Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, both representing Hendrick Motorsports, were locked in a fierce contest during Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway, frequently running side by side throughout much of the event. Their aggressive racing led to several tense moments, including a restart where contact caused Elliott’s car to become dangerously loose, though he managed to recover without triggering a caution or sustaining significant damage.
At the time of the latest update, Larson held ninth place while Elliott was just behind in tenth. The race had just paused for a caution caused by a crash involving Denny Hamlin, setting the stage for the teammates to restart directly alongside one another once again.
Ryan Blaney Frustrates Over Defensive ‘Mirror Driving’ Tactics
Besides the rivalry between Larson and Elliott, other drivers also experienced tension during the race. Ryan Blaney expressed visible frustration after battling Chase Briscoe throughout Stage 2. Despite staying close, Blaney was unable to complete a pass for the lead, which he attributed to Briscoe’s use of mirror driving—a defensive technique where the driver frequently checks behind to block opponents’ attempts to overtake.
“What he’s doing is f*cking looking backwards,”
Blaney said on his radio, according to NASCAR insider Matt Weaver.
This tactic is common in the Next Gen car era and offers a substantial advantage to the leader, who can air block and use rear-view mirrors with spotters’ assistance to complicate passing maneuvers. Although controversial among some competitors, mirror driving remains a strategic element in high-stakes racing battles like the Iowa Corn 350.
Top Contenders and Ongoing Rivalries Amidst Intense Racing Action
Chase Briscoe particularly had to defend his lead under pressure, with Blaney persistently challenging but never able to make a decisive move. This dynamic added further drama to an already competitive field, with multiple drivers vying closely for top positions throughout the race.
As the race unfolds, battles within the pack continue to shape the competition, with Hendrick Motorsports teammates Larson and Elliott at the center of attention for their tight, high-stakes racing. The ongoing tension between these drivers highlights the fine line between teamwork and rivalry in NASCAR events.
Implications for Team Dynamics and Future Races
The confrontations between Larson and Elliott at the Iowa Corn 350 underscore the challenges Hendrick Motorsports faces managing two top-tier drivers competing aggressively on the same track. Their close racing, combined with repeated on-track contact, could influence team strategies moving forward, as well as their standings in the overall NASCAR Cup Series.
With the race still underway and caution periods bringing the field back together, fans can expect more intense moments between these teammates and other key competitors as they battle for position. How Larson and Elliott navigate these tensions may have a significant impact on both their immediate results and long-term team cohesion.
