Brad Keselowski’s chances to win Saturday night’s Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway ended up with a hard hit with the frontstretch wall after contact from sophomore driver Kyle Larson on Lap 24.
Drafting just outside the top-10 in the 25 car field, Larson slid up into the left front of Keselowski’s car, which sent him into a wild sideways spin where after mowing the frontstretch grass, the car became momentarily airborne which sent the No. 2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion back onto the track and slamming hard into the frontstretch wall.
Keselowski’s mangled machine left the scene of the incident, but later stopped on pit road where the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion climbed from his car and made the mandatory trip to the infield care center. He was later evaluated and released.
“I really need to see a replay to give an honest answer,” said Keselowski. “The car is tore up so we are out but it was fast, so that was good.”
Kyle Larson took no blame for the incident in a radio conversation with his Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates team under the first caution of the night.
Entering Saturday night’s exhibition race, Keselowski hadn’t finished worse than fourth in his two previous Sprint Unlimited races. He finished second last February to winner Denny Hamlin.
Austin Dillon and Kyle Busch took evasive actions to miss the spinning Keselowski. Both drivers suffered minimal damage despite also plowing through the infield grass. Both drivers were able to continue.
Keselowski finished the event last in 25th.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
