Austin Cindric entered Atlanta desperate to snap a grueling 22-race winless streak. Kyle Larson, a few races removed from his last victory at the Bank of America Roval 400 in October, was equally eager to reclaim his spot in Victory Lane. With both drivers eyeing the checkered flag, tensions were bound to rise at the Ambetter Health 400.

Cindric had been a force all day, leading 47 laps in the No. 2 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Team Penske. But with two laps to go, Larson’s No. 17 Chevrolet Camaro for Hendrick Motorsports made an aggressive move. Heading into Turn 3, Larson attempted an inside pass—only he wasn’t clear. What followed has since become the most heated debate in NASCAR.

NASCAR veterans weigh in on Kyle Larson’s move and question the blame game

Kyle Larson’s late-race move on Austin Cindric has ignited a heated debate, with some calling it aggressive racing and others deeming it reckless. NASCAR veterans, however, have largely defended Larson, arguing that his move was simply a calculated attempt to force Cindric into a tough spot. On the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Freddie Kraft explained that Larson is known for putting drivers in positions where they have to lift. “He’s just one of them guys that can, kind of, crowd you,” Kraft noted, suggesting that the move wasn’t dirty but rather a strategic gamble in the closing laps.

Noah Gragson echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Larson’s intent was clear. If he could successfully clear Cindric, he had a legitimate shot at the win. “It’s obviously four laps to go, so he’s trying to clear himself up and make something that’s not there,” Gragson said. However, he admitted that the situation became more complicated once Cindric hit the wall. If the move had happened earlier in the race, it would have been questionable. But with the checkered flag in sight, Gragson saw it as a risk worth taking.

Cindric, however, saw things differently. The Team Penske driver was on the verge of snapping his 22-race winless streak. Only to have it slip away in the final moments. Furious over how the race ended, he didn’t hesitate to call out Larson in his post-race interview. He unapologetically labeled the move unnecessary and reckless.

“Up in the wall, wrecked, and didn’t win,” Cindric fumed. “We’re not clear. I don’t know what information he’s getting. Obviously, my car is on his outside. It definitely merits conversation.” He emphasized how strong the Ford teams had been throughout the race, only to walk away empty-handed due to Larson. “We put ourselves into position to win the race and got used up and into the fence,” he added. “It’s a shame.”

Ultimately, Kraft summed up the incident by saying that Larson was banking on Cindric lifting. “Larson’s just hoping to get him to lift. Just carry him up the racetrack and hope to get him to lift,” he explained. But Cindric wasn’t willing to back down. The result was a dramatic crash that cost him the race—and reignited an ongoing rivalry.

Trending

1

Richard Petty’s Iconic Manufacturer to Return as American Muscle ‘Dodges’ Japanese Giant Rumors, Claims Insider

2

Former Boss Rick Hendrick Delivers Bold Message to New Rival Owners to Show That ‘He Ain’t Concerned’

3

After Donald Trump’s Historic Win, Business Booms for Ricky Stenhouse Jr. as He Makes a Huge Fortune With Hilarious President Connection

4

NASCAR Rumors: Chase Elliott’s Billion Dollar Sponsor to File Bankruptcy One Year After Ugly Exit

Larson takes responsibility ahead of COTA showdown

Kyle Larson has taken responsibility for the late-race incident with Austin Cindric. He acknowledged his mistake during a post-race interview at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Larson confessed, “Yeah, that was my fault.” He further added, “I haven’t seen a replay, but I’m sure that was my fault. I was gonna clear him a little bit better and, like, just drive in front of him.”

Larson explained that he misjudged the proximity of Cindric’s car. Without any thoughts, he stated, “I think he just got there, like, he got closer to my right side quicker than I anticipated.” Larson’s candor reflects the intense pressure drivers face in those critical moments, where split-second decisions can lead to dramatic consequences. As they head into the upcoming EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), both drivers will look to reset and refocus.

Last year, Larson and Cindric finished 17th and 18th, respectively, and will aim for better results this time around. This year’s race will feature the National Layout, measuring 2.356 miles, a change from the Grand Prix Layout’s 3.426 miles. COTA’s new layout and challenging turns provide an opportunity for redemption. The race will be important especially for Cindric, who will aim to reclaim his momentum. With Larson now carrying the weight of this incident, the rivalry between them promises to add an exciting layer to the race.