Kevin Harvick made waves following the Brickyard 400, hailing Kyle Larson and his team #5 as one of the finest in NASCAR. On episode 45 of his “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour” podcast with Kaitlyn Vincie and Mamba Smith, the racing veteran couldn’t help but sing their praises.
This season, Larson and his Hendrick Motorsports team #5 have been nothing short of phenomenal. With four wins, 11 Top 10 finishes, nine Top 5s, and five pole positions, they’ve been a dominant force in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series.
The synergy between Larson and his crew chief, Cliff Daniels, has been pivotal. Their ability to craft and execute winning strategies has led to consistently stellar performances. Their teamwork was on full display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where despite a few setbacks, they executed an aggressive strategy that paid off handsomely. Larson’s triumph at the Brickyard 400 also propelled him to a comfortable lead in the drivers’ standings.
On the podcast, Harvick delved into the brilliance of team #5’s strategy. When Vincie inquired about Larson’s battle to secure his fourth crown jewel win of the season, Harvick emphasized the critical role of strategy in modern racing. “Every race now involves strategy,” he said. “There are moments that change the race’s direction, and your car needs to have capabilities that others don’t.”
He continued, “In the end, their strategy put Larson in a unique position. While others were conserving fuel and struggling with tire wear, Larson found a way to navigate the corners that allowed him to make crucial passes. Everything aligned perfectly for him.”
A deeper look at Larson’s Brickyard 400 weekend reveals a tale of resilience and tactical brilliance. After setbacks at the Chicago Street Race and Pocono Raceway, Larson was determined to make a statement. Qualifying fifth at IMS, he showed early promise. Maintaining composure, he finished Stage 1 in second and Stage 2 in 20th. On lap 123, Daniels made the critical decision to pit Larson for fuel.
This move, while initially costing Larson the lead, soon paid dividends. As competitors were forced into fuel-saving modes, Larson capitalized on his fresher fuel supply, overtaking over 20 cars in the final stage to clinch victory. Currently, he leads the standings with 749 points, just ahead of Chase Elliott (739 points) and Tyler Reddick (734 points).
