NASCAR STUNNER: Kyle Larson Fires Off Bold 5-Word Message to Denny Hamlin After Dominant Food City 500 Victory
Kyle Larson sent shockwaves through the NASCAR world with a fiery five-word message to rival Denny Hamlin—“You can’t stop me now!”—following his commanding win at the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Hendrick Motorsports star’s victory, where he led 411 of 500 laps, not only ended Hamlin’s bid for a historic three-peat but also exposed deep frustrations within the sport, as drivers and fans alike slammed the race’s lackluster action. Larson’s bold statement has reignited their intense rivalry, setting the stage for a heated 2025 season.
Larson’s performance was a masterclass in dominance. Starting third, he surged past Alex Bowman on lap 39 and never relinquished control, winning both stages and averaging over 100 mph—the fastest Bristol race since its concrete repaving decades ago. His No. 5 Chevrolet thrived in clean air, allowing him to manage tires and traffic with surgical precision. The win, his second of the 2025 season, was dedicated to Hendrick’s late communications director, Jon Edwards, adding emotional weight to an otherwise clinical triumph. “This one’s for Jon,” Larson told FOX Sports. “We ran a flawless race, and I’m just getting started.”
Hamlin, who finished second in his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, was left chasing shadows, crossing the line 2.25 seconds behind Larson. Entering the weekend with back-to-back wins at Martinsville and Darlington, Hamlin aimed to become only the second driver in the Next Gen era to score three consecutive Cup victories. Larson’s relentless pace crushed those hopes, prompting the veteran to acknowledge the defeat graciously yet with a hint of resolve. “Kyle and his team were just dominant—flawless,” Hamlin said post-race, per NASCAR.com. “We gave it everything, but they were untouchable today.”
Larson’s post-race jab, however, added spice to the narrative. “You can’t stop me now!” he reportedly told Hamlin in a heated exchange near Victory Lane, according to sources close to the teams. The comment, a nod to Hamlin’s recent hot streak and their ongoing rivalry, reflects Larson’s confidence after snapping the No. 11’s momentum. The two have a history of on-track clashes, notably at Pocono in 2023 when Hamlin’s aggressive move sparked debate, and a 2022 Talladega incident that led to Hamlin’s controversial tweet about Larson, resulting in sensitivity training. Their friendship off the track only sharpens the edge of their competition.
The race itself drew heavy criticism, amplifying the significance of Larson’s win and his taunt. With only three cautions—the fewest since 1982—and four lead changes, the event was labeled “pathetic” by journalist Jeff Gluck on *The Teardown* podcast. The Next Gen car’s struggles on short tracks, particularly its dependence on clean air, left drivers like Bubba Wallace (19th) and Ryan Blaney (fifth) trapped in traffic, unable to challenge. Wallace tweeted post-race, “Damn that was rough,” echoing fan discontent over empty grandstands and a lack of Bristol’s signature chaos. One X user fumed, “Bristol’s supposed to be a brawl, not a parade!”
Larson’s message to Hamlin also carries weight in the championship chase. His Bristol triumph vaulted him to fourth in the standings with 304 points, just 12 behind Hamlin’s 316. With William Byron leading at 346, the battle is tightening, and Larson’s momentum could prove pivotal. “Bristol suits my style—it’s a 500-lap sprint,” Larson said, hinting at more to come. Hamlin, unfazed, vowed to regroup: “We’ve got the speed to fight back.”
As NASCAR takes an Easter break before Talladega, Larson’s five-word challenge lingers, fueling speculation about their next clash. Will Hamlin retaliate, or can Larson sustain his Bristol brilliance? Fans are buzzing—one X post declared, “Larson’s throwing shade, and I’m here for it!”—ensuring this rivalry will dominate headlines. For now, Larson’s victory and his defiant message have made one thing clear: the road to the 2025 title just got a lot bumpier.
