Rookie Kyle Larson lost his back bumper after a Lap 6 spin that collected Martin Truex Jr. and it might have been the best thing that could have happened to the No. 42 Target Chevy.
He got back on the lead lap and rose as high as fifth before a Lap 151 penalty for speeding on pit lane forced him farther back in the field. Still, he was the day’s top rookie after finishing eighth.
“We fought our way back to the top five and pretty much stayed there for most of the race,” Larson said, “and then with under 50 laps to go I sped on pit road.
“I was really bummed about that because I knew we would have a shot to win. I hate it, but still somewhat happy to get a top 10, just disappointed I let my team down.”
The missing part of the bumper seemed to make him faster and fellow drivers seemed to notice.
“He’s got to be loving the way that thing rides with that bumper gone,” TNT audio caught Dale Earnhardt Jr. saying to his crew.
Larson didn’t disagree.
“It probably did help me a bit,” he said.
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