 80s- [esque].”

During the buildup to the stirring finish and on the final lap itself, Earnhardt shined in his new role, displaying an acumen for broadcasting that gives every indication he will be as successful in the broadcast booth as he was on the track.

As Larson chased down Busch to overcome a multi-second deficit, Earnhardt adroitly explained how Larson was able to make the high groove work to his advantage while Busch preferred the low section around the mile-and-a-half track. And when the Chip Ganassi Racing driver eventually caught Busch, Earnhardt highlighted how Busch had altered his corner entry to counteract Larson’s advantage and what Larson needed to do in response.

Then, as Larson went for the lead diving underneath Busch entering Turn 1 on the white flag lap, Earnhardt knew exactly what was coming, excitedly yelling “Slide job!” even before Larson made his brazen bid for the victory in a soundbite that in all likelihood will become part of NASCAR lore.

It was a sequence exemplifying Earnhardt at his best. Demonstrating his ability to mix his knowledge and perspective that allowed him to correctly anticipate what was to come with a folksy enthusiasm that made it sound as if he was sitting at the bar watching the race with buddies.

That Earnhardt’s debut was a smash is no surprise. During cameo TV appearances as a NASCAR analyst before retiring from full-time racing following the 2017 season, it was apparent Earnhardt possessed the ability to become his generation’s Benny Parsons — a star driver turned beloved broadcaster whose analyst skills actually superseded what had been a hall of fame career.

But there is more to becoming an ace analyst than a former driver simply exchanging their helmet for a headset, even if they have the charisma to connect with the audience. It takes work, something Earnhardt acknowledged he needed to put in if this career transition was going to be deemed a success.

With an eye on becoming a media personality once his racing career concluded, Earnhardt began in earnest preparing for this venture even before announcing his retirement.

Instead of just occasionally hosting a popular podcast that bared his name, Earnhardt became the full-time host prior to the 2017 NASCAR season, thus acclimating himself to the preparation, routine and production that goes into making a show. There were also stints this past February where he served as a roving reporter during NBC’s broadcast of the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics, where Earnhardt made sure to step outside his comfort zone and attempt things he previously would not have considered doing.

And in the lead-up to his debut Sunday, Earnhardt took part in several mock broadcasts where co-analysts Jeff Burton and Steve Letarte, and Rick Allen (play-by-play) would call a Cup race to gain familiarity and develop chemistry with one another.

Their strong rapport was on full display where the four enjoyed seamless banter in describing the action at Chicagoland — especially among Earnhardt and Letarte, his former crew chief, with the two respectfully disagreeing at times but also acting as a nice complement in their differing viewpoints on how things would unfold. When Busch crossed the finish line, Earnhardt and Letarte exchanged high-fives over the electric conclusion they had just witnessed.

“I knew that I was going to get along great with my teammates, so I’m not surprised I had a blast with them,” Earnhardt said post-race in a live video stream on Periscope. “We’re going to have a good time this year. I got a lot to learn and there is a lot more I can provide, and as I get better and understand some of the things that are going on [in the broadcast booth] I’m sure things will continue to get better.

“First broadcast was a big hit, I feel like.”

There is little question Earnhardt’s foray into full-time broadcasting exceeded expectations. Of course, being able to call a rousing finish that certainly gave him and his NBC colleagues plenty to discuss only helped.

Nonetheless, Earnhardt deserves credit for contributing to what was a memorable race Sunday. A fantastic ending featuring two of NASCAR’s best made all the better by an enthusiastic analyst who enhanced what was transpiring before him – while avoiding the cheesiness that can often overcome a broadcaster in that moment.

By any measure, it was a star-making performance.

Posted on July 2, 2018July 2, 2018 by NASCAR.com

Name: Nathan
Current City: Conway, Arkansas
Member since: 2010

Getting to know Nathan

Q. How did you first become interested in NASCAR?
“I come from a racing family, so as a family, as far back as I can remember, Saturday nights were spent at the dirt track, and Sunday afternoons were always spent watching the NASCAR race. I got a Dale Earnhardt car for Christmas when I was 8, and I have been a diehard Earnhardt fan since then. I got to go to my first race, Talladega, when I was 12 years old… that was 25 years ago, and I have been to Talladega EVERY year since then!!! There’s nothing like experiencing a NASCAR race in person!”

