During Stage 2 of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway, Denny Hamlin unexpectedly made contact with Kyle Larson from behind. What made this incident particularly unusual was that Hamlin was being lapped by Larson at the time.
Despite occasional on-track incidents between them, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson generally maintain a cordial and respectful relationship. Off the track, they are known to be friends, often spending time together playing golf and socializing.
Kyle Larson had one of the strongest cars during the Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway on Sunday. Early in the race, it appeared he had a good chance to secure his fourth win of the season and potentially back-to-back victories at the track. However, on Lap 219 out of 350, Larson’s race took a turn for the worse.
Attempting to regain positions and move towards the front, Larson tried to go three-wide exiting Turn 4. Unfortunately, Daniel Suarez made contact with Larson’s left rear, causing him to hit the wall. Denny Hamlin was also involved in the incident as a result.
The incident where Denny Hamlin made contact with Kyle Larson was particularly puzzling given the circumstances: Hamlin was lapped and Larson was leading at that point in the race. Unfortunately for both drivers, this wasn’t the only instance of contact between them that day. They found themselves in close quarters again towards the end of Stage 2 and during the ensuing pit cycle.
