🚨 THE CHASE ROUND OF 12 STATEMENT & POSTSEASON POWER MOVE:
Hendrick Motorsports' Kyle Larson (#5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet) put on a masterclass performance in the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, leading a track-record 235 of 267 laps, sweeping both Stage 1 and Stage 2, and setting the fastest lap of the race to collect the maximum possible 76 points.
Why? Larson mastered the "rim-shot" line inches off the outside SAFER barrier through Turns 3 and 4, generating unmatched clean-air splitter downforce and high-side momentum.
So What? When Chase Briscoe (#19) passed Larson on Lap 238 following a green-flag pit stop cycle, Larson played the hunter, setting up an inside pass with 7 laps remaining (Lap 261) to reclaim the lead and win by 0.565 seconds over Austin Cindric (#2). Larson's 34th career victory (tying Kurt Busch and Martin Truex Jr. for 26th all-time) expanded his postseason championship lead over Denny Hamlin (#11) from 1 point to 26 points (2,282 to 2,256) heading into Talladega.
Why? Larson mastered the "rim-shot" line inches off the outside SAFER barrier through Turns 3 and 4, generating unmatched clean-air splitter downforce and high-side momentum.
So What? When Chase Briscoe (#19) passed Larson on Lap 238 following a green-flag pit stop cycle, Larson played the hunter, setting up an inside pass with 7 laps remaining (Lap 261) to reclaim the lead and win by 0.565 seconds over Austin Cindric (#2). Larson's 34th career victory (tying Kurt Busch and Martin Truex Jr. for 26th all-time) expanded his postseason championship lead over Denny Hamlin (#11) from 1 point to 26 points (2,282 to 2,256) heading into Talladega.
Post Race Analysis: Mechanical Causality & Playoff Dynamics
The Strategic Why: Kyle Larson launched from the outside front row alongside pole-sitter Joey Logano (#22). Why? Hendrick Motorsports calibrated the #5 Chevrolet's right-rear side-force package to resist thermal tire breakdown over 50-lap green-flag runs. So What? Larson led 235 laps, demonstrating that high-groove momentum on Kansas's 17° to 20° progressive banking neutralizes trailing draft threats when the leader maintains clean air over the front splitter.
Official Technical Insights & Aero-Pass Dynamics:
- The Briscoe Pass & Tire Degradation (Lap 238–261): Chase Briscoe (#19 JGR Toyota) took the lead on Lap 238 after Larson scraped the Turn 4 wall. Why? In clean air, Briscoe's setup developed a severe loose handling condition off Turn 4. So What? Larson experimented with lower entry angles, catching Briscoe and executing a low-side pass through Turns 3 and 4 on Lap 261 to seal the win.
- Penske Crew Swap & Cindric's Runner-Up Charge: Austin Cindric (#2 Penske Ford) finished 2nd (+0.565s) after benefiting from the pre-Chase pit crew swap with teammate Ryan Blaney. So What? Cindric gained 52 points, lifting him into a tie with Bubba Wallace for 9th in Chase points (-140).
- R&D Center Selections: Following post-race inspection clearance, NASCAR impounded the Nos. 1 (Chastain), 11 (Hamlin), 12 (Blaney), and 24 (Byron) for engine dynamometer testing at the R&D Center in Concord, NC.
📜 Weekend Intelligence History (Preserved Hard Assets):
Practice/Qualifying Rainout & Purse Asset: Saturday morning persistent rain canceled Cup practice and qualifying. The starting grid was set via NASCAR's metric formula, awarding Joey Logano (#22 Penske) the pole position. Official event purse was $11,233,037 (a $1.43M increase over 2025).
Goodyear Eagle Intermediate Package & Inflation Specs: Goodyear codes D-5284 (Left Side, 2,263 mm) and D-5290 (Right Side, 2,277 mm). Minimum inflation baselines: LF 20 psi, RF 50 psi, LR 22 psi, RR 46 psi. Allocation: 11 total sets.
Pre-Race Chase Baseline: Kyle Larson entered Kansas holding a 1-point lead over Denny Hamlin (2,206 to 2,205) following Bristol.
Practice/Qualifying Rainout & Purse Asset: Saturday morning persistent rain canceled Cup practice and qualifying. The starting grid was set via NASCAR's metric formula, awarding Joey Logano (#22 Penske) the pole position. Official event purse was $11,233,037 (a $1.43M increase over 2025).
