I can't remember the last time we were treated to such an exciting All-Star Race! From the start of the Open to the finish of the All-Star Race itself, this was one to remember!
The Open is a chance for the drivers that are not already in the All-Star Race to race their way into a spot. Both stage one and stage two had incredible side by side battles on the final lap with William Byron winning stage one and Bubba Wallace winning stage two to claims their spots in the All-Star Race. It was an emotional win for Bubba, who has had a tough season and finally had something go right for him. He broke down crying on camera... and who could blame him? What a great victory for him! Stage three was the only stage without a close finish. Kyle Larson took the lead from Ty Dillon with five laps to go and went on to win to claim his spot in the All-Star Race. The fan vote was awarded to Alex Bowman, so he also went on to the All-Star Race.
The All-Star Race was full of excitement too. Towards the end, Clint Bowyer and Ryan Newman started trading paint. After the race was over, Clint Bowyer took off sprinting towards Ryan Newman's car and started throwing punches!
Of course, each driver had something to say about it. Newman thinks Bowyer "should be embarrassed of himself," Bowyer thinks Newman should be "poked in the nose"...
While that's going to be what everybody will be talking about for a while, let's not let it take away from Kyle Larson's awesome win! Kyle hasn't been having the best year, and this is really a boost to him and his team! Not only did he take home the million dollar prize, but he became only the fourth driver in NASCAR history to win the All-Star Race after transferring in from the Open. It was not an easy win...he took the lead after a boost from Kevin Harvick with 12 to go- the only time he led all night- and held off a hard-charging Harvick for that win in a car that was slightly damaged. That was a hard-fought win on Kyle's part!
It really was a great race start to finish! And now, it's on to 600 more miles for the Coca-Cola 600, coming up Sunday. There are still tickets left (click here for a link to get your tickets), and if the All-Star Race is any indication, we are in for another spectacular night of racing!