Martin Truex Jr Wins the Kobalt 500 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Martin Truex Jr celebrates his win at the Kobalt 500 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

“Yeah, last couple laps were great, nothing out the windshield” Truex said. "Just it was a crazy race. We had such a good car all day long and felt like it slipped away from us there. The 2 car got out front, and that last restart, really thought we were going to run second. Got a little bit lucky with him having an issue and got the win”.

Truex Jr led six times for a total of 150 laps to take the checkered flag. He was awarded 60 points for the win. He is in second place in the Monster Energy Cup Series standings with 127 points. He also won both stages of the race, as such he is the first driver to sweep all three stages of a race this season.

“I think the important thing for us is we're starting off the season strong. We're putting ourselves in position to win races, and that's really the key” Truex said. “If we can continue to run up front, lead laps, run at the front of the pack all day, you're going to put yourself into position to win races, and that's what we did today. This is the first time we've really taken advantage of somebody else's issue. I'm sure if we keep running up front, it's going to happen again. We'll just keep working hard and see what we can do”.

Kyle Larson came in second place for the second race in a row. He did not lead during the race.

“Our day was really solid. I think we finished second in the first stage, third in the second stage, and then finished second here in the race. So super happy with how our season has gotten started” Larson said. "Way better than where I've ever started a season. I'm really happy about that, proud of our team. Had fun today."

Martin Truex Jr leads a pack of cars in the Kobalt 500 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

“I'm really proud of the way we have performed. Our pit stops have been great, our cars have been good” Elliott said. “Been able to run solidly in the top 5 the past couple weeks, which is great for me and our team, and we just

got to keep that going and find that next little bit”.

The highlight of the race, happened post-race, as Joey Logano and Kyle Busch exchanged punches. As Busch threw the first punch, Logano and his crew retaliated, and left Busch leaving scene bloody with a gash on his forehead.

"No, I don't run from conflict," Logano said. "You just talk about it, but he wasn't in a talking mood. He was in a fighting mood, I guess. I don't know. Typically, you can handle this stuff like men and talk about it. You don't have to fight, but whatever."

The events that preceded the race will take the glory from Truex Jr’s win, but not in his eyes.

Brad Keselowski continues to lead the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series standings with 132 points and 5 playoff points. Kyle Larson is right behind Keselowski with 131 points. Chase Elliott is in third place with 129 points.

The next race in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will be at Phoenix International Raceway for the Camping World 500.