Goodyear Eagle Intermediate Package & Inflation Specs: Goodyear codes D-5284 (Left Side, 2,263 mm) and D-5290 (Right Side, 2,277 mm). Minimum inflation baselines: LF 20 psi, RF 50 psi, LR 22 psi, RR 46 psi. Allocation: 11 total sets.
Pre-Race Chase Baseline: Kyle Larson entered Kansas holding a 1-point lead over Denny Hamlin (2,206 to 2,205) following Bristol.
Post Race Top 10 Finishers: Technical Factors
| Pos | No. | Driver | Key Aspect of Placement | Race Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | #5 | Kyle Larson (C) | Clean-Air Aero Dominance. | Led 235 laps; swept Stages 1 & 2; fastest lap (30.076s); won by 0.565s for max 76 pts. |
| 2 | #2 | Austin Cindric (C) | Long-Run Chassis Balance. | Pitted 1 lap later in final cycle; closed from 4.6s down to finish 2nd (+0.565s). |
| 3 | #11 | Denny Hamlin (C) | Intermediate Tire Management. | 751st start; ran top 3 all afternoon; solidifies 2nd in Chase points (-26). |
| 4 | #19 | Chase Briscoe (C) | Clean-Air Lead Strategy. | Led 23 laps late; suffered loose handling condition off Turn 4 to finish 4th. |
| 5 | #12 | Ryan Blaney (C) | Extended Pit Stint. | Led 4 laps during green pit cycle; drove from 25th on grid to finish 5th. |
| 6 | #20 | Christopher Bell (C) | Stage Point Consistency. | Ran in top 6 all day; holds 3rd in Chase points (-50). |
| 7 | #24 | William Byron (C) | High-Groove Side-Drafting. | Scored points in both stages; finished 7th for Hendrick. |
| 8 | #9 | Chase Elliott (C) | Intermediate Roll Speed. | Recovered from 18th starting spot to score 8th-place points. |
| 9 | #23 | Bubba Wallace (C) | Restart Collision Recovery. | Navigated Stage 2 crash damage to earn a top-10 finish for 23XI. |
| 10 | #60 | Ryan Preece (C) | Late-Race Braking Setup. | Avoided Stage 2 melee to finish 10th for RFK Racing. |
Drivers & Teams Intelligence & Complete Official Race Results
Kyle Larson (#5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet): Swept Stages 1 & 2, led 235 laps. Why? Flawless high-line momentum execution through Turns 3 and 4. So What? Max 76-point day expands his postseason lead to 26 points heading to Talladega.
Carson Hocevar (#77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet): Finished 33rd (-3 Laps). Why? Contact with Ty Gibbs on Lap 121 restart crushed his splitter. So What? Dropped 3 spots to 11th in Chase points (-150).
Exhaustive Official Hollywood Casino 400 Finishing Order (All 36 Entries)
| Pos | St | Car # | Driver | Team / Car | OEM | Laps | Status / Gap | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | #5 | Kyle Larson (C) | Hendrick Motorsports / HendrickCars.com | Chevrolet | 267 | 2:52:41 (Winner) | 76 |
| 2 | 11 | #2 | Austin Cindric (C) | Team Penske / Discount Tire | Ford | 267 | +0.565s | 52 |
| 3 | 6 | #11 | Denny Hamlin (C) | Joe Gibbs Racing / Sport Clips | Toyota | 267 | +2.391s | 51 |
| 4 | 23 | #19 | Chase Briscoe (C) | Joe Gibbs Racing / Bass Pro Shops | Toyota | 267 | +2.428s | 40 |
| 5 | 25 | #12 | Ryan Blaney (C) | Team Penske / Menards / Cardell | Ford | 267 | +2.555s | 37 |
| 6 | 3 | #20 | Christopher Bell (C) | Joe Gibbs Racing / Rheem | Toyota | 267 | +2.969s | 43 |
| 7 | 8 | #24 | William Byron (C) | Hendrick Motorsports / Raptor | Chevrolet | 267 | +3.710s | 39 |
| 8 | 18 | #9 | Chase Elliott (C) | Hendrick Motorsports / KBB | Chevrolet | 267 | +12.781s | 32 |
