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via Imago

via Imago

They say that one man’s loss is another man’s gain, and perhaps that’s the situation brewing at Hendrick Motorsports. The legendary NASCAR team has been on top of the mountain for a number of years, and in this period of time, they have been used to getting almost all of their drivers into the playoffs. This season has been an aberration. Out of four drivers, HMS has only managed to get Kyle Larson and William Byron into the last 16.

Both William Byron and Kyle Larson have had strong seasons. Rick Hendrick would have preferred all four of his drivers to make it, as it gives the team a bigger chance to clinch the driver’s championship. But all is not lost; there is a silver lining in the not-so-ideal situation, and that is what Kyle Larson will look to take advantage of.

Kyle Larson calls on an out-of-the-playoffs teammate

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It has been a decent season in the Cup Series so far for the 31-year-old. The No. 5 has started 26 races in the regular season and has managed to be in victory lane twice. He has also achieved 10 top-five finishes and 12 top-ten finishes.

Going into the playoffs, Kyle Larson will have a lot of expectations on his shoulders, especially from his team owner. HMS earlier this month also struck a deal with IndyCar team Arrow McLaren that will see Kyle Larson race in the IndyCar race at Indianapolis next season in what will be a historic moment for the driver and Rick Hendrick. While for the rest, Larson had something to add, when asked for his opinion.

In a recent interview ahead of the first playoff race of the season at Darlington, the #5 driver mentioned that the drivers who have not been able to qualify for the last 16, especially Alex Bowman, would be able to test any new upgrades the team brings to the fray.

“I try to look at it as a positive in the fact that there’s gonna be even more working together I would imagine out there. And I don’t know what parts are coming or enhancements, but if there is ever something R&D, I think Alex could probably try that out and if it’s a gain or not, it could go in our car,” Larson said.

Read More – “Not Running Like Kyle Busch”- HMS Legend Blown Away by RCR Superstar’s Odds Despite “Whipping in Everyone’s A**” at Darlington

The No. 5 will have double duty going into the weekend at Darlington, as he will hope to break a rather unflattering Hendrick Motorsports record before he races for the first time in the 2023 Cup Series playoffs.

Larson Looks to Break the 14-Year HMS Curse at Darlington

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NASCAR journalist Austin Konenski recently revealed that the #5 driver would be a part of the weekend’s Xfinity Series race. It will be HMS’ final Xfinity race of the year, which will see them trying to break a winless run that has lasted 14 years.

The last time Rick Hendrick’s team won a race in the Xfinity Series was way back in 2009, and it is a record that he would like to see end. But to be fair, it is probably not the biggest concern in the team owner’s mind.

WATCH THIS STORY: Names of 4 NASCAR Teams in the Kyle Busch Saga Reportedly Exposed & None of Them is Hendrick Motorsports – Fans React

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The main task at hand is and will always be fighting for the Cup Series crown, and the same can be said for Kyle Larson. This year’s playoff field is being touted as one of the most competitive in recent times, and the expectations will always be on HMS to outperform their rivals.

How far do you think Kyle Larson can go in the playoffs? Let us know your thoughts.