Kyle Larson had a thrilling experience in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race in Chicago, even though he finished third. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion found himself in an intense battle with Shane van Gisbergen during Stage 1. Van Gisbergen ultimately passed Larson to secure the stage win.
When asked about his learnings from the race, Larson emphasized his strength in braking zones, noting that he felt van Gisbergen wasn’t outperforming him there. However, he highlighted what makes van Gisbergen a formidable competitor on road courses. Larson pointed out van Gisbergen’s ability to create angles and shapes, reshape corners, and gain leverage and position. These skills give van Gisbergen a unique edge, making him appear almost unbeatable in such races. Larson admired how van Gisbergen manages to avoid contact while overtaking, describing it as a rare and enjoyable experience to race against someone with such finesse.
This isn’t the first time Larson and van Gisbergen have faced off. Earlier in the season at COTA, Larson emerged victorious in their battle. With both drivers starting in strong positions for the Grant Park 165, there was anticipation for another exciting duel between the two. The race, scheduled for a Sunday afternoon, promised to be a showcase of two of the world’s best drivers competing for the win.
In addition to his rivalry with van Gisbergen, Larson’s interactions with fellow driver Denny Hamlin have been a significant talking point. Both Larson and Hamlin have been in numerous intense on-track battles, often leading to contact. The two have each secured three NASCAR Cup Series wins in the 2024 season, racing for top teams with championship aspirations.
Their clashes have been frequent and notable. At New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Hamlin ran Larson wide, prompting Larson’s spotter, Tyler Monn, to remark that Hamlin always gets away with such moves because Larson allows it. This incident was followed by another contentious moment at Nashville Superspeedway, where Larson retaliated by running Hamlin wide, mirroring Hamlin’s earlier maneuver.
After the Nashville incident, Larson reflected on their ongoing rivalry. He expressed a desire to move past their conflicts and emphasized the need for mutual respect on the track. Larson acknowledged that both he and Hamlin are among the top competitors in the sport, meaning they will likely continue to battle for victories. Despite their run-ins, Larson has enjoyed racing against Hamlin and is ready to put their past issues behind them.
Larson’s comments underscore his readiness to move forward and focus on fair, competitive racing. He is willing to forget past grievances and hopes for a similar approach from Hamlin. Looking ahead, Larson is optimistic about future races and aims to continue enjoying the competition while striving for success.
In summary, Kyle Larson’s recent racing experiences have been marked by intense battles and notable rivalries. His duel with Shane van Gisbergen in Chicago highlighted van Gisbergen’s exceptional skills and provided valuable insights for Larson. Meanwhile, Larson’s ongoing rivalry with Denny Hamlin has been characterized by a mix of competition and conflict. Despite the tensions, Larson is eager to move forward, emphasizing respect and fair competition on the track. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling races and potential showdowns between these top drivers.
