Kyle Larson Takes a Sly Dig at Austin Dillon as Crew Chief Cliff Daniels Showers HMS Star with Praise
Kyle Larson recently made headlines at the Bristol Motor Speedway, where he delivered a dominant performance across multiple NASCAR series. His impressive weekend included a second-place finish in the Truck Series, a commanding victory in the Xfinity Series, and a win in the Cup Series. During the Cup Series event, Larson led over 400 laps, securing both stages of the race. This achievement marked his second win of the season in the Cup Series.
Dominant Performance at Bristol
Larson’s success at Bristol was highlighted by his ability to navigate through lapped traffic, a skill honed from his background as a dirt racer. The short-track nature of the Bristol Motor Speedway often presents challenges with marbles on the track, but Larson’s experience allowed him to maintain his pace effectively.
Praise from Crew Chief Cliff Daniels
Following Larson’s impressive handling of lapped traffic, his crew chief, Cliff Daniels, offered words of praise over the radio. Daniels commended Larson for staying patient and focused, saying, “Good job, man. Way to stay patient. Way to stay focused. Nice and smooth.” Larson responded with a sly dig aimed at Austin Dillon, a driver for Richard Childress Racing, stating, “Just need Austin Dillon to get out of the way.” This exchange was reported by veteran NASCAR reporter Jeff Gluck on X.
Career Highlights and Recent Achievements
Kyle Larson’s career is marked by significant achievements, including winning the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Championship. During that season, he won 10 races and led over 2,500 laps. Before his win at Bristol, Larson had secured one win this season at Homestead-Miami, along with four top-five finishes and five top-ten finishes. He was ranked sixth in the standings with 244 points but has since improved his position to fourth in the Cup Series standings.
Rare NASCAR Feat
Larson has joined Denny Hamlin and William Byron in achieving a rare NASCAR feat. Each of these drivers has led over 200 laps in consecutive races, marking the first time since 2015 that three straight Cup races have seen a single driver dominate in such a way. This achievement highlights their exceptional racing talent and ability to command the track. At Martinsville, Hamlin led 274 laps, Byron led 243 at Darlington, and Larson led over 224 laps at Bristol.
Honoring Jon Edwards
Beyond his racing achievements, Larson continues to honor Jon Edwards, a team member who recently passed away. Larson dedicated his victories and performances to Edwards, showcasing his commitment to his team and the memory of his colleague.
In summary, Kyle Larson’s recent performance at Bristol Motor Speedway was marked by dominance and strategic racing, earning him praise from his crew chief and recognition for his achievements in NASCAR. His ability to navigate challenging track conditions and his dedication to honoring his team members reflect his professionalism and skill as a driver.
