Martin Truex Jr. makes NASCAR playoffs after crashing out early at Darlington
DARLINGTON, S.C. — Martin Truex Jr. qualified for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs after some nervous moments when he crashed out on the third lap of the Southern 500 on Sunday. Others drivers hopeful of a spot like two-time series champion Kyle Busch and playoff participants last year in Bubba Wallace and Chris Buescher weren’t so fortunate after Chase Briscoe used a late-three wide pass to take the lead and hold off Busch down the stretch to win the race. “Early in the race, I wouldn’t of thought we’d have a shot so I really felt like we overachieved.” Buescher, who won three races to reach the playoffs a year ago, came in last inside the projected field, but could not overtake Truex for the final playoff spot. “But that’s the system we’re in.” Truex’s playoff grip certainly looked tenuous when he slid up into defending champion Ryan Blaney and both cars went to the garage. The Team Penske driver said he was hurting at first, but felt like he’d be OK going forward as he prepares to defend his series title beginning next week in Atlanta.
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