Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson entered Nashville Speedway chasing his fourth win of the season but left with clear signs of frustration, captured during a tense moment over the team radio. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion hoped to recover from a difficult Memorial Day weekend, which saw crashes at both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600, but instead faced continued struggles at the 1.3-mile Tennessee track.
Early Struggles in Practice and Qualifying
Larson’s difficulties began in practice, where he only managed to reach 24th place. His momentum did not improve in qualifying, as he ended up 28th out of a 39-car field, marking his worst starting position of the 2025 season. This was notably the lowest spot among the four Hendrick Motorsports entries, falling short of his previous worst start at Talladega where he began 25th but finished impressively in second place.
Before qualifying, Larson expressed his doubts about the team’s setup and his driving lines on the track, admitting,
I just didn’t really have the confidence [on] where to drive into and what angle and all that. Unfortunately, didn’t qualify where we wanted to. I know our car is much better than 28th.
Radio Exchange Highlights Tension With Crew Chief
During the race, Larson’s frustration became more evident. At one point, he made a sarcastic comment to his crew chief, Cliff Daniels, reflecting the challenges they faced that night. He remarked over the radio,
What a race. Well, so far we’ve got one positive: We stayed on the lead lap, and we have an opening in (to the pit box now). Yay.
This interaction exposed the tension simmering beneath the surface as Larson struggled to gain ground in the event.
Race Outcome and Standings Update
Despite the setbacks, Larson managed to finish eighth in the 300-lap race, trailing teammate William Byron, who finished fifth. The result caused Larson to drop to second place in the points standings after leading previously, following a disappointing weekend at Charlotte. Larson holds 470 points in the campaign, supported by three wins, ten top-10 finishes, and eight top-5s, remaining just 29 points behind Byron.
Overview of Larson’s Current Title Pursuit
Kyle Larson’s performance at Nashville demonstrated the ongoing challenges he faces in adjusting to setups and maintaining consistency in a competitive field. His radio moment with Daniels illuminated the pressure felt by both driver and team as they navigate through a demanding NASCAR season. Despite this difficult night and recent crashes, Larson stays firmly in contention for the championship, underlining the competitiveness within Hendrick Motorsports and across the NASCAR Cup Series.
