Video: Kyle Larson Crashes Into Kyle Busch on Final Lap of Stage 2

Here is the incident, which just ended Stage 2 under caution. Larson got into Busch, which sent Kyle Busch hard into the outside wall. Kyle Busch is done for the day. Both drivers were inside the top-10 at the time. pic.twitter.com/6JzsksKAjg

— Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) June 2, 2024

Kyle Busch is done for the day after a crash with Kyle Larson on the final lap of Stage 2 in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.

From the replay on the FS1 race broadcast, it appears that the incident began a half lap earlier than it ended. The two made contact on the exit of Turn 4, and Busch seemed to take exception to that contact, and doored Larson down the frontstretch.

Here is the extended replay from the FS1 broadcast:

First DNF of the season for Kyle Busch. Here’s the replay: https://t.co/xd1FuDo6c8 pic.twitter.com/HpAzovWboh

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) June 2, 2024

As the duo made it to Turns 1 and 2, Larson lost control of his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro Zl1, which sent him into the side of Busch’s No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet. The contact sent Busch hard into the outside wall.

The damage sustained in the crash was too much for Busch’s team to repair, and he will not be able to continue on in the race.

This will mark the first DNF of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season for Busch and the No. 8 Richard Childress Raicng team.

Heading into the day, Busch was sitting precariously just 12 points above the Playoff cutline in the 14th position in the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings. The early exit from Sunday’s race will certainly have a negative impact on Busch’s Playoff hopes.

Following a trip to the infield care center, Busch talked about the incident.

“Yeah, you have a good eye. I’m sure it’s my fault, but I hate it for my guys,” Busch said. “Everyone on the Rebel Camaro. We can’t afford days like this. Just hate it for them. Trying to race for a Playoff spot, and gradually fall in there a little bit. You know, just he got loose, and wiped us out.”

For Larson, he’s still running as the final car on the lead lap in the 32nd position. Larson is unsure about his Playoff eligibility as he is still awaiting NASCAR’s decision on whether he’ll be granted a Playoff waiver for missing last weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 in favor of running the Indianapolis 500.

If Larson is still eligible for the Playoffs, he entered the day third in the championship standings.