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When Kyle Larson asserted that he was superior to Max Verstappen, fans quickly recognized the similarities between the two—both were dominant drivers leading their respective fields, anticipated to secure championships effortlessly. However, the season has seen unexpected twists for both of them. The recent events at Atlanta Motor Speedway indicate a notable shift, affecting not only Larson but also NASCAR’s seasoned veterans.
Kyle Petty has raised concerns about Larson’s recent performance, suggesting that Larson might be in a precarious position that could lead to his elimination from contention. According to Petty, Larson’s missteps at Atlanta could mark the beginning of a downward spiral for him.
During Sunday’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Larson experienced a critical setback. He described his crash as a result of briefly losing control, a consequence of a series of challenges encountered in the high-banked turns of the track. Despite the victory of Joey Logano overshadowing Larson’s misfortune, Petty highlighted the significant impact of Larson’s error, which led to a loss of 20 crucial points. Petty expressed his dismay, noting, “We saw the five car, Kyle Larson, seemingly running all by himself and then, without warning, he’s in the wall and loses 20 points. These drivers have worked themselves into a tough spot, and I had expected them to advance to the final four or at least the final eight. It was a terrible day for them.”
As a veteran with numerous wins and high finishes, Petty’s critique carries weight, not only for Larson but also for other Cup contenders like Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin. Larson, who famously clinched the championship in 2021 with dominant victories, found it unusual to finish out of contention from a leading position. He had been leading comfortably in the first stage of the race before a sudden spin sent him crashing into the wall at 160 mph. Although Larson emerged unscathed, the incident also involved Chase Briscoe, who ended up at the bottom of the standings with a -21 point deficit. Larson’s single point from Atlanta places him precariously close to elimination, sitting only three positions above the cutoff line.
In response to Petty’s comments, Denny Hamlin, a fellow driver, defended his own decisions during the race. Petty had criticized Hamlin’s strategy during the Quaker State 400, suggesting it contributed to a loss of 20 crucial points. Petty remarked, “We have Denny Hamlin, and I don’t know what happened to him yesterday. I don’t know if he miscalculated or if he was trying something out.” Petty was referring to Hamlin’s gamble on a pit strategy, anticipating a late-race wreck that never materialized. Hamlin’s strategy failed, costing him valuable points and placing him in a similar precarious position as Larson.
Hamlin responded by defending his approach, explaining, “Teams are more strategic now than in the past. While the strategy might not have been ideal, it was the one I chose for the day. With the new tire wear expected at Watkins Glen, the strategy could have had significant implications.” Although pit strategies are often high-risk, Hamlin’s choice drew criticism due to the resulting 20-point loss. Both Larson and Hamlin now face a crucial period where their performances will determine their championship prospects.
Looking ahead, Larson views Watkins Glen as an opportunity for redemption. Historically, the No. 5 team has performed well at this track, but Larson acknowledged that the new tire wear could affect race outcomes. He stated, “Points will always be on my mind, but I’m optimistic about racing at a track where we’ve been competitive. However, tire wear and the potential fall-off could be significant. We need a solid performance to gain 10 to 15 points on the cut line to feel more confident going into Bristol.”
Currently, Larson is positioned 10th in the playoff standings after the first race of the playoff round, trailing all his Hendrick Motorsports teammates. A win in the upcoming race is essential for Larson to avoid elimination, as Petty has warned.
With the importance of Watkins Glen, the race is poised to be a decisive factor for many playoff drivers. Further updates will provide insight into how this critical moment unfolds.