Kyle Larson’s strong run at Atlanta Motor Speedway ended in contact with the outside wall after a late block just seconds before the conclusion of Stage 2.
Running third as the NASCAR field charged off Turn 4, Larson made a late block on Shane van Gisbergen in the draft. The move didn’t stick. The No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet snapped sideways entering the tri-oval and slammed hard into the outside wall.
Van Gisbergen slid through the infield grass trying to avoid the spinning car and appeared to escape without significant damage.
The caution flag flew immediately and that’s where the drama began.
William Byron initially appeared to win Stage 2 at the line. However, after reviewing the timing loop and video, NASCAR ruled that Bubba Wallace was ahead at the moment of caution. Wallace was officially awarded the stage victory.
The ruling reshuffled the stage points picture in a tight, draft-heavy race where every point matters.
For Larson, the damage was severe. His Chevy was hooked to a tow truck, and the 2025 Cup Series champion climbed from the car after what had been a competitive run inside the top five. Instead of collecting valuable stage points, Larson left the stage with a wrecked race car and a long road ahead.
Larson Takes Responsibility for Atlanta Crash
Speaking to FOX Sports after exiting the infield care center, Larson took full responsibility for the incident.
“All my fault,” Larson said.
He explained that he saw Reddick’s No. 45 in his mirror and reacted to the run developing behind him in the draft.
“Forty-five out of my corner mirror,” Larson said. “Yeah, ran right into him.”
The Hendrick Motorsports driver acknowledged the decision was a split-second mistake.
“Need to listen more, I guess, and not just react to how I feel,” Larson added. “Made a big error there.”
The official top 10 for Stage 2 after review:
- Bubba Wallace
- William Byron
- Chase Briscoe
- Daytona 500 Winner Tyler Reddick
- Chase Elliott
- Carson Hocevar
- Ryan Blaney
- Ryan Preece
- Brad Keselowski
- Ross Chastain
The action at EchoPark Speedway continues.
Kyle Larson Crashes in Atlanta as Bubba Wallace Wins Stage 2