Kyle Larson ~ How I Won the NASCAR Cup Race at Kansas Speedway
Winning at Kansas Speedway is never easy — it’s one of those tracks that demands everything from the car, the team, and the driver. This win was especially satisfying because it came down to execution, grit, and a little bit of patience. Here’s how we got it done.
A Solid Start with a Fast No. 5 Car
We came into Kansas with a strong setup. Hendrick Motorsports has done a great job giving us a fast car at intermediate tracks all season, and from the first few laps of practice, I could feel we had something special. The No. 5 Chevrolet was handling cleanly in traffic, and I was confident we could compete up front.
Qualifying went well, and we started in the top 10. That gave us good track position to manage the race early, which was huge because tire fall-off and dirty air are always factors here.
Staying Calm Through the Chaos
Kansas is a track where things happen fast. We saw a few early cautions, and the restarts were wild — three-wide, sometimes four-wide going into Turn 1. The key for me was staying calm and focused. I knew we had long-run speed, so I didn’t panic when others made aggressive moves early.
On every restart, I tried to pick the right lane, time the launch, and stay out of trouble. My spotter did a great job keeping me informed, and the communication with Cliff (Daniels, crew chief) was on point all day.
Winning the Pit Strategy Game
One of the biggest reasons we won this race was pit road execution. Our crew absolutely nailed it. Whether it was a green-flag cycle or a stop under caution, the guys were flawless. We gained spots when it mattered most.
Late in the race, we had a choice: pit for four tires and restart deeper in the field, or take two and go for track position. We went with two. It was a gamble — but one we felt confident about given how the car was handling.
That call from Cliff put us in position to battle for the lead with about 20 to go.
The Final Laps: Holding Off the Best
Once I got to the front, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Guys like Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, and Martin Truex Jr. were right there, pushing hard. Kansas allows for multiple grooves, so I had to constantly adjust my line — one lap I’d run the high side, and the next I’d defend the middle.
Clean air helped, but I had to be perfect. The final 10 laps were some of the most intense I’ve driven this season. I was watching my mirror and trying not to overdrive it. One mistake, and it could’ve been over.
But the car held on. The tires hung in there. And we crossed the line first.
What This Win Means
Every win matters, but this one feels big. It ties me with Dale Jarrett on the all-time Cup wins list — that’s a name I grew up watching. To be mentioned in the same breath as him is humbling.
It also gives us momentum. The playoffs are coming, and wins like this boost our confidence and add valuable playoff points. We want to be peaking at the right time, and this feels like a step in that direction.
Final Thoughts: Thank You to the Team and Fans
I couldn’t have done this without my crew, Hendrick Motorsports, and all the support from the fans. Kansas showed once again what this team is capable of when we all click.
We’ll celebrate this one — then get back to work. Because we’re not done yet.
