A unique scenario after Kyle Larson’s crash with backup cars stored at the team shop instead of the track
This weekend, NASCAR is racing on the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL. The track hosts the final race in the Round of 12. Four playoff drivers will be eliminated after Sunday’s race.
Watch the Kyle Larson crash below.
Kyle Larson tagged the wall in the brief 20 minute practice session. As a result, the No. 5 team did not take part in qualifying.
The damage was significant enough that he needed to go to a backup car. But, backup cars are handled slightly different for this weekend.
Charlotte is a home race for most teams and backup cars prevent a unique scenario. Typically, backup cars and backup engines are brought to the track in the team hauler.
In this case, with teams based right in the backyard of Charlotte, backup cars are not brought to the track. Instead, Larson’s car was back at the Hendrick Motorsports shop, right down the street from the track.
The damage was significant enough to damage the engine in the car as well. NASCAR granted them approval to change the engine.
Hendrick Motorsports repairs the No. 5
A rollback came from the team shop to the track. The crashed machine was picked up within minutes of the crash and hauled back to the team shop.
NASCAR tagged the backup engine as well as the trans-axle. Each were required to be installed in the backup car.
Chad Knaus was seen putting the backup engine in a pickup truck. The engine was then driven to Hendrick Motorsports.
Hendrick Motorsports installed the backup engine in the backup car. The backup trans-axle was also installed.
The backup car was still required to clear tech inspection on Sunday morning. It has since cleared that inspection.
Kyle Larson is a favorite to win the 2023 championship with just 5 races remaining. However, after a rough round, he enters today’s event just +15 above the elimination line.
Road courses are fitted with a low downforce package. However, Larson doesn’t think that’s what caused the crash.
NASCAR Point Standings after Talladega Superspeedway (Oct 2023)
Kyle Larson comments on the crash
“I just got loose in the center of [turn] 8 and overcorrected,” Kyle Larson told NBC Sports after the crash.
“Plugged the right front into the wall. Yeah, a mistake. So, I hate that we’re at home and the guys got to work on stuff on Saturday when they should be spending it with their families.”
“Upset at myself but we got a great team so we’ll hopefully overcome it and have a good day. The track just feels like it has not very much grip right now.”
“I should have been more patient.”
Charlotte TV Schedule: October 2023 (NASCAR)
Charlotte Starting Lineup: October 2023 (NASCAR Cup Series)
Kyle Larson
Charlotte ROVAL
Crash Video
Links
Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports | Charlotte Motor Speedway | NASCAR
