A hard crash that sent Matt Kenseth’s car airborne and Danica Patrick’s car hard into the wall reset the field with three laps remaining. Keselowski was able to hold off Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon, who came in second and third respectively, for his second win of the season.
MORE: NASCAR dodges a bullet … again | Recap | Crashes and chaos | Race images
Chase Elliott finished fourth followed by Jamie McMurray and Kurt Busch.
In typical Talladega fashion, a multi-car crash, termed “The Big One,” shook up the running order. Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson ignited a 17-car mash-up with 28 laps remaining. The crash put Johnson, Kyle Larson, Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and Ryan Newman all multiple laps down.
Restrictor-plate racing brings surprise winners, and Trevor Bayne was in position for his second career victory — he won at Daytona in 2011 — with just under 50 laps to go. Bayne, who led 22 laps on the day, got shuffled back on the last restart and finished 10th.
Fan-favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s race was finished after being involved in a hard crash 50 laps into the race. Earnhardt’s car got loose and turned sideways into teammate Kasey Kahne and Matt DiBenedetto’s car. The No. 88 car got back on the track after repairs but was involved in another crash, with Carl Edwards on Lap 109. The crash also ruined Edwards’ shot at three consecutive wins.
NOTE: # — rookie; * — non-chartered team
