Kyle Larson, the defending NASCAR Cup Series champion, has faced an unsteady beginning to the 2026 season, currently positioned 21st in the points standings after two races. Unlike last year’s strong openers at Daytona and Atlanta, Larson’s campaign has stumbled following a 16th-place finish at Daytona and an early crash at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta.
Details of the Collision and Its Impact on Larson’s Race
During the Autotrader 400 at EchoPark Speedway, Larson was battling near the front when a collision with Shane van Gisbergen ended his hopes for a top finish. As the drivers fought for position late in Stage 2, Larson moved low into the lane of van Gisbergen’s No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet. The contact in the Turn 4 exit sent Larson’s car spinning into the outside wall, causing significant damage and removing him from contention.
Larson Takes Responsibility for the Incident
Speaking candidly about the mishap, Larson acknowledged his error during that critical moment. He said,
“Yeah, I just screwed up. I knew the #45 was inside of me at a point in the corner and got clear of him. I didn’t quite realize that the #97 had gotten inside of him,”
admitting the miscalculation affected his positioning. He added,
“So, once I was clear, I just wanted to cut distance and shortcut my way to the finish of the stage. And the #97 was out of my mirror, and I just hung a quick left and ran right into him. So, nothing anybody else did wrong besides me, so just all on me, and (I) hate it.”
Frustration Over Self-Inflicted Setback
Larson’s disappointment was evident, as he felt the incident was fully avoidable and hindered a chance for a strong race result. He shared,
“That was completely my fault. So that’s what’s embarrassing and frustrating, and I just glad nobody else I don’t think got taken out in it too.”
The driver recognized how, unlike past incidents where he might get caught in others’ mistakes, this time the blame rested solely on his own action.
Remaining Determined Despite Early Difficulties
Despite the setback, Larson emphasized his confidence in the car’s capabilities and his comfort within the race’s rhythm before the collision occurred. He expressed a preference for finishing with a notable result rather than settling for a Did Not Finish (DNF) and a 32nd place standing. Larson noted the team’s ongoing improvement on drafting tracks like Atlanta, indicating steady progress.
Outlook on the Remainder of the Season
While acknowledging the importance of consistency in accumulating points throughout the NASCAR Cup Series season, Larson remains optimistic about what lies ahead.
“There’s still 20 (24) races or whatever left, so yeah, obviously you don’t want to compound it, but everybody wants to make a big deal out about points and stuff, points racing, points racing, but it’s still so early. To me, I don’t really think it changes a lot,”
he explained, maintaining focus despite early frustrations.
Kyle Larson’s ability to admit fault while staying confident reflects the resilience required in high-stakes competition, especially as he looks to reclaim form in the 2026 NASCAR season. His openness about the challenges and commitment to learning from mistakes offers insight into how the defending champion plans to approach the crucial races ahead. With a long season ahead, Larson’s fans and team will watch closely to see if he can regain momentum and contend for another championship.
Hear from @KyleLarsonRacin after a wreck with Shane van Gisbergen ended his day.
Presenting Partner: @MyPlaceHotels pic.twitter.com/RXSY60dMhc
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) February 22, 2026
