NASCAR’s Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway delivered an electrifying playoff opener, taking drivers and teams on a grueling journey around the iconic “The Lady in Black” oval. Hendrick Motorsports standout driver, Kyle Larson emerged as the hero, securing a coveted playoff berth with his impressive victory. With just two races left in this stage, the battle for the remaining playoff spots promises to be a heart-pounding showdown. Speaking of showdowns, the manufacturer competition is heating up, and it seems like Chevy is poised for a dominant year. They’ve accumulated an impressive 1000 points, leaving Toyota and Ford trailing behind.

Despite a Chevy crossing the finish line at Darlington, the favorite to win was not from the Chevrolet brand, as another manufacturer showcased a dominant performance. The Door Bumper Clear podcast released its latest episode, dissecting all the thrilling moments from Darlington as co-hosts TJ Majors, Brett Griffin, Freddie Kraft, and Casey Boat exuded bold confidence as they crowned the top manufacturer right after the first playoff race.

Cruising into 2023 with Chevrolet’s roar, Ford’s drama, and Toyota’s silent surge

2023 has been a season dominated by the thunderous roar of Chevrolet engines. From the very first race of the season, Chevrolet’s dominance has been crystal clear, with victories echoing their name loudly, while Ford and Toyota seem to be whispering their presence. It’s a story of Chevy’s reign, yet there’s an intriguing subplot often overshadowed by the headlines: the drama brewing in the Ford camp. Ford teams are experiencing a tale of contrasts this year. The once-mighty Team Penske and Tony Stewart‘s team have had their share of struggles, creating waves of disappointment for Ford fans.

However, amidst the turmoil, a phoenix has risen in the form of RFK Racing, staging an epic resurgence that has stolen the spotlight. They firmly cemented their status as a Ford powerhouse with an astonishing 1-2 finish at Daytona, leaving the racing world in awe. While Chevrolet and Ford engage in this high-octane rivalry, there’s Toyota, quietly biding its time. It was only a matter of time before Toyota stepped into the limelight. This moment arrived when Joe Gibbs Racing announced their continued partnership with star driver and seasoned veteran Denny Hamlin, confirming that Hamlin will remain with JGR and Toyota for the 2024 season. The recent race at Darlington Raceway was a testament to the mettle of Toyota cars.

In a recent podcast episode, the spotlight shifted to Toyota’s remarkable dominance during their Darlington stint. Toyota cars asserted their supremacy by leading an impressive 307 out of 367 laps in the race, leaving competitors in the dust. However, it was heartbreak for the Toyota camp as only two cars managed to secure top-17 finishes.

Bubba Wallace was the second Toyota car at the Top, sitting strong at P7. Having achieved a Top 10 finish, Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, lauded Toyota’s Darlington outing, “Toyota’s yesterday were super fast. We forfeited the track positions a couple of times, and we were able to get back up in the top 10.” Turning a blind eye to that specific statistic, the hosts highlighted Toyota’s undeniable prowess, with a consensus that they have been the leading manufacturer throughout the year.

“They have been the best manufacturer on my half all year,” he declared.

Read More: “They’ve Fallen From Grace” – Tony Stewart’s Team Under Major Scrutiny After Disappointing Regular Season With Ford Letting Them Down

Toyota’s trials on the track

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However, despite Toyota’s impressive performance, they fell short of victory due to a number of setbacks. The true heartbreak of the night was undoubtedly Denny Hamlin‘s rollercoaster journey. Starting the race from the second position on the grid, Hamlin quickly took control, gripping the reins of the race to taste victory. With his hands firmly on the steering wheel and his foot never relenting on the throttle, Hamlin breezed through to clinch victory in both Stage 1 and Stage 2, setting the stage for what appeared to be a triumphant evening at Darlington.

However, in the unpredictable world of NASCAR, even the most flawless driving can be overshadowed by the actions of the crew. A single slip-up by the crew can turn a promising race into a nightmare beyond the driver’s control. Sadly, this reality check came crashing down on Hamlin as victory was cruelly snatched from his grasp. Despite leading for an impressive 177 laps and dominating the race’s initial stages, Hamlin’s hopes were dashed when a loose wheel necessitated an untimely pit stop during a green-flag segment. This unfortunate incident dropped him to 30th place. To compound his misfortune, Hamlin found himself ensnared in a multi-car accident later in the race, ultimately culminating in a 25th-place finish.

Tyler Reddick emerged as the lone Toyota driver in the top five, claiming a commendable second place, just 0.447 seconds behind the winner, Larson. Chevy drivers William Byron and Ross Chastain secured fourth and fifth place, while Ford’s Chris Buescher took the third spot for RFK. Christopher Bell, another Toyota driver, faced handling issues and damaged his car whereas Martin Truex Jr, the regular season champion, encountered his own struggles, as he had to pit for a loose wheel during green-flag stops. This setback left him one lap down, which he managed to regain after receiving the free pass during a caution period, salvaging an 18th-place finish.

WATCH THIS STORY: A Sobering Reminder NASCAR World Joins Tony Stewart As They Mourn Tragic Demise of Teammate

With that unforgettable night in the rearview mirror, one can’t help but wonder: What does Kansas have in store for us next? Will we see a repeat performance from Toyota, and maybe this time they will be able to extend their dominance past the finish line?