Q. What makes NASCAR special for you?
“I like the non-stop action. I like the driver personalities, the pit strategies, the speed, and the skill. I like that NASCAR makes sure to keep the field competitive. I like that it’s a high intensity sport that is also family friendly. I like that NASCAR seems like a family community.”

Q. Do you have any favorite NASCAR memory?
“My favorite NASCAR memory has to be the very first race I ever attended. It was Talladega Superspeedway back in 1993. I was 12 years old, and I will never forget the feeling of those cars coming by the first time at full speed. I was sitting with my family on the 2nd row and could feel the rumble in my chest as the field roared past. I was cheering on my driver, Dale Earnhardt, who led quite a bit that day. In the end, we watched as Rusty Wallace flipped violently in the grass crossing the finish line. I will never forget my first NASCAR race!”

Q: Do you have a favorite in any of the following categories?
Drivers: “Jimmie Johnson and Clint Bowyer. Jimmie Johnson, because he is possibly the greatest driver ever, and I would like to go on a run with him. I am a runner myself and I think that would be cool. Clint Bowyer because he knows how to have a good time, and there’s no way that wouldn’t be fun!”

Track: “Talladega Superspeedway”

Sponsor: “My favorite NASCAR sponsor would have to be Chevrolet. I have always supported Chevy drivers and always driven Chevy trucks. They have supported NASCAR for so long and have a long history of winning!”

NASCAR Snack: “I love the Talla-mento Dogwitch at Talladega… with an ice cold beer of course!”

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
“I love spending time with my wife and daughter. My daughter is 5 and she loves Dale Jr and Jimmie Johnson!!! I am also a runner, and love to spend time running each day.”

FROM ALL OF US AT NASCAR, WE THANK NATHAN FOR HIS CONTINUED SUPPORT AND LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM HIM IN 2018!

Posted on July 1, 2018July 1, 2018 by Zack Albert

Two of the foundational pillars of NASCAR are hard-nosed racing and rivalries. Sunday’s finish between Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson at Chicagoland Speedway showed that those two principles don’t have to overlap.

Petty vs. Pearson, Yarborough vs. Allison(s), Earnhardt vs. Wallace. All brushed fenders in the spirit of fevered competition, often with an intensity that caused tempers to boil. Busch vs. Larson? The on-track fervor is there, as illustrated by their trade of multiple scrapes over the final lap, with Busch landing the final blow and the win. But any signs of personal fury or frayed emotion seemed to be awash in a more magnanimous sentiment.

Respect.

So it was that Larson pulled alongside Busch’s car on the cool-down lap for a knowing acknowledgement instead of a sideswipe. Larson’s signal from the driver’s-side window to his would-be rival was a thumbs-up instead of the finger just two digits over. And after the engines had silenced, Larson’s face-to-face meeting with Busch in Victory Lane was sealed by a handshake and not a right cross.

“I do appreciate him coming over and saying something about it and being receptive to what all went down,” Busch said after posting his fifth win of 2018. “If I was in his shoes, I don’t know what I would have done differently.”

Folks often clamor for competition with more of an edge, reinforcing the notion that stock-car racing is — and will forever be — a full-contact sport. Sunday’s fine finish brought that concept back to the forefront, providing a highlight-reel package of give and take — with a few more takes than gives sprinkled in over the final mile and a half.

But Larson remained matter of fact in sizing up the whole episode, saying simply that he bumped Busch, and Busch bumped back. Hard racing. No hard feelings.

“I just went down and talked to him and said that was a lot of fun,” Larson said of his post-race visit to Victory Lane. “I have a lot of respect for Kyle Busch. He has a lot of respect for me. Yeah, I mean, like I said, that was hard racing. I had a lot of fun.”

