Imagine you are a NASCAR driver currently in the P3 position in the most iconic race of NASCAR. A caution comes on, and you are aware that the race leader is low on fuel. Wouldn’t you do exactly what Kyle Larson did to take the victory? A lot of drama, crashes, and fuel outages occurred on the track, but a determined Larson paved his way (forget for a second the controversies he collected with the checkered flag).
It was said time and again that strategy is the most important factor at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. However, the recent race was proof that without luck, strategy is of no use. On a similar line, veteran NASCAR racer Kyle Petty said that it finally all boils down to who’s in the right place at the right time.
Larson was in the right place at the right time
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Kyle Larson’s Brickyard 400 victory on the race’s 30th anniversary was nothing short of miraculous. A chaotic final lap, marked by a multi-car pileup and a red flag, transformed Larson’s 3rd place chances into a checkered flag. With Brad Keselowski out of fuel, it seemed like fate was on Larson’s side as Kyle petty agreed in his verdict on the Brickyard.
In a last-minute, nail-biting thriller, a multi-car crash triggered a caution with only three laps remaining. Keselowski made a bold decision to not pit, securing the front row for the restart alongside Blaney. However, his gamble failed spectacularly when he ran out of fuel before the green flag waved. This handed the lead to Larson, who was behind Keselowski. Capitalizing on his advantageous starting position, Larson surged past Blaney to take first place. According to Petty, finally, what mattered was who had the blessing of the racing gods.
Breaking down the Indianapolis race, Petty said, “Call it luck, call it what you want. No matter how much you plan. No matter how much you strategize. No matter how good you are, how good your organization is. Some of the biggest days in your life will down to being in the right place at the right time.”
The win is Larson’s fourth of the 2024 season. He continues to dominate the season, sitting comfortably at the top of the points table. In Petty’s view, Larson, who is eyeing his second championship, is a strong contender. Lauding his consistent performance; Petty said, “The #5 car of Kyle Larson continues to impress and continues to dominate in ways that we have never seen before and continues to hang on that ring and have that luck week in and week out.”
Now that Brickyard is done, what’s next? After the race, Larson hinted at his plans.
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Can anyone on the NASCAR grid stop Kyle Larson from clinching his second championship?
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What’s next for Kyle Larson?
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If the party has concluded at Hendrick Motorsports after Larson’s last victory, then he must have started preparing for Richmond. After all, in the near future are his championship-winning plans. Everything so far seems to have set the stage for his second Championship in the Cup Series. In a past interview, Larson had talked about how this year is even better than 2021, his championship-winning year. The #5 driver is confident about winning in Phoenix this year. Petty also seemed convinced when he concluded his verdict, saying, “Look for him at phoenix.”
Next year, Larson might also re-attempt the ‘double’. After his victory, he said, “It’s such a prestigious place and such hallowed ground,” Larson said Sunday evening on the front stretch after winning NASCAR’s Brickyard 400. “I love you, Indiana fans, and I know you love me, too. How about we come back next May and try to kiss the bricks in the Indy car?” What would you make of this? Is it a hint? Well, Kevin Harvick is certain he will come back for the double.
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Harvick, in his Happy Hour podcast, said, “That wasn’t a hint. He can backpedal all that he wants, and we had Kyle Larson on with our Victory Lap this week and he can backpedal all that he wants. He said he’s going to come back, wants to come back and kiss those bricks on the front straightaway at the Indy 500. I’m here for it.”
Hendrick Motorsports has had a great year; Kyle Larson has had a great year. NASCAR will return to Richmond after the break and we’ll see if Larson stays in the lead or his teammate Chase Elliot takes back the top spot. A lot of drama coming your way as we head closer to the playoffs.
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Can anyone on the NASCAR grid stop Kyle Larson from clinching his second championship?