When the stakes are at their highest, Kyle Larson is never one to back down. The 2024 championship decider at Phoenix was no exception. Although he wasn’t in the Final 4, Larson made one thing clear. Every lap mattered. Racing at full throttle, he brought an unexpected level of intensity, sparking tension with reigning champ Ryan Blaney in a way that had fans buzzing. There was no holding back for Larson, and he made sure everyone knew it with a sly comment post-race—seven words that summed up his relentless drive and hinted at something deeper.

The energy between Larson and Blaney wasn’t just about racing hard; it was about something simmering under the surface, with Larson’s words sparking a bigger conversation. What made Larson go all-in, and why did he race Blaney so hard in a way that others shied away from? As the race wrapped up, Larson commented to give a glimpse into his mindset, and it was clear he wasn’t just out there to be a placeholder.

Kyle Larson’s response to his on-track issue with Ryan Blaney

Kyle Larson didn’t hold back his thoughts after crossing the line in fourth at Phoenix Raceway in the championship-deciding finale. “I was racing hard,” he said, with a bit of a grin, a comment that sounded straightforward yet hinted at more. Larson wasn’t just recounting his effort—he threw a subtle jab at Ryan Blaney and NASCAR itself.

Throughout the race, Larson pushed his #5 Chevrolet with his usual intensity, looking every bit like the championship threat he was until just one round prior. He went toe-to-toe with Final 4 driver Blaney, defending his drive even as Blaney aimed to secure back-to-back championships. Unlike some other drivers, who held back in deference to the championship contenders, Larson chose a different approach, stirring questions about his real motivation.

Part of his drive, it seems, stemmed from wanting to set the record straight after recent controversies. Just a week before, NASCAR’s governing body faced questions of effort and integrity, as Larson’s teammate William Byron, along with Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon, faced scrutiny for allegedly not giving it their all at Martinsville. Larson wasn’t going to let anyone accuse him of the same, especially with a race still left to prove a point.

Kyle Larson confirmed his perspective, saying, “I’m just trying to fight for every position I can. Fighting for everything I had, I’m racing for my team.” He nodded to the backlash from Martinsville, saying he wanted no part of any narrative where he might be seen as “laying over.” That comment carried weight, as he knew he’d raced hard to avoid any suggestion he wasn’t giving it his 100 percent.

As for Blaney? Larson hinted that the defending champion wasn’t happy with the intensity of their battles on the track. But for Larson, it seemed a matter of principle: he wouldn’t hold back just because the spotlight was on someone else. He was out to prove that he’s always in it to win it—no matter who’s in contention. Ryan Blaney came in second and with that he lost the trophy to his teammate Joey Logano, who was crowned 2024 Cup Series Champion.

How did Ryan Blaney feel about coming in second?

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With Kyle Larson pushing to dominate the race, Ryan Blaney certainly felt the consequences. In an alternate scenario, if Ryan Blaney didn’t have to fight Kyle Larson on the track, he could have forced Joey Logano’s hand. In the end, the fighting cost Ryan Blaney the win by a mere 0.330 seconds.

Ryan Blaney gave it everything he had in the season finale at Phoenix, but in the end, it just wasn’t enough to beat his Team Penske teammate Joey Logano. Blaney was chasing his second championship title, hoping to be the first back-to-back champ since Jimmie Johnson, yet he found himself in second place as the checkered flag fell. In a day that saw Penske’s drivers dominate the field, Blaney’s bittersweet runner-up finish underscored just how close he was—but how far it ultimately felt.

Reflecting on the race, Blaney was open about his frustration. He’d fought hard through restarts, even battling his way past tough competitors like Kyle Larson and William Byron. By the time he caught sight of Logano, Blaney’s tires were spent, and those precious laps were ticking away too quickly. “Just couldn’t quite get there,” he said, acknowledging how the final restart kept him out of striking distance.

Still, Blaney was grateful to have shared the front with a teammate, adding, “If we’re going to race somebody, I’m happy it was him for the championship.” And with Penske celebrating three consecutive titles, there’s hope and determination in Blaney’s voice as he looks ahead to next season, eager for another shot at victory. Do you think that Team Penske will continue to dominate NASCAR for another season in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below.