Busch persists as one of NASCAR’s most vibrant pot-stirrers, egging on the Chicagoland boo-birds after emerging from his battered, winning car. And Larson remains one of the sport’s brightest new talents, able to match the masterful Busch move for move down the stretch with a dash of dirt-track wisdom applied to the asphalt discipline.

All the ingredients were present on the chef’s table for a post-race blow-up. That recipe never quite blended, at least partly because of Busch’s and Larson’s mutual understanding of the last-lap rules of engagement — that, and a healthy dose of shared respect.

Good, hard racing without the rivalry? Two of the best showed us Sunday how that’s done.

Posted on July 1, 2018July 2, 2018 by Brad Norman

It pays to have friends.

At least that’s what Kyle Larson said after getting tangled up with Kyle Busch on the last lap of the Overton’s 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. Although the driver of the No. 42 ultimately finished runner-up to the ‘Candy Man’ for the eighth time in his career, Larson had some help racing down Busch in the final moments to give fans quite a show.

MORE: Watch the best finish of the year | Busch talks thrilling finish

And he owes two specific drivers an extra ‘thank you’ in the garage next week.

“I felt like (Ricky) Stenhouse Jr. and (Ryan) Newman did a good job of holding him up for me and I was very thankful of that,” Larson said. “So, first off, thanks to those two. And yeah, it just broke his momentum up enough for the last three laps there for him to change up what he was doing and I was able to just keep committing to the wall and I got that run on him. The traffic really played in my favor there.”

Battling traffic is something Busch says is just part of racing, something you can’t control. However, he did notice that some drivers were ‘more gracious’ than others down the stretch at the 1.5-mile track.

Were those ‘others’ Stenhouse Jr. and Newman? Well, Busch did explain after the race that those two specific drivers didn’t make keeping the lead any easier.

“I don’t know what position they were racing for, but they were racing very hard for it,” Busch said. “They were just side‑by‑side. When that happens, there’s just nowhere for me to go. There’s no clean air. One was on the bottom. I think there was a middle lane kind of open, two on the top. I got by Newman, I got plugged up off of two, lost my momentum. Newman came to the bottom. We were three‑wide with lap cars in the backstretch. I couldn’t turn off 3 to the bottom like I would have if he wasn’t there. I don’t think Stenhouse knew that. Stenhouse kind of right reared me, got me steering up the race track towards the wall. That killed my rear tires for the next two laps. I was just sliding for dear life.”

Posted on July 1, 2018July 2, 2018 by Reid Spencer

JOLIET, Ill. – Without doubt, Clint Bowyer will look at Sunday’s Overton’s 400 at Chicagoland Speedway as a race that got away.

Bowyer had driven from his fifth-place starting position to the front of the field before the first round of green-flag pit stops. But when he brought his No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford to pit road on Lap 39 of 267 and gave up the lead, Bowyer was too fast on exit.

That meant a pass-through penalty, and on his next trip down pit road, Bowyer sped again. The second infraction requires a stop-and-go, but Bowyer failed to stop on his third pass down pit road. So Bowyer returned to pit road for a fourth time, stopped in his pit stall and continued.

WATCH: Bowyer’s big pit-road problems at Chicagoland

By then he was more than two laps down to the leader, but Bowyer fought back. Crew chief Mike Bugarewicz kept him on the track during a pit stop cycle in Stage 2 and was rewarded with a caution for debris in Turn 2.

That got Bowyer back on the lead circuit as the highest scored lapped car, and from there the two-time 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series winner salvaged a fifth-place result.

Bowyer, however, was far from satisfied.

“Yeah, we were too fast (on pit road),” Bowyer acknowledged. “The guys work very hard on making sure that they are pushing the envelope, which you have to do in this world and against this competition. You have to push everything. Certainly, pit road is a big part of that. You’re splitting hairs out there on the race track down to the tenths of a second, and you can gain seconds on pit road.