| 9 | 7 | #23 | Bubba Wallace (C) | 23XI Racing / Xfinity | Toyota | 267 | +14.456s | 28 |
| 10 | 9 | #60 | Ryan Preece (C) | RFK Racing / Dillon's / Celsius | Ford | 267 | +17.859s | 27 |
| 11 | 15 | #45 | Tyler Reddick (C) | 23XI Racing / ROCKSTAR ENERGY | Toyota | 267 | +19.566s | 26 |
| 12 | 16 | #6 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing / Solomon Plumbing | Ford | 267 | +19.742s | 26 |
| 13 | 26 | #42 | John Hunter Nemechek | LEGACY MOTOR CLUB / Dollar Tree | Toyota | 267 | +21.477s | 24 |
| 14 | 14 | #7 | Daniel Suárez (C) | Spire Motorsports / WIMNA Nation | Chevrolet | 267 | +23.212s | 23 |
| 15 | 13 | #1 | Ross Chastain | Trackhouse Racing / Kubota | Chevrolet | 267 | +23.286s | 22 |
| 16 | 30 | #43 | Erik Jones | LEGACY MOTOR CLUB / AdventHealth | Toyota | 267 | +25.883s | 21 |
| 17 | 5 | #54 | Ty Gibbs (C) | Joe Gibbs Racing / Saia Freight | Toyota | 267 | +27.750s | 24 |
| 18 | 33 | #48 | Alex Bowman | Hendrick Motorsports / Ally | Chevrolet | 267 | +28.174s | 19 |
| 19 | 20 | #34 | Todd Gilliland | Front Row / Federal Solutions | Ford | 267 | +30.080s | 18 |
| 20 | 1 | #22 | Joey Logano (C) | Team Penske / Shell-Pennzoil | Ford | 267 | +30.662s | 25 |
| 21 | 19 | #3 | Austin Dillon | RCR / Bass Pro / Winchester | Chevrolet | 266 | Running (-1 Lap) | 16 |
| 22 | 24 | #16 | AJ Allmendinger | Kaulig Racing / Grizzly Nicotine | Chevrolet | 266 | Running (-1 Lap) | 15 |
| 23 | 12 | #17 | Chris Buescher (C) | RFK Racing / Castrol / Heathwood | Ford | 266 | Running (-1 Lap) | 14 |
| 24 | 17 | #97 | Shane Van Gisbergen | Trackhouse Racing / Mitti | Chevrolet | 266 | Running (-1 Lap) | 13 |
| 25 | 34 | #35 | Riley Herbst | 23XI Racing / Monster Energy | Toyota | 266 | Running (-1 Lap) | 12 |
| 26 | 32 | #133 | Austin Hill (i) | RCR / Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen | Chevrolet | 266 | Running (-1 Lap) | 0 |
| 27 | 22 | #71 | Michael McDowell | Spire Motorsports / Delaware Life | Chevrolet | 266 | Running (-1 Lap) | 10 |
| 28 | 36 | #10 | Ty Dillon | Kaulig Racing / Sea Best | Chevrolet | 266 | Running (-1 Lap) | 9 |
| 29 | 27 | #88 | Connor Zilisch # | Trackhouse Racing / Roto-Rooter | Chevrolet | 266 | Running (-1 Lap) | 8 |
| 30 | 29 | #41 | Cole Custer | Haas Factory Team / Haas / Andy's | Chevrolet | 266 | Running (-1 Lap) | 7 |
| 31 | 28 | #38 | Zane Smith | Front Row / Speedy Cash | Ford | 266 | Running (-1 Lap) | 6 |
| 32 | 31 | #47 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | Hyak Motorsports / Brazier Lumber | Chevrolet | 266 | Running (-1 Lap) | 5 |
| 33 | 4 | #77 | Carson Hocevar (C) | Spire Motorsports / Zeigler Auto | Chevrolet | 264 | Running (-3 Laps) | 11 |
| 34 | 35 | #51 | Cody Ware | Rick Ware Racing / Rocket Doctor | Chevrolet | 262 | Running (-5 Laps) | 3 |
| 35 | 10 | #21 | Josh Berry | Wood Brothers Racing / Menards | Ford | 257 | Running (-10 Laps) | 2 |
| 36 | 21 | #4 | Noah Gragson | Front Row / Long John Silver's | Ford | 112 | DNF (Engine) | 1 |
*(C) designates Chase Playoff Contenders; # designates Cup Series Rookie; (i) designates drivers ineligible for Cup Series points.*
Post Race Play By Play: Forensic Intelligence Log
Chronological forensic accounting log detailing all 5 caution periods and all 13 lead changes with explicit mechanical 'Why' and competitive 'So What' analysis.
