NASCAR Cup Series playoffs favorite Kyle Larson knocked out of Atlanta race

NASCAR Cup Series playoffs drivers Kyle Larson and Chase Briscoe were knocked out of the opening race of the playoffs near the end of the first stage in the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Larson, who was sitting in the best spot points-wise among the playoff drivers coming into the 267-lap race, got loose at 160 miles per hour, hung a right and hit the wall.

As Larson's No. 5 Hendrick Motor Sports Chevrolet skid across the track coming of the wall Briscoe hit it.

Larson said he did not know what happened to his car to cause it to get loose. Briscoe said he tried to get low to avoid the collision but was not able.

Briscoe said the crash put him now in a "must-win" situation next week at Watkins Glen International in order to win the championship.

Briscoe claimed a playoff spot a week ago by winning the last regular season race at Darlington.

The wreck was the only caution in the first stage. Ryan Blaney went on to win the first stage.

Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Cup Series playoffs favorite Kyle Larson knocked out of Atlanta race