Chip Ganassi Racing gambles and loses at Michigan

Kyle Larson will remember the Quicken Loans 400 as the one that got away. 

Michigan International Speedway has always ranked as one of his favorites. Larson, 22, made his stock car debut at the two-mile track in June 2012. He started seventh in the ARCA race and finished 13th. On Saturday, he scored his second top-five result at Michigan when he finished third in the XFINITY Series race.

And on Sunday, Larson appeared to be headed for his first win. After rain had delayed the race twice in the first 51 laps, it appeared the race would be stopped by precipitation once again. When the fourth caution was called for debris on Lap 125, Brad Keselowski was leading the race with Carl Edwards running second. Both drivers pitted for fuel giving Larson the lead on Lap 128. 

The No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing team gambled that Larson would have enough gas to go the distance and hold the point before the rain returned.

Unfortunately, he didn’t. After five laps in the lead, Larson was forced to pit for fuel. In the remaining six laps, Larson salvaged a 17th-place result. 

Hey, I applaud my guys for trying.  We are pretty deep in points so we have to take risks like that to make the Chase.

Kyle Larson

“Yeah, we could see weather coming there off of (Turn) 4 and just praying that it would get here in time for me to stay out and be in the lead when the rain did hit,” Larson said. “Hey, I applaud my guys for trying.  We are pretty deep in points so we have to take risks like that to make the Chase.  

“I’m happy with the call, just wish the rain would have come three laps sooner.”

Larson moved up to 18th in the Sprint Cup Point Standings.