Truex keeps getting it done in Cup playoffs
CONCORD, N.C. — Martin Truex Jr. gave Toyota yet another victory in NASCAR’s playoffs — the manufacturer is 4-for-4 so far — on a humid Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Truex has two victories in the playoffs, and this one gets him an automatic berth into the next round, Also, it is the first time in this format that Toyota has won a race in this round of postseason.
“Just a total team effort,” Truex said. “Every single guy, every guy on this team just did a perfect job today, and I can’t be more proud of them and at this time of the year is just when you want it to happen.”
Kyle Busch, winner of the last two playoff races, wrecked early in the race but still completed it in a damaged race car. Complaining most of the 500 miles of being overheated, he needed immediate medical attention when he climbed from his car.
Busch laid in the grass, packs of ice were placed on his chest, and a stretcher was brought to him. Once he felt strong enough, he stood and walked to an ambulance. He received oxygen to treat a high carbon monoxide level.
Truex won in overtime after two late cautions created extra laps and forced Truex to hold off fellow Toyota driver Denny Hamlin on a pair of restarts.
Chase Elliott finished second for the second consecutive week and sixth time in his career. Harvick was third, and Hamlin finished fourth.
In other motor sports news:
• Point leader Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix, taking a major step toward winning his fourth Formula One title. The Mercedes driver crossed the finish line 1.2 seconds ahead of Malaysia GP winner Max Verstappen to claim his eighth F1 victory of the season and third at the Suzuka circuit. Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo was third.