Kyle Larson had a thrilling win at Kansas Speedway on Sunday night. He passed Denny Hamlin just as the two-lap overtime began, then battled Chris Buescher before clinching victory by a mere 0.001 second. This makes it the closest finish in NASCAR history since electronic timing and scoring were introduced.
This victory overtakes two legendary races, previously tied for the closest finish with a margin of 0.002 seconds: Ricky Craven’s 2003 win over Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson’s 2011 win over Clint Bowyer at Talladega.
Larson, reflecting on the race, expressed his admiration for Buescher’s talent and shared how it would’ve felt if roles were reversed. He emphasized the honor of being part of such discussions and preferred sharing the spotlight with Buescher rather than a rival like Hamlin.
Despite the excitement, Larson still believes the Craven-Busch finish was even more thrilling. He acknowledged the intensity of their battle, contrasting it with his recent win.
This victory marks Larson’s second Cup win of the 2024 season, following a runner-up finish at Dover. His success this year, including sprint car races, sets the stage for his upcoming challenge: attempting “The Double” by competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
Running an entry co-fielded by McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports, Larson aims to make history alongside the elite group of drivers who have accomplished this feat. Rick Hendrick’s team’s entry into the Indianapolis 500 adds to the anticipation surrounding Larson’s endeavor.
The lead-up to the Indy 500 presents logistical challenges, with conflicts arising during NASCAR’s All-Star Race weekend. Larson plans to prioritize practice for the Indy 500 over qualifying for the All-Star race, with Kevin Harvick substituting for him in North Wilkesboro.
While Larson’s performance at the Indy 500 remains uncertain, he anticipates continued success in NASCAR races at Darlington and Charlotte. The hectic schedule ahead, including sprint car races, doesn’t faze Larson; he sees it as part of the excitement and normalcy of his racing career.
