Larson can’t fault Newman

The nudge Ryan Newman gave Kyle Larson at the end of yesterday's race at Phoenix, put Newman in the championship round of The Chase

Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet SS, commented on the last lap contact with Ryan Newman in yesterday's Quicken Loans 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Needing to finish 11th to make the Championship round of The Chase, the driver of the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet bumped Larson in the last turn, which shuffled the 22-year-old down two places in the finishing order. Larson ultimately finished 13th. Newman qualified for next week's championship round at Homestead.

Larson provided the following quote to the Motor Racing Network

"I knew (Newman) was right around me and knew he needed to gain some spots to keep from getting eliminated from the Chase. It's a little upsetting he pushed me up to the wall, but I completely understand the situation he was in and can't fault him for being aggressive there. I think a lot of drivers out here would have done something similar if they were in that position."

AR1 Staff