As NASCAR’s Cup Series playoffs head into the penultimate round, Kyle Larson is no stranger to the intense pressure that comes with it. Sunday will mark the fourth time Larson has advanced to the Round of 8, a pivotal moment for any driver still in contention for the championship.
With only two more rounds separating the drivers from a shot at the title, every lap counts. For Larson, the stakes couldn’t be higher, but his previous experiences in the playoffs make him well-prepared for what lies ahead.
Reflecting on his journey to the Round of 8 in previous seasons, Larson noted how those early experiences have shaped his ability to stay calm and focused. “I think the first couple of years I ever made the Round of 8, yeah, you feel the pressure of it a little bit, or you put more pressure on yourself,” he said at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “But after you make it to the final round a few different times, it kind of calms your nerves a little bit.”
Larson’s first taste of the Round of 8 came in 2019, but he didn’t advance further that year. However, in 2021, his fortunes changed dramatically. Driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, Larson not only made it to the Championship 4, but he dominated the season, securing 10 wins and ultimately clinching his first NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Last year, Larson came close once again, finishing second in the championship race at Phoenix Raceway after another strong playoff run. Now, he finds himself back in familiar territory, poised to make another deep run in 2024.
“It’s a privilege to be this far into the playoffs,” Larson said. “To see all the hard work of the regular season and the playoff races to this point, getting yourself to where you’re at in points. I’m ready to go, and hopefully we can execute at a high level and find ourselves with an opportunity at a championship in a few weeks.”
Larson’s performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable. He leads the Cup Series with six victories and claimed the regular season championship, entering the postseason as the sportsbook favorite to win it all. Not only is he the defending race winner at Las Vegas, but he has also won two of the six playoff races this season—further solidifying his position as a top contender.
As Larson gears up for another high-stakes race, his past playoff experiences, combined with his team’s strong performance, give him the confidence and composure to handle the pressure. With a Championship 4 spot on the line, all eyes will be on him to see if he can once again rise to the occasion.
The 2024 Cup Series season has seen Larson prove time and again that he’s capable of performing when it matters most. Now, it’s up to him and his Hendrick Motorsports team to execute as they inch closer to another potential championship.
