Kyle Larson came into Bristol Motor Speedway with a mission: win all three NASCAR races — THE Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series. And he almost pulled it off. The Hendrick Motorsports driver was flying on that track like it was built just for him.
Larson absolutely crushed it in the Xfinity and Cup Series, leading a ridiculous 687 out of 800 laps combined. That’s not just domination, that’s showboating.
However, in the Truck Series, a young, talented driver named Chandler Smith had other plans. Smith led most of the race and denied Larson his perfect weekend sweep, ending his triple-sweep dream on the first night at Bristol.
Nevertheless, Larson left with two trophies and brought some attitude as well. After dominating the other two races, he tossed a little shade at fellow NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin.
Kyle Larson vs. Denny Hamlin – The Trash Talk Begins
Hamlin was chasing his own slice of history by attempting to win three straight Cup races. His Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell already pulled off that feat earlier this season.
However, Larson’s Cup win on Sunday ended that run, and after the race, he couldn’t help but rub it in a little.
Larson told Fox’s Jamie Little, “You know, if Denny’s in front of me, it could be a totally different story and be really hard to pass him. But, glad to stop his three-peat. We hate to see him win, as I’m sure you guys do too. But it’s just good to be back here in victory lane.”
Hamlin, after hearing that, jokingly fired back at Larson.
On his podcast “Actions Detrimental,” Hamlin clapped back, saying, “His post-race comments about keeping me from three in a row, and you know, we don’t like to see that, and you fans don’t either. Now, I’m like, p*** on your triple — your sweep. I’m glad Chandler Smith beat you in the Truck race.”
That’s the Hamlin fans love.
Larson and Hamlin have now finished 1-2 eight times in NASCAR, but the Bristol battle marked the first time the former finished ahead in one of those showdowns. And you better believe Larson’s going to keep that in his back pocket.
Both drivers are having strong seasons — two wins each, with five top-fives and six top-10s. But points-wise, Hamlin holds a slight edge with 316, while Larson is right behind at 304.
This rivalry is turning into must-watch stuff. Between the fast cars, cheeky interviews, and spicy podcasts, NASCAR fans are loving every second of it.