CONCORD, North Carolina -- Kyle Larson’s chances at winning Sunday’s Bank of America 500 came to an end three laps from the scheduled end of the 334-lap race.
Larson, who led 38 laps in the race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, was running in fourth in Turns 1 and 2 when Kurt Busch’s car broke loose, slid up and tagged Larson’s left rear.
Busch wasn’t able to keep control of his No. 41 Ford and spun, bringing out the caution and triggering an overtime finish.
Fender damage to the No. 42 Chevrolet relegated Larson to finish 10th.
During Larson’s post-race interview with NBC, Busch interrupted to apologize to the Chip Ganassi Racing driver.
Watch the above video for the interview and to see Busch’s apology.
Larson lamented that he hasn’t been able to capitalize on having a better car than Martin Truex Jr. the last two weeks.
“Last week was probably the first week in a long time he hasn’t been the most dominate car,” Larson told NBC. “He definitely wasn’t dominate today. ... Their team just executed really good.”
Larson was plagued by two pit road errors. Larson missed his pit stall during a competition caution and then later dropped from first to 13th after a slow pit stop when a tire carrier fell.
Always want 2 race playoff contenders w/ respect. Relieved @KyleLarsonRacin salvaged 10th. Thx @TonyOldman41 for top 5 car. Still loose in😉
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) October 8, 2017