Kyle Larson arrives at Iowa Speedway aiming to match Denny Hamlin’s record of eight top-two finishes in Next Gen short track events, trailing by just one. The Iowa Corn 350 on Sunday represents Larson’s chance to close this narrow gap after a strong performance at Indianapolis last weekend.
Short Track Rivalry Between Larson and Hamlin Intensifies
Denny Hamlin’s remarkable consistency on short tracks remains evident, leading all drivers with eight top-two finishes since the Next Gen car’s introduction. Larson is close behind with seven such results across tracks including Bristol, Martinsville, and Richmond.
This competition goes beyond numbers, with Hamlin openly crediting Larson’s skill following the Food City 500 at Bristol earlier this year.
“You’ve got to give that team their due and Kyle his due,”
Hamlin said in April. “Just a dominant performance.” Larson dominated that race by leading 411 of 500 laps for his second win of 2025, while Hamlin’s streak of four consecutive short track top-fives demonstrated his sustained excellence.
The rivalry highlights a narrow margin: Larson leads the series with 14 top-10 finishes this season, but Hamlin earned the most points (155) during July’s demanding period. Both have secured four wins in the last 14 short track races, making this weekend’s Iowa race critical for momentum and psychological advantage.
Iowa Speedway’s Unique Challenges Test Larson’s Drive for Redemption
Larson’s previous experience at Iowa Speedway fuels his determination. Last year, he earned the pole with a speed of 136.458 mph and led 80 laps before a late wreck dropped him to 34th place. Reflecting on that performance, Larson said,
“We were quick at Iowa last year. I’m sure all teams have gotten their stuff better.”
This Sunday’s race demands skillful management of recently repaved corners and tires. Larson must finish at least second to tie Hamlin’s record for most top-two finishes on short tracks.
Hamlin, on the other hand, aims to overcome a stumble at Iowa in 2024. Known for excelling on tracks requiring precise braking and throttle control, Hamlin boasts 15 career short-track wins and leads the series with 104 points on these ovals this season.
Christopher Bell is a notable contender in the mix. Analysts expect him to take advantage of the Larson-Hamlin duel; Bell finished fourth at Iowa last year despite starting last in a backup car. Larson remains focused, stating after Indianapolis,
“You’ve just got to be on your game and be smart and try to execute every lap. That’s my goal.”
Victory at Iowa Could Cement Larson’s Title Quest and Legacy
For Larson, winning at Iowa is more than a race—it is crucial for his bid toward the regular-season championship and an opportunity to place himself alongside Hamlin in short track history. A win would narrow the points gap in the 2025 title fight and reinforce Larson’s status as a premier driver in <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR’s Next Gen era.
