Kyle Larson Wins the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma

Kyle Larson, driver for Hendrick Motorsports, secured his second victory in the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma, California, after overtaking his rivals in the final laps of the race. This win is the third of the season for Larson, who excelled in a race marked by numerous incidents and pit strategies.

The race on the 1.99-mile newly repaved circuit started with several yellow flags, totaling seven in the first half of the 110 laps. This number exceeded the total flags of the last two Sonoma editions combined. However, the last 51 laps went without interruptions, allowing teams to execute various pit stop strategies.

Larson, from Elk Grove, California, made his last pit stop with 20 laps to go, rejoining in the eighth position. From there, he steadily advanced, passing several cars until taking the lead. In the final laps, Larson was involved in an intense battle with Martin Truex Jr. and Chris Buescher. Truex, a four-time Sonoma winner, ran out of fuel on the last lap, finishing 27th after stopping a few meters from the finish line.

Michael McDowell, from Front Row Motorsports, finished second, followed by Chris Buescher, Chase Elliott, and Ross Chastain. An incident between Chastain and Kyle Busch on the last lap resulted in Busch finishing 12th. Buescher led 32 laps and won the second stage, performing well despite starting in 26th position.

Other drivers who finished in the top ten include A.J. Allmendinger, Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, and Todd Gilliland. Poleman Joey Logano finished 21st, while Australian SuperCar Series debutants Will Brown and Cam Waters finished 31st and 35th, respectively.

Larson's victory gives him the championship lead, with a 14-point advantage over his teammate Chase Elliott. Larson received a NASCAR Playoffs waiver despite missing the 600-mile Charlotte race due to adverse weather conditions. This win, his 26th career victory, is crucial for his championship position, especially after Denny Hamlin's engine problems, who finished last and is now 26 points behind Larson in the standings.

The NASCAR Cup Series moves to Iowa Speedway for the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol next Sunday.