Kyle Larson spins during Quaker State 400, right front tire explodes on way to pit road

The only Chevy that was really decent in qualifying, Kyle Larson, found himself in an unfortunate situation in Stage 2 of the NASCAR Quaker State 400. After Stage 2 pit stops off a caution, Larson was running about midpack and was turned around. His luck only got worse as he made his way to pit road.

Before Kyle Larson could get his car to pit road, his left front tire blew up. Like, exploded. While he didn’t take any damage in his spin, he did take some when his tire popped. Larson’s fender was shredded and his team had some work to do.

This is not what you want to happen after already spinning out. The damage has ended Larson’s night early in Atlanta.

Whoa.

Kyle Larson with damage after this explosion. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/6fAFwZ4cJJ

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) July 10, 2023

Here is the spin off the front of Erik Jones that sent Kyle Larson to pit road. Nothing intentional about it, just a racing incident that Larson ended up on the wrong side of.

Around goes @KyleLarsonRacin! @ChaseBriscoe_14 and @_AustinHill also get a piece. #QS400 pic.twitter.com/9IMWkoFudl

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 10, 2023

Kyle Larson started in the top 10 and was having a decent race. He got put further back in the pack than he likely wanted when some drivers decided to stay out for track position on a caution prior to Larson’s.

The good news for Hendrick Motorsports fans, Alex Bowman is still running in the top 10. So, there might be a path to victory after all.

Kyle Larson continues up and down season

When it comes to Kyle Larson this season, there are two modes. Top-5s and wins, or wrecking. Famously known as Checkers or Wreckers, it is not a fun situation to be in as a driver. Consistency is the key in motorsports and that is something Larson is missing despite two wins on the year.

This Quaker State 400 has put these drivers in a position where they need to be on their toes at all times. Two-wide, sometimes three-wide racing, drafting – this might as well be Daytona. For Larson, this wreck ends his chances of competing for a win or a solid finish unless something dramatic happens.

For now, the Fords continue their great day in Atlanta. This is shaping up to be a very interesting finish. At the end of Stage 1, we saw drivers put it all on the line for those precious points.

Kyle Larson is out of this race after that wreck. Blowing out your fender not even halfway through the race has to be a huge letdown for a team that came in with a win in their sights.