Kyle Larson’s day at Homestead-Miami during the second race of the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs was anything but ordinary. The Hendrick Motorsports driver, who had a strong qualifying session, started on the front row alongside Tyler Reddick. After an early spin by Justin Haley on the opening lap, Larson maintained his position in the top two through the first 30-plus laps until green-flag pit stops began.
Larson pitted on Lap 34 and, after the cycle was complete, returned to the track still running second—this time behind his teammate Chase Elliott. However, his race took a dramatic turn on Lap 49 when he suffered a flat right-rear tire, hit the outside wall, and lost the tire carcass, triggering the race’s second caution.
Crew chief Cliff Daniels, known for his exceptional communication skills, quickly addressed the situation over the radio, asking Larson what adjustments he needed. Larson, frustrated by the setback, sarcastically requested “400 pounds of downforce” and went on to criticize the Next Gen car design. He vented about how a flat tire could either end a race completely or damage the diffuser enough to ruin any chance of being competitive.
Despite his frustration, Larson remained focused. He battled back from the 30s in Stage 2 and gradually worked his way toward the front. In a stunning turn of events, he was contending for the win with 13 laps to go. Attempting an aggressive three-wide move to pass Ryan Blaney for the lead, Larson tried to squeeze between Blaney’s No. 12 car on the inside and the lapped No. 3 on the outside. However, the risky maneuver backfired, resulting in his second spin of the race and another caution flag.
The closing laps featured some of the most thrilling action of the 2024 season. With three different leaders in the final two laps, the race reached a dramatic climax. Tyler Reddick made an incredible last-lap move to steal the victory from Blaney and Denny Hamlin, securing his spot in the Championship 4 at Phoenix.
While Larson’s day was filled with challenges and setbacks, his determination to stay in the fight highlighted why many consider him a top contender for the championship.
