Kyle Larson dominated the race at Bristol, leading an impressive 462 out of 500 laps, thanks to both his flawless driving and his team’s exceptional performance. Many fans found the race dull, feeling the outcome was decided early on.
A common complaint was the tires not wearing down as expected, making overtaking difficult. Amidst the disappointment, Kevin Harvick stepped up to defend Larson’s No. 5 team.
Larson’s victory propelled him to the top of the playoff standings, a significant achievement that his team celebrated despite the criticism. Harvick expressed his support for Larson during his podcast, “Happy Hour,” where he discussed the strength of the Hendrick Motorsports crew, highlighting crew chief Cliff Daniels and car chief Jesse Saunders, who helped lead the team to championship victories.
Harvick emphasized the high level of teamwork and dedication within the No. 5 team, noting how their young members are committed to refining every detail. He also addressed Larson’s teammate, William Byron, pointing out that while they started strong, they hadn’t maintained that momentum throughout the season. Despite some mistakes, Harvick praised the team’s open communication and mutual respect.
He compared Larson’s focus on objectives to Byron’s, noting that Larson doesn’t dwell on disagreements with his spotter, often laughing off any post-race tension. Beyond their professional connection, Larson and Harvick share a close friendship, having competed against each other for years.
They respect each other’s driving skills and share common ground as both are fathers. Their daughters have also begun to bond through go-kart racing, further strengthening their friendship. Harvick is pleased with Larson’s recent success at Bristol and their friendship will likely continue to thrive.