“Obviously, our pit road speed was just a little too fast. We practiced it yesterday, and the guys even made some adjustments, but that tight section down there was just too fast. The first time you second-guess yourself. You come down the second time, and you’re cautious and speed again, so now you know you’ve got a problem. Then it was just confusion on my part. I wasn’t listening (to the stop-and-go instructions) and made a mistake and cost us a third time down.

“We got good at pitting today, unfortunately. The capability is there to run with these three guys (Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr.). Our race team is young and making some mistakes, but we have time to gain on those and build on those. You hate to give away those stage points. I think we could have won both those stages and maybe be in contention for a win. … We have a lot of good mojo on this 14 car, we just have to put it all together to get another win.”

Posted on July 1, 2018July 2, 2018 by Reid Spencer

JOLIET, Ill. — For the first half of Sunday’s Overton’s 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, Aric Almirola looked every bit like a potential race winner.

The driver of the No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Fusion took the lead near the end of the first 80-lap stage and held on for the stage win, the first of his career. On Laps 87 and 88, Almirola swapped the lead with Stewart-Haas Racing teammate Kevin Harvick, and he held it through a cycle of green-flag pit stops late in the stage.

RACE RECAP: Best finish of the year | Complete results

But a pit stop under caution on Lap 129 proved Almirola’s undoing. After passing Ryan Blaney for the top spot on Lap 135, Almirola returned to pit road on Lap 142 when the vibration from a loose wheel got progressively worse.

The unplanned pit stop dropped Almirola to 26th, one lap down, and though he regained the lead lap as the beneficiary under caution at the end of Stage 2, a second loose wheel on Lap 220 doomed Almirola to a 25th-place finish.

“Our car was super-fast, especially out in clean air,” Almirola said. “It was incredibly fast. We just have to execute. We have to put a whole race together. That’s the difference between being good and being great. We are capable of winning. We showed it today. We have speed. We’re bringing incredible race cars to the race track and we just have to put a whole day together.

“We have to be flawless on pit road, and I have to do my part, too. Today we just had two loose wheels on two separate instances, and you can’t have that, especially in races like this that go green forever. I’m really frustrated, but the good news is that our cars are fast. We can build on that. We’re going to win a race. I guarantee you we are going to win a race. We have to be perfect to do it, though.”

Posted on July 1, 2018July 6, 2018 by Staff Report

What channels are NASCAR races on this week? We answer that and give you the weekly NASCAR television listings here in the NASCAR TV schedule.

Note: All times are ET.

MORE: Get the NBC Sports App | How to find FS1 | Gets FOX Sports Go | How to find NBCSN

Monday, July 2
5 p.m.: NASCAR America, NBCSN
6 p.m.: NASCAR Race Hub, FS1

On MRN
noon: Motorsports Monday (with hosts Woody Cain & Joey Meier)

Tuesday, July 3
5 p.m.: NASCAR America NBCSN
6 p.m.: NASCAR Race Hub, FS1

On MRN
7 p.m.: NASCAR Live (with host Mike Bagley)

Wednesday, July 4
6 p.m.: NASCAR Race Hub, FS1

On MRN
1 p.m.: NASCAR Coast to Coast (with hosts Kyle Rickey & Hannah Newhouse)

Thursday, July 5
7 a.m.: NASCAR The Decades: The 1970s, NBCSN
8 a.m.: NASCAR The Decades: The 1980s, NBCSN
9 a.m.: NASCAR Off Script “Kyle Petty,” NBCSN
10 a.m.: Racing Roots: Kyle Larson, NBCSN
10:30 a.m.: Racing Roots: Daniel Suarez, NBCSN
11 a.m.: NASCAR The Decades: The 1970s, NBCSN (re-air)
12 p.m.: NASCAR The Decades: The 1980s, NBCSN (re-air)
1 p.m.: NASCAR Xfinity practice, NBCSN (Canada: TSN GO)
2 p.m.: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NBCSN (Canada: TSN1)
3 p.m.: NASCAR Xfinity Series final practice, NBCSN (Canada: TSN GO)
4 p.m.: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series final practice, NBCSN (Canada: TSN1)
5 p.m.: NASCAR America, NBCSN
5:30 p.m.: The Dale Jr. Download, NBCSN
6 p.m.: NASCAR Race Hub, FS1
6 p.m.: NASCAR The Decades: The 1970s, NBCSN (re-air)
7 p.m.: NASCAR The Decades: The 1980s, NBCSN (re-air)

