NASCAR is preparing for the decisive Playoff Cup race at Bristol, where the bottom four drivers will be eliminated after the night race, heightening the stakes this weekend. Among the favorites, NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick has singled out Kyle Larson as the leading candidate to win the Kyle Larson Bristol night race.
Despite a slow start in the Playoffs, Larson and his Hendrick Motorsports team showed signs of improvement during last weekend’s Gateway race. Hendrick Motorsports often sees its drivers strengthen their performance towards the end of the season, and Larson’s recent speed has not gone unnoticed.
While Harvick’s podcast co-hosts Kaitlyn Vincie and Mamba Smith predicted Joey Logano and Ty Gibbs as potential winners, Harvick disagreed sharply. He highlighted that Larson, along with Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell, were the top contenders. Noting Larson’s strong pace at Gateway, Harvick expressed confidence in Larson’s ability to reach Victory Lane before the Round of 12 begins.
“I think you guys left all the winners on the table there. (Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin) or (Christopher) Bell. The 5 popped up last week with some speed that I haven’t seen and Bristol has always been his place. So I’m going to go with Larson.”
— Kevin Harvick, on Happy Hour podcast
Recent Rivalries Highlight Larson’s Focus and Resilience
The Gateway race was marked by multiple intense moments, including a significant incident involving Kyle Larson and Ryan Blaney. Larson nearly became part of a major wreck following contact with Bubba Wallace after Stage 2, but a notable clash between Larson and Blaney nearly jeopardized Blaney’s race. Despite this, Blaney climbed back to secure fourth place, though he was visibly displeased with Larson’s actions.
In a surprising twist, Blaney’s teammate Austin Cindric defended Larson, acknowledging his aggressive driving style but asserting Larson’s integrity on and off the track. Cindric emphasized that Larson’s mistakes come from pushing himself hard rather than any intentional recklessness.
“I think Kyle has constantly proven that he’s not really that guy. I mean, he’ll overdrive his car and make a mistake. But he’s brutally honest when it comes to things.”
— Austin Cindric, on Door, Bumper, Clear podcast
This rare public support from a driver on a rival team indicates the respect Larson commands within the NASCAR field. While Larson may not be living up to his “best driver in the world” label this season, his capabilities still make him a serious threat in high-pressure races like Bristol.
Larson’s Challenge Ahead at Bristol
Though Larson’s recent performance gains offer hope, the Bristol night race presents multiple challenges that could impede his pursuit of victory. The fast-paced, physically demanding short track is notorious for tight racing and frequent incidents, requiring drivers to maintain both aggression and precision.
Considering the elimination risk for four drivers after this race, Larson must balance speed with caution to avoid race-ending trouble. His ability to capitalize on his Hendrick Motorsports car’s strengths and maintain composure under pressure will be decisive factors.
Implications for the Playoff Standings and Season Outlook
A strong performance from Larson at Bristol would not only enhance his chances of advancing in the Playoffs but also reaffirm Hendrick Motorsports’ resurgence as the season nears its closing stages. Kevin Harvick’s endorsement lends significant weight to Larson’s title prospects, reinforcing the notion that Larson’s true potential could still dominate the remaining races.
The Bristol night race is critical for all contenders, but with Harvick’s prediction and the respect from competitors like Austin Cindric, Kyle Larson stands out as a prime candidate to seize the moment and push forward in the championship chase.
