Martin Truex Jr. wrecks out early in Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas

For Martin Truex Jr. this is the worst thing that could have happened this weekend. Just a handful of laps in and now you are going to suffer a P36 finish and will watch his points tick away as the afternoon goes on. Toyota is strong at this track, but Truex Jr. has long been plagued with issues in the Sunflower State.

Teammate Christopher Bell was the pole winner for the race. He soon lost his lead to Kyle Larson and would then continue to fall back. This is a long race and there is a lot of time left for things to change. However, it looks like Larson and perhaps Bubba Wallace will be the class of the field.

Martin Truex Jr. suffers nightmare situation at Kansas

None of the playoff drivers wanted to see themselves out of the race this early. Given the fact that NASCAR discovered faulty parts on the No. 24 and the No. 43 cars, it raises some eyebrows. This appears to be a tire that got cut and led to further damage.

What doomed Martin Truex Jr. in this situation was where it happened. Coming around that turn, he was destined to hit the wall. When he hit the wall, he hit it hard and the damage was significant enough to bend his toe link on the right front as well.

After his car was towed into the pits, he got out and his day was over. The good news, we know Truex Jr. is going to return for 2024. However, this felt like his best shot at winning his second championship. Now, he will have to hope for a miracle to happen at Bristol.

A championship favorite, Martin Truex Jr. is now going to sit on the sideline and try to think about what he can do at Bristol a week from now. So, what now? When Truex and his team meet, what is the goal moving forward?