Kyle Larson’s Historic Night Ends in Disappointment With Christopher Bell Reigning Supreme at NASCAR’s Crown Jewel

What a historic failure of a night race for NASCAR! After drumming up huge hype surrounding the 2024 Memorial Day weekend’s NASCAR run, officials decided to yield to Mother Nature’s whims. The thunderstorms did not cease, and the rain did not let up. Hence, almost two hours after the race was halted, NASCAR took the difficult decision to call it a day, ruining Kyle Larson’s lofty ambitions.

JGR driver wins while Kyle Larson languishes

A year’s worth of rigorous preparation and training went into Kyle Larson’s double efforts. The Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 driver hoped to become the first driver since Tony Stewart to complete all 1100 laps. But not only did he incur a speeding penalty at the Indianapolis 500, but he also could not touch the Coca-Cola 600. NASCAR called the race official after 247 laps, saying the track drying efforts would take too long.

Although Kyle Larson is gloomy, Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 20 driver is ecstatic. Christopher Bell held the lead when the weather delay red flag was issued. Thus, Bell clinched his first crown jewel victory, which marked his eighth career win. Leading a race-high 90 of the 247 laps, it was also his second-season win. Brad Keselowski placed second, and William Byron secured third place.

Post-announcement, Christopher Bell oozed with glee over his Cup win. “So I’m literally on the couch, like half asleep and we’re going through this radioactive stuff. I’m already like mentally prepared to go racing. Then all of a sudden we see Mike, Harvick, and Clint at the booth. I’m like, ‘Wait a minute, what’s going on…What?!’ And the phone goes off and they called it. What a twist of emotions, man.”

Christopher Bell’s team is bursting in celebration over their maiden Coca-Cola 600 victory. In the meantime, Kyle Larson can only wait another year for a second attempt at the Double.