The race at Richmond in the NASCAR Cup Series was quite eventful, showcasing how even the most composed driver can lose their cool when things go wrong. This was evident when Martin Truex Jr., the 2017 Cup champion, forcefully collided with Kyle Larson on the final laps, despite Larson racing him fairly. Truex Jr.’s frustration led to questionable moves during the race, ultimately resulting in his loss to Denny Hamlin in overtime.
After the race, Larson was asked about Truex Jr.’s dangerous move. He clarified that Truex Jr. was taking out his anger on Hamlin, not on him. Larson emphasized that he holds no hard feelings towards Truex Jr., acknowledging him as one of the most well-behaved and respected drivers in the garage. The door slam incident was uncharacteristic for Truex Jr., and he will likely reflect on it for future races.
During the race at Richmond, Larson experienced the wrath of Truex Jr. According to Larson, Hamlin pushed Truex Jr. off the track, allowing Hamlin to take the lead. This resulted in Truex Jr. feeling hurt by his own teammate’s actions. Larson empathizes with Truex Jr., having been in similar situations last year where Hamlin employed aggressive moves to secure victories. However, all three drivers involved in this incident will soon move on and shift their focus to fighting for the championship.