In the matter of a couple of laps, multiple drivers involved in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs have had issues that will affect their fates in the ‘Round of 8’, with multiple drivers losing valuable points late in the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.
The accident happened with under 20 laps to go, when contact between non-playoff driver Daniel Suarez got into the left rear corner of Martin Truex Jr’s No. 19, launching the Bass Pro Shops sponsored entry up the track and into the outside wall HARD.
"I can't lift anymore."
Daniel Suarez on the radio after contact with Martin Truex Jr. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/aMJ5XqGoMN
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 17, 2021
The damage to the Joe Gibbs Racing entry was immense and was unrepairable, thus ending the day of the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion and making the next two races in this round of the playoffs a must-win.