5
Cautions
26
Yellow Laps
13
Lead Changes
7
Lead Drivers
🏁 LAP 1: GREEN FLAG & START / LEAD CHANGE 1
Kyle Larson (#5) takes the lead.
Why: Larson launched from the outside front row alongside pole-sitter Joey Logano (#22), carrying superior high-side momentum through Turns 1 and 2.
So What? Larson established early clean-air splitter downforce, setting the fastest lap of the race (30.076s) on Lap 2.
Kyle Larson (#5) takes the lead.
Why: Larson launched from the outside front row alongside pole-sitter Joey Logano (#22), carrying superior high-side momentum through Turns 1 and 2.
So What? Larson established early clean-air splitter downforce, setting the fastest lap of the race (30.076s) on Lap 2.
⛽ LAP 37: LEAD CHANGE 2
Ross Chastain (#1) takes the lead.
Why: Chastain stayed out on track during the initial pit lane entry cycle as leaders pitted under caution.
So What? Chastain led Lap 37 before bringing his Trackhouse Chevrolet down pit road for four tires.
Ross Chastain (#1) takes the lead.
Why: Chastain stayed out on track during the initial pit lane entry cycle as leaders pitted under caution.
So What? Chastain led Lap 37 before bringing his Trackhouse Chevrolet down pit road for four tires.
⚠️ LAPS 37–40: CAUTION #1 (COMPETITION CAUTION - 4 Laps)
Reason: Scheduled competition caution due to Saturday practice and qualifying rainout.
Primary Drivers Impacted: Cody Ware (#51, Free Pass).
Why: Required by NASCAR to monitor Goodyear tire wear after zero pre-race track activity.
So What? Allowed crew chiefs to adjust wedge and tire pressures for the 267-lap distance.
Reason: Scheduled competition caution due to Saturday practice and qualifying rainout.
Primary Drivers Impacted: Cody Ware (#51, Free Pass).
Why: Required by NASCAR to monitor Goodyear tire wear after zero pre-race track activity.
So What? Allowed crew chiefs to adjust wedge and tire pressures for the 267-lap distance.
⚡ LAP 38: LEAD CHANGE 3
Kyle Larson (#5) regains the lead.
Why: Hendrick pit crew executed an 11.1-second 4-tire pit stop, winning the race off pit road.
So What? Larson retook control for Laps 38 and 39.
Kyle Larson (#5) regains the lead.
Why: Hendrick pit crew executed an 11.1-second 4-tire pit stop, winning the race off pit road.
So What? Larson retook control for Laps 38 and 39.
🚀 LAP 40: LEAD CHANGE 4
Denny Hamlin (#11) takes the lead.
Why: Hamlin timed the restart jump on the low apron, edging Larson at the line.
So What? Hamlin led Lap 40 before Larson mounted a counter-attack.
Denny Hamlin (#11) takes the lead.
Why: Hamlin timed the restart jump on the low apron, edging Larson at the line.
So What? Hamlin led Lap 40 before Larson mounted a counter-attack.
⚡ LAP 41: LEAD CHANGE 5
Kyle Larson (#5) regains the lead.
Why: Larson drove deep into Turn 1 along the outside SAFER barrier, building high-side momentum to bypass Hamlin off Turn 2.
So What? Larson led Laps 41 through 168 (128 consecutive laps), easily winning Stage 1 (Lap 80).
Kyle Larson (#5) regains the lead.
Why: Larson drove deep into Turn 1 along the outside SAFER barrier, building high-side momentum to bypass Hamlin off Turn 2.
So What? Larson led Laps 41 through 168 (128 consecutive laps), easily winning Stage 1 (Lap 80).
🏁 LAPS 82–86: CAUTION #2 (STAGE 1 END - 5 Laps)
Reason: Stage 1 conclusion.
