{"id":11941,"date":"2017-08-13T20:38:32","date_gmt":"2017-08-14T01:38:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=11941"},"modified":"2017-08-13T20:38:32","modified_gmt":"2017-08-14T01:38:32","slug":"daredevil-restart-gives-kyle-larson-third-consecutive-michigan-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2017\/08\/13\/daredevil-restart-gives-kyle-larson-third-consecutive-michigan-win\/","title":{"rendered":"Daredevil restart gives Kyle Larson third consecutive Michigan win"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

By Matt Crossman, <\/span>NASCAR Wire Service<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

BROOKLYN, Mich. – Sitting in his racecar during a red flag delay near the end of the Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway, Kyle Larson<\/strong> pondered the possible routes to an overtime victory. He was in fourth-place and would restart for the final two-lap shootout behind leader Martin Truex Jr.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag to win the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Sean Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Larson hadn\u2019t had a fast racecar all day at Michigan International Speedway, but he thought with a gutsy move on the restart, he could steal a win in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series<\/a> race. Ahead of him, Truex, the race leader, was in the opposite positon. He had had a fast racecar all day, and he figured he needed a strong restart to repel whatever move Larson or somebody else would throw at him. Like Larson, he was trying to figure out which scenario would be most likely to take him to Victory Lane.<\/span><\/p>\n

As it turned out, Larson and Truex both drew up the same plan\u2014they both wanted Larson to hit Truex on the restart. They just had different ideas about what would happen after that.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, celebrates with a burnout after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Truex hoped the contact would push him forward and to the victory, and for a very brief second, that seemed possible. But Truex spun his tires, which played right into Larson\u2019s strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I wanted to time it and get to his bumper and act like I was pushing him out to the lead and duck underneath him and get to his left-rear quarter and pull him back,” Larson said. “It\u2019s crazy how when you get to someone\u2019s left rear quarter how much it slows them down. It did just that.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Larson bounced off of Truex as he passed him, and for a split second the race fanned out four wide. That never ends well\u2014especially not on the penultimate lap when all four drivers are going for the win. But somehow they all stayed off each other, and afterward, rookie Erik Jones, one of those drivers, was at a loss to explain how. “I was pointed at the infield for half of (Turns) one and two,” said Jones, who finished third.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Sean Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After the pass, Larson\u2019s car was loose for the rest of the restart lap and the white flag lap. But he put enough distance between him and Truex that Truex couldn\u2019t catch him and had to settle for second. Those were the only two laps Larson led all day. The thrilling win in a car that had no business doing so looked like a career defining move for Larson, the young driver from California.<\/span><\/p>\n

The win was an exclamation point on an already great week of racing for Larson. He finished second late Saturday night in the Knoxville Nationals, one of the biggest dirt races in the world. His contract forbids him from running on dirt the night before he has to be on track for NASCAR, be it practice, qualifying or a race. But on Thursday, he talked team owner Chip Ganassi into making an exception.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, poses with the winner’s decal after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ganassi harbored misgivings about the decision\u2014he thought Larson, who didn\u2019t get back to Michigan from Knoxville, Iowa until 2:30 a.m. Sunday might be too worn out for the 400 mile race, and those doubts grew bigger in the middle of the race as Larson languished in the middle of the pack. But after the win, Ganassi joyously shook team members on the pit box and planted a kiss on Larson.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was Larson\u2019s third consecutive win at Michigan. The only other drivers to accomplish that are David Pearson and Bill Elliott, both of whom are in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The race was slowed by five cautions for 28 laps.<\/span><\/p>\n

Michigan native Brad Keselowski won the first stage. He dominated the first half of the race, leading five times for 105 laps. But he faded to 17th. Truex led three times for 57 laps and won the second stage. Truex kept his position atop the points race, but finished runner-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Media Center Interviews:<\/h3>\n

Kyle Larson – <\/p>\nhttp:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/MIS_MENCS_Larson_Johnston_Ganassi_081317.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

 <\/p>\n

Martin Truex Jr. and Erik Jones<\/p>\nhttp:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/MIS_MENCS_TruexJr_EJones_081317.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race – Pure Michigan 400<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Michigan International Speedway<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Brooklyn, Michigan<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Sunday, August 13, 2017<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

