“Frustrated” Kyle Larson Calls Out Denny Hamlin’s Podcast Attitude as He Shuts Down Rivalry Rumors Despite Kansas Disaster

Controversy ensued after the AdventHealth 400 at the Kansas Speedway. One of the issues was Denny Hamlin’s victory over race leader Kyle Larson. In a recent podcast, Larson expressed his frustration with Hamlin, citing comments made by the driver. Larson also detailed his experience during the race.

Despite encountering a disaster early on in the race, the legendary Hendrick Motorsports driver managed to lead the most number of laps in the race (85), ahead of Martin Truex Jr (79) and Denny Hamlin (34). He was, in the end, unable to secure victory and ultimately finished second. However, his frustration is not just because he was denied the victory.  

Kyle Larson discusses the final lap incident at Kansas Speedway

During a recent episode of the High Limit Room podcast with co-hosts Brad Sweet and Dillon Welch, Larson revealed his take on the final lap incident at the Kansas Speedway. As the race drew to a close, Denny Hamlin rapidly closed in on Larson’s #5 Chevrolet following a restart. In an attempt to gain more grip, Larson maneuvered closer to the wall check Hamlin’s aerodynamic advantage. It was then that Hamlin’s Toyota made contact with Larson’s #5 car, causing him to spin out and drop a lead.

“He was definitely way faster. I honestly thought that he was gonna pass me […] So, for me to make it that far and have a shot, I was pretty happy […] Obviously, I get loose.

Larson then talked about the Next Gen cars, saying that unlike Xfinity and Nationwide series cars, it is not possible with the Cup cars to run next to others and pack air to get them loose. He added, “I got really loose and slid to the wall and he got to my inside; and I’m just trying then to get as close to the wall as I can to pack my own air against it to get grip. And, you know it happened fast, and I had to run back by him and I knew he was side-drafting me, and then all of a sudden, it was like ‘Boom.'”

In the end, it was #11 who streaked past to take the checkered flag, resulting in a dramatic finish that many are talking about. Both drivers took to podcasts in an attempt to reveal their side of things and shed light on the events that unfolded during the race.

 READ MORE: “Hendrick Stuff Was Superior” – Kyle Larson on the Differences Between His Legendary Success in 2021 and His Sharp Fall From the Top in 2022

The primary reason for Kyle Larson’s frustration with Denny Hamlin

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During the latest episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast, Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin had explained his moves and justification for his aggressive driving during the race at the Kansas Speedway, which left fellow driver Kyle Larson a bit frustrated. Both drivers were fiercely competing for the win in the final laps, resulting in contact.

During the High Limit Room podcast, Larson stated, “I don’t think there’s a reason to be mad at him. We were racing aggressively on the last lap for a win, he was way faster than me.

“I guess the only thing I get frustrated with is his deal in his podcast, he says, I race a certain way. […] I’ve never had to reach out to him to apologize about anything.”

Larson even admitted that he might have bumped Hamlin in the past a few times. He added, “Nothing he’s ever done is intentional. He hasn’t wrecked me intentionally.” 

It is good to see Larson take such a mature view of the whole incident. Do you think that Hamlin got a bit too close? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

WATCH THIS STORY: “No Clue How That Is a Penalty” – Kyle Busch Exposes NASCAR’s “Contradictory” Side After Being Left in Disbelief of Denny Hamlin’s Controversial Verdict