After Denny Hamlin Brushed Kyle Larson Out, the HMS Driver Misses Out on Victory Lane Three Times in Two Weeks

The High Limit Sprint Car Series witnessed an intense battle at the Kokomo Speedway. Justin Peck emerged as the fifth driver to claim victory in the 2023 season. However, all eyes were on the unfortunate events of the California native, who missed out on the elusive victory lane after the fiasco with Denny Hamlin. 

The 1/4-mile bullring of Kokomo Speedway proved to be a challenging battleground for the national dirt sprint car drivers. As the green flag dropped, Corey Day and Kyle Larson locked horns in an exhilarating side-by-side battle into turn one. Day’s masterful maneuver knocked the cushion and allowed him to take the initial lead. But, the race was far from over.

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Destiny seemed set as Justin Peck drove with unwavering determination and skill, crossing the checkered flag and securing his place in victory lane. It marked the third time in just two weeks that Larson had missed out on a much-coveted win, a bitter pill to swallow for the HMS Driver.

After the race, in a candid interview with NBC,  #5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 gave out details of his misfortune. “The curb got massive. I tried to throw my slider and be on the other side of it – the fluff, the cushion, whatever – and got over it and kind of got hung up, and I think that’s right when Peck got by me. He was airing it out; he was really good. Great race in traffic, Larson stated.

He further added, “Traffic was intense. Those guys ran everywhere and fast enough that I didn’t think I was ever close enough to throw a slide job. Looking back, I wish I had tried to get him to move off the top sooner. Maybe I could have got away from those guys a little bit.”

While the NASCAR Cup Series may have provided a stage for the drama between Denny Hamlin and Larson, the High Limit Sprint Car Series at Kokomo Speedway has its share of thrilling battles. Justin Peck, who had endured a series of misfortunes earlier in the season, saw this as his moment to seize victory. He commented after the race, “Everything’s been stacked against us all year. It’s rewarding when you can put it all together.” 

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Rico Abreu, the co-owner of the series, dealt Larson his first blow the week prior at Grandview Speedway, snapping Larson’s three-race win streak. But how did the tale of missed opportunities continue for Larson?

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With 14 laps remaining, the fortunes started to shift. Larson’s ambitions took a hit as he banged off the cushion and lost crucial momentum, allowing Peck to close in on his back bumper. Lapped traffic and a rough cushion played a significant role in determining the race’s outcome, making every move crucial.

As the laps dwindled, the driver of the white #57 sprint car found himself in a desperate pursuit to regain the lead. With 10 laps to go, he made a risky move to get through the field, but it backfired when he slapped the wall, allowing Peck to seize the lead. However, Larson was not ready to surrender just yet.

The 2022 Daytona 500 Pole winner refused to let Peck escape easily in a nail-biting showdown in the closing laps. The two drivers battled side-by-side, creating an adrenaline-fueled spectacle for the cheering crowd. But fate had different plans. A spin by Dylan Norris triggered a two-lap shootout, and Larson had one final chance. However, fate had different plans for Larson. In the end, Peck emerged victorious, capturing the checkered flag.

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The High Limit Sprint Car Series is known for its unforgiving nature. Larson’s recent struggles with Denny Hamlin remind us of the fine line between triumph and heartbreak in racing. Despite the setbacks, Larson remains a force to be reckoned with, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how he bounces back in the upcoming Round 8 at Huset’s Speedway on August 15.