CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — The Latest on NASCAR’s playoff elimination race at Charlotte Motor Speedway (all times local):
3:30 p.m.
Kyle Larson has won the first stage of Sunday’s elimination race on The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Larson got past pole-sitter William Byron in the first turn of a restart, just seconds before a multi-car crash brought out the caution. The stage ended under the yellow flag.
The first stage was problematic for playoff driver Alex Bowman, who spun and had to stop for a tire change, then had to return to pit road as a penalty for missing a chicane. He also was collected in the final caution of the stage.
Erik Jones headed to the garage with damage from that late accident, likely ending his run in the playoffs after the first round. His car failed inspection after last week’s race and the penalty dropped him to last in the 16-driver standings. Jones likely needed to win at Charlotte to advance to the second round.
Continue on The Latest: Larson wins 1st stage of Charlotte playoff race on Fox Sports.