By John Schutt –
Nascar Monster Energy Series, South Point Casino 400, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, Sept. 16.
The odds were against Team Penske getting its 500th victory at this track, but Brad Keselowski beat the odds to make it his third victory in a row. Following Keselowski were Kyle Larson in second place, Martin Truex, Jr. in third, Joey Logano, in fourth, and Ryan Blaney in fifth.
Larson won the pole position and was a front-runner for much of the first segment. Truex, Jr. won the first segment ahead of Kevin Harvick. The second stage was won by Truex, Jr. with Keselowski trailing.
Harvick, Larson, Truex, Jr., and Keselowski all led laps in the final stage. The first driver with problems was Harvick when the right front tire blew and his car hit the wall in turn one. Shortly after that Eric Jones ran into the back of Harvick’s No. 4 car. Larson led Truex and Keselowski with 28 laps to go.
Denny Hamlin spun out and wrecked his car, which led to an overtime finish.
Keselowski had a good restart and stayed in the lead for the victory.
Nascar Monster Energy Series, Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, Ind., Monday, Sept. 10.
A full-day rain delay didn’t keep Keselowski from winning his first Nascar race at the Brickyard in a stock car for Team Penske. Following in second place, was Eric Jones, Denny Hamlin in third, Harvick in fourth, and Clint Bowyer in fifth.
It was Keselowski’s 26th career victory in Nascar Cup racing. Kyle Busch clinched the regular season championship at this race and received a trophy.