Larson takes advantage of late restart for first Cup victory


              Joey Logano (22) and Kevin Harvick (4) battle for the lead during a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway, in Brooklyn, Mich., Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Joey Logano (22) and Kevin Harvick (4) battle for the lead during a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway, in Brooklyn, Mich., Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) - Kyle Larson raced to his first Sprint Cup victory Sunday, taking the lead on a restart with nine laps remaining and holding off Chase Elliott at Michigan International Speedway in a duel between two of NASCAR's up-and-coming standouts.

Elliott had a comfortable lead before a tire problem on Michael Annett's car brought out the yellow flag. Larson had the better restart and went on to win by 1.5 seconds. Brad Keselowski finished third.

Larson's victory in his No. 42 Chevrolet snapped a 99-race losing streak for Chip Ganassi Racing. This was the team's first win since Jamie McMurray's victory at Talladega in 2013.

Larson's victory secures a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup with two races left in the regular season. Elliott remains winless, but is in solid shape to make the Chase field on points if need be.

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