Kyle Larson recently shared his thoughts about the brewing competition between him and Denny Hamlin ahead of the Kansas City race. Larson, driving for Hendrick Motorsports and already boasting five wins this season, acknowledged that Hamlin, the 2023 Kansas race winner, would be “the one to beat” at the upcoming race. Despite the fierce rivalry on the track, Larson was quick to recognize Hamlin’s potential to disrupt his plans for a Kansas sweep in 2024.
This season, Hamlin, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, has secured three wins. However, his overall performance has been somewhat inconsistent, leading some to question his championship odds. Yet, in Larson’s eyes, Hamlin remains a formidable contender, largely due to their team dynamics. Both drivers share a mutual respect for their leaders, who have played an instrumental role in their success. During a conversation on DJD Reloaded, Larson expressed admiration for both Hamlin’s crew chief, Chris Gabehart, and his own crew chief, Cliff Daniels. Larson noted that their leadership has built strong teams, positioning both drivers as front-runners at many tracks throughout the season.
Larson emphasized that Kansas Speedway suits both him and Hamlin particularly well. Their experience with various aero and horsepower packages over the years has given them an edge on this type of track. Larson stated that Kansas fits their driving styles perfectly and acknowledged that Hamlin’s car is exceptionally well-suited for the track. “Denny I would say would be the best there,” Larson admitted, recognizing Hamlin’s ability to manage his car effectively. Yet, Larson wasn’t ready to concede without a fight. He expressed hope that he, along with his Hendrick teammates, could give Hamlin a serious challenge on race day.
Despite the respect Larson holds for Hamlin as a competitor, the two drivers have shared some tense moments on the track. Their rivalry has been on full display in multiple races, including Atlanta in 2022, Kansas and Pocono in 2023, and more recently at New Hampshire. These run-ins have raised eyebrows, and many have speculated whether a rivalry is brewing between the two. However, while Hamlin and Larson may be fierce competitors on race day, their relationship off the track remains friendly.
Denny Hamlin himself has acknowledged the tension between them, though he seems to accept it as a natural part of racing. On his podcast earlier this year, Hamlin remarked, “I’m in this for the long haul,” hinting that their competitive dynamic isn’t going away anytime soon. He expressed comfort with how they’ve been racing, suggesting that the intensity between them would likely continue to escalate. When his co-host asked if he considered it a rivalry, Hamlin seemed indifferent, saying, “Sure, if you want to call it one.” However, this casual acceptance came only a week after Hamlin had denied any rivalry with Larson, insisting that they were simply two drivers aiming for victory.
This evolving dynamic between Larson and Hamlin adds an extra layer of intrigue to their performances at Kansas. With both drivers at the top of their game and equally motivated to win, the upcoming race promises to be a showdown between two of NASCAR’s best. Larson’s acknowledgment of Hamlin as “the one to beat” shows a healthy respect for his competitor’s skills, but it’s clear he is ready to take the fight to Hamlin on the track.
As the Kansas race approaches, fans can expect an exciting battle between these two talented drivers. Whether or not Hamlin and Larson openly acknowledge their rivalry, their on-track performances tell a different story. Each time they line up, there’s an unspoken understanding that they’re both gunning for the win—and neither is willing to back down. For Larson, this means taking on the challenge head-on and hoping that his team’s preparations will be enough to edge out Hamlin in what could be one of the season’s most anticipated races.
In the end, Larson’s humility and determination, paired with Hamlin’s consistency and experience, make this rivalry one to watch. Whether it’s the fierce competition or the friendly banter off the track, their dynamic continues to captivate NASCAR fans, adding drama to every lap they race together.
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