Kyle Larson Dismisses Hype Around Las Vegas Race: “It’s Not Everything!”
As the NASCAR playoffs heat up, all eyes are on Kyle Larson as he gears up for the South Point 400 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway this Sunday. This pivotal race marks the thrilling commencement of the Round of 8 playoffs, yet Larson is making waves by downplaying its significance. In a bold statement, he asserts that winning this first race “is not everything.”
Larson, who triumphed at Las Vegas last year, recognizes the importance of the playoffs but emphasizes that there’s more to the championship than just a single race. “I think it’s definitely a benefit,” Larson declared, addressing the media ahead of the race. “Other drivers have said it’s, like, everything. I don’t think it’s everything to win this first one, but it is nice to kind of look ahead a little bit.” His words challenge the notion that victory at Las Vegas is the be-all and end-all for playoff contenders.
With the playoff structure featuring three critical races—Las Vegas, Talladega, and Martinsville—before the final showdown at Phoenix, Larson’s perspective is refreshingly pragmatic. He acknowledges that winning the first race can ease pressure for upcoming events, allowing drivers to strategize for future qualifications. “If you win this first race, it takes a little bit of focus off of the next couple,” Larson explained. “But again, it’s not everything.”
Currently, Larson sits in a strong position above the playoff cutline, boasting a +4 points lead in third place, just behind Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney. However, his teammate Chase Elliott is in a precarious situation, currently below the cutline with -14 points, alongside Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Joey Logano, all facing potential elimination as the playoff intensity escalates.
As the adrenaline builds for the South Point 400, Larson’s starting position from P6 showcases his competitive edge, following a solid qualifying run. Driving the HendrickCars.com/Zac Brown Band Chevrolet, Larson clocked in at 29.238 seconds. Denny Hamlin snagged the pole position, edging out Chase Briscoe, who also showed strong form.
With three wins in the bag this season, Larson has proven he can dominate the track—boasting 12 Top 5 finishes and 19 Top 10s across 32 races. As he prepares for the race at Las Vegas, fans and competitors alike are left wondering: can Larson turn his strategic mindset into another victory, or will the pressure of the playoffs prove too much?
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where Larson’s bold declarations only add fuel to the fire. Buckle up—this race promises to be a nail-biter!