What led to Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski's penalties at Watkins Glen? All you need to know

Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski faced NASCAR penalties after violating pit road rules during their stop following Stage 2 at Watkins Glen. The driver duo's actions during the Go Bowling at The Glen race resulted in disciplinary measures from the governing body.

Soon after the conclusion of Stage 2, Larson and Keselowski moved to the pit road, and this was when NASCAR slapped a penalty on the Hendrick Motorsports and Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing drivers. For Larson, it was vehicle interference, while Keselowski incurred a penalty after losing a tire on pit road.

In a video posted by NASCAR on NBC on X, Steve Letarte explained how Larson triggered the penalty. He stated that the #5 driver turned to his pit box without respecting the 'Orange box' that signifies the pit stop margin.

Larson's attempt to quickly pit led him to cross through Erik Jones's pit box. This violation of NASCAR rules, which prohibit actions that interfere with other teams' pit stops, resulted in a penalty that sent Larson to the back of the field.

Keselowski's day took a turn for the worse with two penalties. First, he was penalized for an uncontrolled tire, and then he was penalized for speeding on pit road. Both penalties resulted in Keselowski being sent to the back of the field to serve his punishment.

Besides the two penalties, the #6 driver was also involved in a crash with Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron. Keselowski and Joey Logano were racing side-by-side when Byron, came from behind and rammed his Chevrolet straight into Keselowski's Ford. The collision sent both cars into the fence, resulting in significant damage and a loss of multiple positions.

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Kyle Larson apologizes for the Watkins Glen penalty

NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson. (Image via Imagn)

Kyle Larson has issued an apology for the penalty he received during the Go Bowling at The Glen race at Watkins Glen International Speedway. Renowned NASCAR journalist Jordan Bianchi reported on this news on X.

"Kyle Larson apologizes for the penalty, saying he thought he was being "extremely cautious," he wrote.

Chris Buescher claimed victory at Watkins Glen after he held off Shane van Gisbergen and Carson Hocevar. This was the RFK Racing driver's first victory of the season. Larson came home in 12th while Brad Keselowski dropped to 26th.