Primary Drivers Impacted: Kyle Larson (#5, Stage Winner); Denny Hamlin (#11, 2nd); Austin Cindric (#2, 3rd); Carson Hocevar (#77, 4th); Christopher Bell (#20, 5th); Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (#47, Free Pass).
Why: Scheduled stage break at Lap 80.
So What? Larson collected 10 stage points and 1 playoff point, extending his postseason lead.
Reason: Stage 1 conclusion.
Primary Drivers Impacted: Kyle Larson (#5, Stage Winner); Denny Hamlin (#11, 2nd); Austin Cindric (#2, 3rd); Carson Hocevar (#77, 4th); Christopher Bell (#20, 5th); Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (#47, Free Pass).
Why: Scheduled stage break at Lap 80.
So What? Larson collected 10 stage points and 1 playoff point, extending his postseason lead.
⚠️ LAPS 115–121: CAUTION #3 (7 Laps)
Reason: Noah Gragson (#4) blew an engine in Turns 1 & 2, laying oil on the racing surface and spinning.
Primary Drivers Impacted: Noah Gragson (#4, DNF/Engine); Connor Zilisch (#88, Free Pass).
Why: Internal engine component failure under high thermal load.
So What? Ended Gragson's day in 36th place and triggered a full-field yellow pit cycle.
Reason: Noah Gragson (#4) blew an engine in Turns 1 & 2, laying oil on the racing surface and spinning.
Primary Drivers Impacted: Noah Gragson (#4, DNF/Engine); Connor Zilisch (#88, Free Pass).
Why: Internal engine component failure under high thermal load.
So What? Ended Gragson's day in 36th place and triggered a full-field yellow pit cycle.
💥 LAPS 123–127: CAUTION #4 (5 Laps) - MULTI-CAR RESTART CRASH
Reason: Multi-car collision on the frontstretch restart involving Carson Hocevar (#77), Ty Gibbs (#54), Bubba Wallace (#23), Erik Jones (#43), Josh Berry (#21), and Zane Smith (#38).
Primary Drivers Impacted: Carson Hocevar (#77, heavy front splitter damage); Ty Gibbs (#54, side panel damage); Josh Berry (#21, multi-lap repairs); Connor Zilisch (#88, Free Pass).
Why: Hocevar moved right on acceleration and contacted Gibbs, hooking Gibbs into Wallace.
So What? Destroyed Hocevar's top-5 run, dropping him 3 laps down to finish 33rd and losing 150 points in the Chase standings.
Reason: Multi-car collision on the frontstretch restart involving Carson Hocevar (#77), Ty Gibbs (#54), Bubba Wallace (#23), Erik Jones (#43), Josh Berry (#21), and Zane Smith (#38).
Primary Drivers Impacted: Carson Hocevar (#77, heavy front splitter damage); Ty Gibbs (#54, side panel damage); Josh Berry (#21, multi-lap repairs); Connor Zilisch (#88, Free Pass).
Why: Hocevar moved right on acceleration and contacted Gibbs, hooking Gibbs into Wallace.
So What? Destroyed Hocevar's top-5 run, dropping him 3 laps down to finish 33rd and losing 150 points in the Chase standings.
🏁 LAPS 167–171: CAUTION #5 (STAGE 2 END - 5 Laps)
Reason: Stage 2 conclusion.
Primary Drivers Impacted: Kyle Larson (#5, Stage Winner); Austin Cindric (#2, 2nd); Denny Hamlin (#11, 3rd); Chase Briscoe (#19, 4th); Christopher Bell (#20, 5th); Carson Hocevar (#77, Free Pass).
Why: Scheduled stage break at Lap 165.
So What? Larson swept both stages, earning a maximum 20 stage points and 2 playoff points.
Reason: Stage 2 conclusion.
Primary Drivers Impacted: Kyle Larson (#5, Stage Winner); Austin Cindric (#2, 2nd); Denny Hamlin (#11, 3rd); Chase Briscoe (#19, 4th); Christopher Bell (#20, 5th); Carson Hocevar (#77, Free Pass).
Why: Scheduled stage break at Lap 165.
So What? Larson swept both stages, earning a maximum 20 stage points and 2 playoff points.
🔄 LAP 169: LEAD CHANGE 6
Connor Zilisch (#88) takes the lead.
