The Latest: Suarez pits early after brushing wall at Indy

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Latest on the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis: (all times local):

2:30 p.m.

Daniel Suarez’s playoff chances were dealt a blow on the 12th lap of the Brickyard 400 when his car brushed the wall coming through the second turn. The cockpit filled with smoke and Suarez was forced to make an early pit stop, which sent him to the back of the field.

Suarez is trying to become the first Mexican-born driver to make NASCAR’s 16-driver playoff field.

He started the race tied with Ryan Newman for 16th and is one of four contenders hoping to get one of the final two playoff spots based on points.

Suarez climbed back to 38th when most of the field pitted under caution — causing a Chase Elliott, Bubba Wallace and Matt DiBenedettto get-together just outside the pit box of Jimmie Johnson, who appeared to be unaffected by the action.

Johnson, the seven-time Cup champ, started the day in 18th.

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