Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson are locked in a battle for the 2023 Cup Series title and it seems like there is a bit of banter between the two. Over the course of this season, Joe Gibbs Racing‘s and Hendrick Motorsports’ respective title favorites have gone toe-to-toe on a number of occasions. Both drivers have three wins so far, with Hamlin more likely to make it through to the Championship 4 race. Moreover, fortunately for the JGR man, that race is not on one of Larson’s strongest tracks.
As NASCAR announced its schedule for the 2024 Cup Series campaign, a lot of the drivers are chiming in with their opinions, including Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson. Speaking about where the championship race of the season should be held, the #11 driver made a revelation that brought a smile to the face of the 2021 Cup Series champion.
Kyle Larson oozes confidence while discussing one of his strongest tracks
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Ahead of the playoff race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson was asked whether he would be a supporter of Homestead-Miami hosting the championship race of the season instead of Phoenix. The reporter also mentioned that Denny Hamlin was also asked the same question.
“I said would you advocate for putting Homestead back at the end of the schedule and [Hamlin] said, ‘No, because Larson would win every championship,'” the reporter said.
It brought a brief smirk to Larson’s face. The Hendrick Motorsports driver has had good memories at the track. The last time he raced at Homestead, the 31-year-old won. Larson has finished in the top 5 four out of the five times he has raced there. So it is no wonder that he feels confident on that particular track.
“I am obviously really confident when I go there. Just based off of, you know, speed and all that I’ve had each time we’ve gone so, but I mean, I don’t know, it doesn’t matter to me if we’re at Phoenix or Homestead it’s just another race. I mean obviously, I would feel more confident I guess if we went to Homestead,” the 2021 Cup Series champion quipped.
But the Homestead discussion really isn’t something Kyle Larson will have his mind on because he has a mountain to climb at the Roval. The HMS driver is running the race of elimination after an incident in practice.
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With just two minutes left in the Group A practice session, Kyle Larson drove into the turn 8 retaining wall, causing significant damage to his right -front corner. The car was not repaired in time for qualifying and the HMS star will have to start the race from the back of the grid.
This is a huge cause for concern. Larson is 15 points ahead of the cutline but Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick are starting in the top five. If both drivers get through on points after the race, the HMS man could face elimination. After the incident, the #5 driver explained why he crashed.
“I just got loose entering (Turn) 8 and over-corrected and got the right front into the wall. Just kinda gets bouncy over there and just stepped out on me,” he said.
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Kyle Larson has to make up places early on in the race. Although his car is quick enough, overtaking on a road course is tough for drivers used to racing ovals. It will be interesting to see his strategy come Sunday.
Watch this story: Joe Gibbs Racing Exposes Worrying Reality of NASCAR Drivers at Goodyear’s Expense