Larson triumphs at Bristol as 2 former champs exit playoffs.

Exciting news from the track as NASCAR champions Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr. were among the first four drivers knocked out of the playoffs Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway. The race saw Kyle Larson clinch an easy victory, leading an impressive 462 of 500 laps, the most since 1977.

The first of three elimination races in the 10-race playoffs saw Denny Hamlin, Truex, Keselowski, and Harrison Burton all below the cutline, facing elimination from the 16-driver field. Hamlin, a seasoned driver with four career wins at Bristol, finished fourth, confident in his performance.

While Burton struggled to advance, finishing 35th, Keselowski and Truex faced challenges that left them empty-handed. Truex was penalized for speeding on pit road, while Keselowski acknowledged the need for more pace, finishing 26th.

Larson’s dominant performance marked the fifth win of the season for the driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet, leading all but 38 laps at Bristol. His achievement set a new record for Hendrick Motorsports, surpassing legendary drivers like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson.

The race also saw Daniel Suarez secure the final spot into the next round of the playoffs, alongside other top performers like Chase Elliott, Christopher Bell, and Ryan Blaney. Hendrick Motorsports and Team Penske had successful outings, while Toyota and Ford faced setbacks with eliminated entries.

In a surprising turn of events, Corey LaJoie’s final ride with Spire Motorsports ended in a crash, setting the stage for a new chapter as he moves to Rick Ware Racing. LaJoie expressed gratitude for the opportunity and looks ahead to proving himself in the upcoming races.

Stay tuned as NASCAR heads to Kansas Speedway for the second round of the playoffs, where the competition heats up with Bell leading Larson. Exciting races await as drivers vie for the championship title.

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