“Kyle [Larson]’s Gonna Be So Bummed” – Danica Patrick Sympathizes With Hendrick Motorsports Champion After ‘Heartbreak’

Heartbreak was the prevailing emotion for Kyle Larson at the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, as he lost out on the win by inches. The racing community was quick to sympathize with Larson, including former NASCAR drivers Danica Patrick and Clint Bowyer.

During the race, Larson was leading with just four laps left when Aric Almirola spun out into the Turn 4 wall, causing the fourth and final caution of the day. At the ensuing restart, Larson lost the lead to teammate William Byron, who had been helped by his pit crew’s quick work during the pit stop.

Byron’s victory was a decisive win, but Larson’s near-miss was equally notable.

Commentators and former drivers were quick to express their sympathies for Larson. “Heart broke… oh so close,” said Bowyer, while Patrick added, “Man, Kyle’s gonna be so bummed.”

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But all in all, the team did quite well, even though they did not have one of their best drivers racing for them.

Hendrick Motorsports dominates even without Chase Elliott

The team was dealing with the absence of teammate Chase Elliott, who was sidelined with an injury. Despite this setback, Hendrick Motorsports swept the top three positions, with Byron in first, Larson in second, and Alex Bowman in third.

The race was notable for other reasons as well. Bubba Wallace and Christopher Bell both moved up several positions during the race, finishing in fifth and fourth place, respectively. Austin Cindric also had a strong showing, finishing sixth.

Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin, who had been a favorite to win, finished outside of the top ten. During the race, Larson seemed to be in a winning position until Almirola hit the wall, and caused the second caution of the day. Disappointed with the outcome, Larson told Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports, “I feel like I could have eight or 10 more Cup wins if it wasn’t for cautions in the last five laps. I don’t remember many of those working out in my favor.”

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Ultimately, the race was a reminder of the razor-thin margins that separate victory from defeat in NASCAR. For Larson, the loss was undoubtedly disappointing, but it must have highlighted his potential as a driver.