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USA Today via Reuters
Sep 17, 2022; Bristol, Tennessee, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) and driver Kyle Larson (5) and driver William Byron (24) and driver Brad Keselowski (6) during the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-09-18T021742Z_1997298134_MT1USATODAY19069024_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-BASS-PRO-SHOPS-NIGHT-RACE.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 17, 2022; Bristol, Tennessee, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) and driver Kyle Larson (5) and driver William Byron (24) and driver Brad Keselowski (6) during the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier, the Hendrick Motorsports team announced that Kyle Larson inked a contract extension. This will keep him in the Hendrick Motorsports squad through to 2026. The defending Cup Series champion spoke about the prospect of potentially getting a longer contract with the team. However, Larson had a pretty surprising answer about the entire situation.
The 2021 champion confessed that he was not too bothered about pursuing a long contract. He said, “I don’t know, I was happy with the length of it. Honestly, I probably would have, if we wanted them, who knows we might have. Like I said, I don’t get too wrapped up, I’m happy with it, it’s all good.”
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How is Kyle Larson performing in his quest for a second title?
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For the moment, he is still in contention for the championship after the first round of the Playoffs. The first drivers eliminated were Richard Childress Racing duo, Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddick. Also joining them were Joe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch and Stewart-Haas Racing driver Kevin Harvick.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jul 31, 2022; Speedway, Indiana, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) during the Verizon 200 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
As for Kyle Larson, he sits comfortably in 4th place in the standings. However, for the remaining 12 drivers, the points will be reset and they will have to compete again. So far, this campaign has been hugely unpredictable, with a record-equalling 19 different race winners. The best part is that there are still plenty of races left in the season so that record could break.
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Luckily for Larson, he is still in contention and hopefully, he can be the first Playoff driver to win a race this season. Of course, the other 11 drivers will also be vying for that same feat, as will the non-Playoff or the eliminated drivers. One thing is for sure, Larson and company have three races to try and reach Victory Lane at least once before they are eliminated.
WATCH STORY: From Kyle Larson to Denny Hamlin: Chase Elliott’s Most Heated Moments
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