Kyle Larson’s promising performance at the Autotrader 400 NASCAR Cup Series race took a turn for the worse when he crashed just before the conclusion of Stage 2 on February 22, 2026. While running competently within the top 5, Larson’s race ended in disappointment after a collision with Shane van Gisbergen in the final corner, which occurred just a lap shy of the stage checkered flag.
In a moment of misjudgment, Larson made contact with van Gisbergen, which caused him to slide into the outside wall. “It’s all my fault, obviously,” Larson lamented in an interview with FOX after being cleared from the infield car center, admitting he was unaware of van Gisbergen’s approach below him.
The crash proved costly for the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports driver, who had initially shown strong potential by leading 47 laps and securing eight valuable stage points by finishing third in Stage 1. However, due to the mishap, Larson is now expected to finish outside the top 30, undermining his efforts for a better result.
Bubba Wallace emerged victorious in Stage 2, finishing ahead of his teammate William Byron. Despite Larson’s unfortunate end, the race highlighted the unpredictable nature of NASCAR, where split-second decisions can dramatically alter a driver’s fortunes. While Larson will have to regroup and push through the disappointment, his earlier performance indicates that he remains a strong contender for success in upcoming races.