Loser: Starting From The Rear
Kevin Harvick and Kyle Larson were two of the top drivers heading into Chicagoland on Sunday, but after the race, they found themselves on the outside of the top-12.
Harvick’s team had to fix unapproved adjustments while Larson’s No. 42 car needed a transmission change. This led to both cars starting from the rear.
NASCAR says Kevin Harvick to the rear for unapproved adjustments. Kyle Larson also to the rear (transmission change).
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) September 18, 2016
Larson was able to work his way to the top-5 but a tire scare late in the race led to a pit stop and an 18th-place finish. Harvick had a fast car all day but the unfortunate timing of the first caution of the race led to him staying a lap down for most of the afternoon before eventually finishing 20th.
After rough days, they both lie below the cut line in the Chase (13th place and below) and will be looking to bounce back next weekend at New Hampshire. The good news is that they are well within reach of 12th place. Serving as two of NASCAR’s most talented drivers, they should both be able to find their way back into the top-12.