Finally, Kyle Larson has got it in the bag. The Hendrick Motorsports driver has finally netted the much-sought-after Southern 500 with last-stage brilliance and a late rally. The once-in-a-generation talent delivered a strong statement to his rivals and naysayers, announcing his entry with a stellar finish at the Darlington Raceway to advance into the second round of the playoffs.
While the HMS driver successfully fended off attacks from Tyler Reddick till the very last, it looks like the driver’s efforts went in vain as rabid fans are wreaking havoc online. Sunday’s upcoming race at the Kansas Speedway will be a career-defining moment for Larson and to commemorate the driver’s achievement NASCAR put out a tweet.
However, it looks like the organization’s shot has missed its mark. Instead of lauding the driver and appreciating his effort, fans have taken the opposite stance, deeming him “overrated” and turning the post into a battle zone.
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Kyle Larson’s career milestone ends up splitting the NASCAR nation
For one, there’s no question about the driver’s capabilities. Often dubbed as a once-in-a-generation talent, Kyle Larson has, over the years from his Chip Ganassi Racing days, evolved to be more well-balanced rather than being confined to his dirt racing roots.
Speedways, superspeedways, or short tracks, the driver looks like he has mastered it all. Even dishing out impressive performances in the rather new road course. Moreover, the #5 HMS Chevy has become more reliable and consistent with Larson at the helm. Last week’s race at the 1.3-mile Darlington is a perfect example of that.
The 2021 Cup Series champion despite being in the game for the last 10 years never could conquer “The Lady in Black” till last Sunday when he got a hold of the race on a late caution and held on it. While Denny Hamlin‘s NASCAR driver, Tyler Reddick tried his best to close the gap on the #5, the Chevy’s pace was simply unmatchable that day as Larson cruised into his first-ever Southern 500 win in grand style.
With the upcoming race at Kansas marking the driver’s 100th start, NASCAR Larson to a fascinating tweet that highlighted the driver’s 16 career wins and 44 top-5 finishes. Larson so far has led 3895 laps out of the 100 races with one title to his name.
But instead of lauding the driver, the online fans turned the post into a battle zone with rabid fans bashing the driver, tarnishing his image.
READ MORE: After Winning at Darlington, Kyle Larson Secures $25,000 Before Heading to Kansas
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While Larson got another W under his belt, acing the “tough to tame” short track, his teammates, Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott extended their bleak streak. Bowman sparked a new row when he blocked Trackhouse Racing‘s Daniel Suarez twice, prompting the Mexican to put the #48 driver in the wall.
Whereas Chase Elliott finished top 10 but in a season where he missed the playoffs for the very first time in his career, a top 10 finish was unimportant. Oddly enough, fans weren’t having any of it as NASCAR put out a celebratory tweet.
A career's worth of accomplishments … in less than three years. 😅 @KyleLarsonRacin | @TeamHendrick pic.twitter.com/Zdd2aJ1Po6
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 8, 2023
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Elliott fans denounced the driver’s achievement, saying, “Chase Elliott is better,” while another user thought the 2021 champ was over-praised, “Overrated right?”
Some even got the HMS VC, Jeff Gordon into the picture, raising a valid argument, “Now match his stats against Jeff Gordon on his first 100 starts!!!”
“Can’t deny those stats… still don’t care for him though”
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Whereas others deemed the dirtiest driver, “Kyle ‘I’ll dump you, but don’t dump me.’ Larson.”; “Still one of the dirtiest drivers in the field”
WATCH THIS STORY: Kyle Larson’s chances could harm HMS’ chances as Joe Gibbs’ star reveals they have the advantage