Kyle Larson gets Xfinity win after Justin Haley's pass ruled illegal

Kyle Larson gets Xfinity win after Justin Haley’s pass ruled illegal

By Associated Press

July 6, 2018 7:44 PM PT

Reporting from DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Kyle Larson won the Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Friday night when Justin Haley’s late pass in overtime was ruled illegal.

A part-time driver in the series, Haley used a stellar move to pull off a stunning pass that looked as if it would lead him to victory lane. But Haley crossed below the double-yellow line around the inside of the famed track, and NASCAR ruled it an improper pass.

“It’s amazing,” Larson said. “I’ve been close to win an Xfinity race here in Daytona, so it’s nice to finally get it done.”

Haley finished 18th.

Larson edged Elliott Sadler at the finish line. It was another heart-breaking loss for Sadler, who finished second at Daytona for the third straight time.

“I felt like I was in a good spot there at the end beside Larson,” Sadler said. “It just wasn’t meant to be.”

Larson has won three times in four starts this year in the second-tier series.

Christopher Bell was third, followed by Ryan Blaney and Kaz Grala.

The race was slightly calmer than the Xfinity opener at Daytona in February. That one had four cautions in overtime before Tyler Reddick edged Sadler at the line in the closest finish in NASCAR national series history.

“I felt like it was Daytona in February all over again,” Sadler said.

Austin Cindric, running in the third position, flipped after a hard crash that brought out a red flag with 18 laps to go.

Matt Tifft started the big wreck when he tapped Cindric from behind and sent him spinning across the track. Cindric hit several others before turning onto two wheels and then flipping twice. Ryan Truex and Tyler Reddick were among those also involved.

Cindric was evaluated and released from the infield care center without any injuries.

“Definitely the biggest wreck I’ve ever had,” said Cindric, the son of Team Penske President Tim Cindric.

David Starr and B.J. McLeod were disqualified during the stoppage for failing to obey red-flag rules.

Cup Series regular and fan favorite Chase Elliott broke an oil pump belt, ending his night with 10 laps remaining.