Larson Dominates at Bristol, Truex Eliminated From The Playoffs

Larson Takes First Win of Season, Truex's Title Hopes End

Kyle Larson dominated the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night, leading 239 of 500 laps to earn his first win of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Larson started the race from the pole position and quickly jumped out to an early lead. He led the first 90 laps of the race before pitting under caution on lap 91.

Larson regained the lead on lap 114 and held it until the end of the stage, earning 10 bonus points.

Truex's Playoff Hopes Dashed After Bristol Crash

Martin Truex Jr.'s hopes of advancing to the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs took a major hit after he was involved in a crash on lap 473 of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night.

Truex was running in the top 10 when he was involved in a three-car accident that also included Ty Dillon and Brad Keselowski.

Truex's car sustained significant damage in the crash and he was forced to retire from the race. He finished 35th, 10 laps down.

Larson's Dominance Continues

Larson's win at Bristol was his second consecutive top-five finish and his fourth top-five finish in the last five races.

Larson is now third in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, 96 points behind leader Chase Elliott.

Larson's win at Bristol was also the first win for Hendrick Motorsports in 2023.

Truex's Playoff Hopes Fade

Truex's crash at Bristol was a major setback in his quest to advance to the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.

Truex is now 10th in the standings, 51 points behind eighth-place Chase Briscoe.

Truex needs to win one of the next two races in order to advance to the Round of 8.