LEBANON, Tenn. — Kyle Larson, who was born eight years after the last NASCAR Cup Series race in the Nashville area, kept alive his sizzling hot streak Sunday by winning the inaugural Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway.
It was the third consecutive points series race victory and fourth overall, including last week’s All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway, for the 28-year-old driver from Elk Grove, California. It was Larson’s 10th career victory.
The last NASCAR Cup Series race in the Nashville area was run in 1984 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. Geoff Bodine won that race, like Larson, driving for Hendrick Motorsports and in the No. 5 car.
The last race at Nashville Superspeedway, an Xfinity race, was in 2011.
A crowd of 38,000 packed the grandstands on a sweltering Father’s Day at the renovated venue, which was built in 2000.
Ross Chastain was second, William Byron third, Aric Almirola, who was on the pole, fourth and Kevin Harvick fifth.
While Larson dominated, leading 264 of 300 laps, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Debris got stuck on his front grill on Lap 246, which threatened his lead because his engine could have overheated.
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Larson, however, caught up to J.J. Yeley, who was a lap down, and drafted off him, which blew the debris off his grill.
Several drivers had brake issues on the sizzling hot track. By staying out front and out of the congestion for most of the race, Larson avoided having to brake as much and had no significant issues.
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.