Why: Zilisch stayed out during the Stage 2 caution pit stops to lead a lap.
So What? Earned a lead-lap highlight for Trackhouse Racing before pitting for tires.
Connor Zilisch (#88) takes the lead.
Why: Zilisch stayed out during the Stage 2 caution pit stops to lead a lap.
So What? Earned a lead-lap highlight for Trackhouse Racing before pitting for tires.
⚡ LAP 170: LEAD CHANGE 7
Kyle Larson (#5) regains the lead.
Why: Larson won the pit exit battle among leaders and passed Zilisch on fresh tires.
So What? Larson led Laps 170 through 215 (46 laps).
Kyle Larson (#5) regains the lead.
Why: Larson won the pit exit battle among leaders and passed Zilisch on fresh tires.
So What? Larson led Laps 170 through 215 (46 laps).
⛽ LAP 216: LEAD CHANGE 8
Austin Cindric (#2) takes the lead.
Why: Cindric stayed out one lap longer than Larson and Briscoe during green-flag pit cycles.
So What? Led Lap 216 before making his final 4-tire service stop.
Austin Cindric (#2) takes the lead.
Why: Cindric stayed out one lap longer than Larson and Briscoe during green-flag pit cycles.
So What? Led Lap 216 before making his final 4-tire service stop.
⚡ LAP 217: LEAD CHANGE 9
Denny Hamlin (#11) takes the lead.
Why: Hamlin pitted one lap after Cindric to briefly lead under green.
So What? Led Lap 217 before entering pit road.
Denny Hamlin (#11) takes the lead.
Why: Hamlin pitted one lap after Cindric to briefly lead under green.
So What? Led Lap 217 before entering pit road.
⛽ LAP 218: LEAD CHANGE 10
Ryan Blaney (#12) takes the lead.
Why: Blaney extended his green-flag stint on older Goodyear tires, staying out four laps longer than the front-runners.
So What? Led Laps 218 through 221 (4 laps) before pitting.
Ryan Blaney (#12) takes the lead.
Why: Blaney extended his green-flag stint on older Goodyear tires, staying out four laps longer than the front-runners.
So What? Led Laps 218 through 221 (4 laps) before pitting.
⚡ LAP 222: LEAD CHANGE 11
Kyle Larson (#5) regains the lead.
Why: Larson cycled back to the lead once all green-flag pit stops concluded.
So What? Led Laps 222 through 237 (16 laps) before scraping the Turn 4 SAFER wall.
Kyle Larson (#5) regains the lead.
Why: Larson cycled back to the lead once all green-flag pit stops concluded.
So What? Led Laps 222 through 237 (16 laps) before scraping the Turn 4 SAFER wall.
🔥 LAP 238: LEAD CHANGE 12
Chase Briscoe (#19) takes the lead.
Why: Briscoe ran down Larson from 1.5 seconds back after Larson made wall contact, executing a clean inside pass off Turn 2.
So What? Briscoe led Laps 238 through 260 (23 laps), mounting a serious threat to win.
Chase Briscoe (#19) takes the lead.
Why: Briscoe ran down Larson from 1.5 seconds back after Larson made wall contact, executing a clean inside pass off Turn 2.
So What? Briscoe led Laps 238 through 260 (23 laps), mounting a serious threat to win.
🏆 LAP 261: LEAD CHANGE 13 & WINNING PASS
Kyle Larson (#5) wins the Hollywood Casino 400!
Why: As Briscoe's Toyota developed a severe loose handling condition in clean air, Larson hunted him down, experimented with different grooves near the wall, and darted to the inside through Turns 3 and 4 to complete the winning pass with 7 laps remaining.
So What? Larson pulled away to win by 0.565 seconds over Cindric, sweeping a maximum 76 points and opening a **26-point Chase lead** over Hamlin!
Kyle Larson (#5) wins the Hollywood Casino 400!
Why: As Briscoe's Toyota developed a severe loose handling condition in clean air, Larson hunted him down, experimented with different grooves near the wall, and darted to the inside through Turns 3 and 4 to complete the winning pass with 7 laps remaining.
So What? Larson pulled away to win by 0.565 seconds over Cindric, sweeping a maximum 76 points and opening a **26-point Chase lead** over Hamlin!