By: Zach Arnold

Sunday’s race marked the fourth points-paying race of 2024, with the Chevrolet teams swept the previous three races. Hendrick Motorsports entered the weekend with two wins while Trackhouse Racing was looking for their second victory.

After a strong practice and qualifying session a day earlier, Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs led the field to the green flag opening up the Shriners Children’s 500.

For the fourth race in a row, there was an early wreck. Derek Kraus, who was in his second career NASCAR Cup Series start, lost control of his car exiting turn two, on Lap 6 and collected Austin Dillon and Austin Cindric. Cindric’s day ended very early, whereas Dillon and Kraus could continue with damage.

Ty Gibbs showed great speed in stage one, as he would lead most laps in the segment until being passed by Tyler Reddick with three laps remaining. Reddick would go on to win the stage.

Hamlin and Reddick battled into turn one to open up stage two. Toyota was the strongest manufacturer at this point in the race, as five of the eight Toyotas were running inside the top ten at this point. 

Tyler Reddick lost the lead with four laps remaining in stage two to Bell. The 29-year-old went on to win the second segment.

Stage three opened up with a few cautions very early. Kyle Busch brought out the first with a solo spin. With this spin, it marked that both of Richard Childress Racing’s Chevrolets had been involved in an incident thus far. The second yellow flag involved Joey Logano, Josh Berry, Corey Lajoie, Derek Kraus, and Zane Smith. John Hunter Nemechek shoved Logano into the turn, spinning him out in front of the others. 

Christopher Bell took the lead as Truex Jr pitted and would dominate the rest of the race, crossing the finish line with over a six-second lead. This marks Bell’s first win in 2024.

The NASCAR Cup Series stars head to Bristol, Tennesee next weekend to compete on the 0.50-mile track. Tune into FS1 at 3:30 pm next Sunday to catch the Food City 500.