On MRN
1 p.m.: Classic Races: 1997 Pepsi 400

Friday, July 6
3:30 a.m.: NASCAR Race Hub, FS1 (re-air)
4:30 a.m.: NASCAR Race Classic: 1994 Coke 600, FS1
7 a.m.: NASCAR The Decades: The 1970s, NBCSN (re-air)
8 a.m.: Racing Roots: Kyle Larson, NBCSN (re-air)
8:30 a.m.: NASCAR Xfinity practice, NBCSN (re-air)
9:30 a.m.: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NBCSN (re-air)
10:30 a.m.: NASCAR Xfinity Series final practice, NBCSN (re-air)
11:30 a.m.: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series final practice, NBCSN (re-air)
12:30 p.m.: The Dale Jr. Download, NBCSN (re-air)
1 p.m.: NASCAR K&N Pro Series West: Clint Newell Toyota 150, NBCSN
2 p.m.: NASCAR Xfinity pole qualifying, NBCSN (Canada: TSN GO)
5 p.m.: NASCAR America “Fan Friday,” NBCSN
5:30 p.m.: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series pole qualifying, NBCSN (Canada: TSN GO)
7 p.m.: NASCAR Xfinity Countdown to Green, NBCSN
7:30 p.m.: NASCAR Xfinity Series Coca-Cola Firecracker 250, NBCSN (Canada: TSN2)
10 p.m.: NASCAR Xfinity Series Post-Race Show, NBCSN
10:30 p.m.: Racing Roots: Clint Bowyer, NBCSN
11 p.m.: Racing Roots: Kyle Larson, NBCSN (re-air)
11:30 p.m.: Racing Roots: Daniel Suarez, NBCSN (re-air)

Saturday, July 7
12 a.m.: NASCAR The Decades: The 1970s, NBCSN (re-air)
5 p.m.: NASCAR America Saturday, NBCSN
6:30 p.m.: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Countdown to Green, NBCSN
7 p.m.: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400, NBC (Canada: TSN5)
11 p.m.: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Post-Race Show, NBCSN

Posted on July 1, 2018July 8, 2018 by Staff Report

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series will be in action for a holiday weekend at Daytona International Speedway this week. Check out the full schedule below, subject to change.

Note: All times are ET.

Saturday, July 7
7:30 p.m.: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 (160 laps, 400 miles), NBC (Canada: TSN5) (Results)

PRESS PASS (Watch live)
4:30 p.m.: Medal of Honor Recipients
10 p.m.: Post-Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race

Thursday, July 5
1:05-1:55 p.m.: NASCAR Xfinity Series practice, NBCSN (Canada: TSN GO) (Results)
2:05-2:55 p.m.: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice, NBCSN (Canada: TSN1) (Results)
3:05-3:55 p.m.: NASCAR Xfinity Series final practice, NBCSN (Canada: TSN GO) (Results)
4:05-4:55 p.m.: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series final practice, NBCSN (Canada: TSN1) CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER

PRESS PASS (Watch live)
Noon: Tyler Reddick and Elliott Sadler
12:15 p.m.: Brandon Jones, Kaz Grala and Ryan Preece
12:30 p.m.: Austin Dillon
12:45 p.m.: Bubba Wallace
1 p.m.: Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
3:30 p.m.: Kyle Larson

Friday, July 6
2:10 p.m.: NASCAR Xfinity Series pole qualifying, NBCSN (Canada: TSN GO) (Lineup) CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
5:30 p.m.: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Busch Pole qualifying, NBCSN (Canada: TSN GO) (Results)
7:30 p.m. NASCAR Xfinity Series Coca-Cola Firecracker 250 (100 laps, 250 miles), NBCSN (Canada: TSN2) (Results)

PRESS PASS (Watch live)
3:30 p.m.: Denny Hamlin
5:45 p.m.: Post-Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series qualifying
9:45 p.m.: Post-NASCAR Xfinity Series race

Posted on July 1, 2018July 1, 2018 by

JOLIET, Ill. – It’s a finish that will be replayed for years to come.