               1. (9) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               2. (13) Martin Truex Jr., Toyota, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               3. (8) Erik Jones #, Toyota, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               4. (25) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               5. (21) Trevor Bayne, Ford, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               6. (20) Chris Buescher, Chevrolet, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               7. (17) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               8. (5) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               9. (7) Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               10. (6) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               11. (15) Kurt Busch, Ford, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               12. (24) Aric Almirola, Ford, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               13. (3) Kevin Harvick, Ford, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               14. (19) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               15. (12) Ryan Blaney, Ford, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               16. (10) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               17. (1) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               18. (14) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               19. (22) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               20. (29) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               21. (33) Ty Dillon #, Chevrolet, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               22. (18) Danica Patrick, Ford, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               23. (11) Clint Bowyer, Ford, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               24. (4) Matt Kenseth, Toyota, 202.<\/span><\/p>\n

               25. (32) Landon Cassill, Ford, 200.<\/span><\/p>\n

               26. (27) Matt DiBenedetto, Ford, 200.<\/span><\/p>\n

               27. (26) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet, 200.<\/span><\/p>\n

               28. (2) Joey Logano, Ford, 200.<\/span><\/p>\n

               29. (31) Cole Whitt, Chevrolet, 199.<\/span><\/p>\n

               30. (28) David Ragan, Ford, 199.<\/span><\/p>\n

               31. (34) Corey LaJoie #, Toyota, 199.<\/span><\/p>\n

               32. (35) * Brett Moffitt(i), Toyota, 198.<\/span><\/p>\n

               33. (38) * Reed Sorenson, Chevrolet, 197.<\/span><\/p>\n

               34. (30) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, Accident, 196.<\/span><\/p>\n

               35. (36) Jeffrey Earnhardt, Chevrolet, 196.<\/span><\/p>\n

               36. (39) * BJ McLeod(i), Chevrolet, 178.<\/span><\/p>\n

               37. (16) Daniel Suarez #, Toyota, Accident, 138.<\/span><\/p>\n

               38. (23) Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet, Accident, 138.<\/span><\/p>\n

               39. (37) Derrike Cope, Toyota, Engine, 107.<\/span><\/p>\n

Average Speed of Race Winner:  150.903 mph.<\/span><\/p>\n

Time of Race:  02 Hrs, 40 Mins, 38 Secs. Margin of Victory:  0.310 Seconds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Caution Flags:  5 for 28 laps.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lead Changes:  14 among 7 drivers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lap Leaders:   B. Keselowski 1-42; E. Jones # 43-46; B. Keselowski 47-63; D. Suarez # 64-66; B. Keselowski 67-110; Kyle Busch 111-113; M. Truex Jr. 114-127; B. Keselowski 128; M. Truex Jr. 129-159; E. Jones # 160; B. Keselowski 161; D. Hamlin 162-177; Kyle Busch 178-188; M. Truex Jr. 189-200; K. Larson 201-202.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led):  B. Keselowski 5 times for 105 laps; M. Truex Jr. 3 times for 57 laps; D. Hamlin 1 time for 16 laps; Kyle Busch 2 times for 14 laps; E. Jones # 2 times for 5 laps; D. Suarez # 1 time for 3 laps; K. Larson 1 time for 2 laps.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stage #1 Top Ten: 2,4,24,78,77,22,20,18,42,11<\/span><\/p>\n

Stage #2 Top Ten: 78,2,4,77,19,21,1,42,18,11<\/span><\/p>\n

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Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Ford, leads the field past the green flag to start the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Sean Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 Axalta Chevrolet, races during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"
Erik Jones, driver of the #77 5-hour ENERGY Extra Strength Toyota, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Sean Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"
Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Ford, races Daniel Suarez, driver of the #19 ARRIS Surfboard\/McAfee Toyota, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Furniture Row\/Denver Mattress Toyota, pits during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"
Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s\/Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chevrolet, talks to crew chief Chad Knaus on the grid prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  By Matt Crossman, NASCAR Wire Service BROOKLYN, Mich. – Sitting in his racecar during a red flag delay near the end of the Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway, Kyle Larson pondered the possible routes to an overtime victory. He was in fourth-place and would restart for the final two-lap shootout behind leader Martin<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11951,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[11],"tags":[225,219,16],"class_list":["post-11941","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nascar","tag-kyle-larson","tag-michigan-international-speedway","tag-nascar"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-36B","jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/MIS_MENCS_Larson_VL_081317-e1502674067152.jpg?fit=640%2C427","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11941","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11941"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11941\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11958,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11941\/revisions\/11958"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11951"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11941"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11941"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11941"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}