During a night of high drama at Bristol Motor Speedway, the Kyle Larson pit crew record toe link repair became the standout moment, even as hopes for another victory faded. While Larson’s chase for a third straight win came up short on Tennessee’s tough short track, his team’s extraordinary repair job captured the attention of both NASCAR fans and industry insiders alike.
Unexpected Setbacks Derail Larson’s Early Brilliance
In what began as a promising evening, Kyle Larson qualified fifth, putting his No. 5 Chevrolet in a strong position amid expectations he would dominate again, given his impressive record at Bristol Motor Speedway over the past two events. However, the car lacked its typical speed, and as the laps unfolded, Larson’s fortunes quickly declined. He finished the first stage in 24th position, a disappointment compounded by a pit road speeding penalty that set him further back in the field. By the conclusion of stage two, the No. 5 car was still mired in 24th, with Larson battling fiercely to regain ground against a packed grid.
The race took a dire turn on lap 365 when Ricky Stenhouse Jr. made contact with the rear of Larson’s car, pushing him into Daniel Suarez. This collision damaged a crucial rear suspension component—the toe link. This small yet essential part connects the control arm to the wheel hub and controls wheel alignment, making it indispensable for maintaining handling, especially on the demanding Bristol bankings. After the incident, Larson was forced to guide his hampered car to pit road, unsure whether the night would continue or end abruptly.
Pit Crew’s Lightning-Quick Toe Link Repair Draws Industry Praise
As repair work commenced, the energy shifted to Larson’s pit crew, who responded with remarkable urgency. The spotlight fell on Car Chief Jesse Saunders and Mechanic Robert Dalby for their role in what many believe was a record-setting repair pace. Renowned NASCAR journalist and mechanic Bozi Tatarevic highlighted their achievement:
“The rear toe link replacement on the No. 5 of @KyleLarsonRacin last might have been done in record time. The No. 5 only spent 1 minute and 56 seconds in their pit stall as Car Chief Jesse Saunders and Mechanic Robert Dalby hustled to replace the toe link on the right rear. pic.twitter.com/XLnTxsNkrz” — Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) September 14, 2025
Completing a toe link swap in less than two minutes is a feat rarely seen under racing conditions. Given that toe links are designed for precision and are prone to breaking on contact, the ability to complete this repair so rapidly highlights the skill and synchronicity within the pit crew. Fans and experts alike recognized this as one of the night’s high points, reflecting the combined expertise of both Saunders and Dalby during a tense sequence that could have ended Larson’s race on the spot.
Larson Faces Challenges Ahead in NASCAR Playoff Battle
Despite the swift and impressive repair, Larson’s difficulties at Bristol persisted. He ultimately finished five laps down in 32nd place, a position that further complicates his campaign during NASCAR’s Round of 16. Previous stops at Darlington and Gateway also yielded modest results, with finishes of 19th and 12th respectively. However, strong performances during the regular season allowed the No. 5 team to advance into the next playoff round, keeping their championship hopes alive against the odds.
Looking forward, Larson and his team, with car owner Chevrolet behind them, will prepare for the challenging environment at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The pressure is mounting as the playoffs continue, and every moment will count. The next event will test whether Larson can recover from the setbacks and perform at his peak, or if the difficulties that emerged at Bristol will signal an early playoff exit.
The achievements of the Kyle Larson pit crew at Bristol serve not only as a testament to technical mastery but also as an inspiration to other teams facing adversity mid-race. While Christopher Bell seized the victory and ended Larson’s winning streak, the narrative of resilience from the No. 5 team remains a defining moment heading into the next phase of the playoffs, underscoring the intensity and unpredictability of NASCAR competition.