Even runner-up Kyle Larson knew that as he stood on pit road Sunday while Kyle Busch celebrated on the front stretch at Chicagoland Speedway under a mixed chorus of cheers and (mostly) boos.

“That’s got to be one of the best NASCAR finishes of all time,” Larson said after watching the replay. “I know I’m on the short end of the stick again, but it was fun.”

WATCH: See Larson and Busch battle

Lapped traffic caused enough interference to allow Larson to catch up to the leader, Busch, by the final lap, causing No. 18 crew chief Adam Stevens to start “biting (his) nails, saying prayers, just waiting for the race to be over.”

But it wasn’t. The last lap is when the beating and banging began. Attempting to slide job Busch, Larson hit the side of Busch’s No. 18 Toyota — sending Busch into the wall and snatching the lead in his No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet.

That hit, Larson said, “opened the door” for Busch to retaliate.

Busch came charging back, putting the bumper to Larson and causing the No. 42 to slide across the track in the final turn. Busch held onto the lead for the checkered flag, as Larson came up second.

WATCH: Busch discusses closing lap, Chicago finish

“Oh man, I’m not upset,” Larson said on Busch’s move. “I had an opportunity there to slide in front of him and I figured I wouldn’t clear him or I would allow him to drive back underneath me. So, I tried to get to his door and you know I opened the door for him to retaliate into (Turn) 3. I thought it was free game. I ran into him first, he got me after that, maybe a little bit worse than I got him, but that’s all right.

“I love racing Kyle (Busch). I know all these fans are probably mad at him, but hey, we put on a hell of a show for you guys and that was a blast. …

“We both got our elbows up there, we ran into each other a couple of times and he came out the winner,” he said later.

After Busch’s hit on Larson, the 25-year-old driver was still hopeful for a chance at the checkered flag.

“I did think I could save it,” he said. “I was hoping I was could just slide a little bit less and then grab third gear and get going, but just started spinning a little too much. … It would have been awesome to grab gears like that and win.”

After the race, Larson gave Busch a thumbs-up during the cool-down lap and made a point to visit Busch in Victory Lane before his media obligations. The two smiled, chatted about the finish and shook hands.

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

“I have a lot respect for Kyle Busch,” Larson said.

That respect is reciprocated by the 2015 champion.

“We’ve always raced each other super hard and super clean,” Busch said. “We’ve never had issues. We’ve been back and forth with each other at Bristol multiple times, whatnot. It was Bristol this spring maybe, I kind of gave him a bump‑and‑run for the win on that one. …

“Once contact is made in a race, it’s kind of like, ‘OK, every man for himself.’ Even me, when we had that race at Bristol, I got into him with five to go, I thought I did that too early because he could get back to me. He never was able to get back to me.”

The finish marks Larson’s 10th top-10 finish of the season — but still leaves him without a victory. There’s a sense of disappointment, but looking at the big picture, he’s in good spirits. He ran up front with the “Big Three” of Busch, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. — and nearly beat them.

His strong run – and impressive ability to run close to the wall – reflected Larson and his team’s hard effort.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed I didn’t win, but at the same time, the fun factor kind of takes over and that was a blast,” Larson said. “I feel like I get a really good job today running next to the wall as long as I did and only getting into it once. So, I stayed pretty disciplined, feel like I did a good job, team did a good job. …

“I think I showed that I tried everything I could to win and our team did good … I’ve been saying it every week. We’ve just got to get a little bit better and it will pay off and we’ll get a win. We’re getting closer and closer.”