Kyle Larson clinched a historic victory at Kansas Speedway, seizing the lead from Denny Hamlin in a dramatic overtime finish. His battle against Chris Buescher culminated in a nail-biting win, confirmed only after a thorough video and photo review. This victory is now etched in NASCAR lore as the closest finish since electronic timing and scoring were introduced.
Surpassing legendary races with a mere 0.001-second victory margin, Larson’s triumph over Buescher replaces iconic moments in NASCAR history, notably Ricky Craven’s 2003 win over Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson’s 2011 victory over Clint Bowyer. Larson acknowledges the honor of being part of this discussion, particularly alongside Buescher, whose talent he deeply respects.
Reflecting on the race, Larson still holds the Craven-Busch finish in high regard, considering it “way cooler” due to its prolonged battle culminating in a photo finish. Nonetheless, he appreciates the significance of his recent win and hopes it endures in NASCAR’s collective memory.
For Larson, this victory marks his second of the 2024 season with Hendrick Motorsports. It follows a runner-up finish at Dover, adding to his successful campaign this year, which includes ventures beyond NASCAR, such as participating in the Indianapolis 500.
Looking ahead, Larson sets his sights on an ambitious endeavor: completing “The Double” by racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Partnering with McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports, Larson aims to join the elite group of drivers who have achieved this feat.
The upcoming Month of May promises a busy schedule for Larson, with preparations for the Indy 500 conflicting with NASCAR’s All-Star Race weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Despite the logistical challenges, Larson remains focused on delivering strong performances across both racing disciplines, fueled by his passion for competition.