In a race that edged out even the Warriors-Celtics showdown in viewership numbers this weekend, Kyle Larson displayed a defensive masterclass. He secured his third Cup Series win at the iconic track, winning two victories for Hendrick Motorsports just three races into the 2024 season. As HMS continued their Sin City dominance, Larson’s strategic brilliance in the final laps became the highlight of the Pennzoil 400, fending off a consistent and persistent Tyler Reddick.

Adding a unique perspective to the analysis was Steve Letarte, the former crew chief for the legendary #24 car fielded by Hendrick Motorsports and current NASCAR analyst for NBC Sports.

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Young Money, now stepping into his sixth season with Rick Hendrick and his team, displayed exceptional control throughout the race. He led a race-high 181 laps and even secured victories in both stages. The #5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 maintained its consistency and reliability, following up on last fall’s victory at the South Point 400. Last season’s Vegas spring race was also won by a Hendrick driver as the Daytona 500 winner, and the current driver of the #24 Chevrolet, William Byron, echoed his teammate’s most recent victory.

Letarte, who used to be the crew chief for the reason the #24 became so iconic, Jeff Gordon, offered a unique perspective on Larson’s strategy alongside NASCAR analyst and crew chief for Jimmie Johnson’s part-time entry with Legay Motor Club, Todd Gordon.

In the closing stages, Reddick tried various tactics to overtake Larson. He initially attempted to take the bottom lane, but Larson countered by effectively “air-blocking” him. Reddick then switched to the top lane, gaining ground through turns three and four.

Letarte’s analysis shed light on Larson’s strategic move, “This is so interesting because the #5 car (Larson) could easily be up there in front of Reddick, but he’s down here a lane, and I think it’s by choice. He’s in a position where he can drive the dirty air and block whatever he needs to.”

Todd Gordon concurred with Letarte’s initial observation, stating, “Yeah, I think it’s by choice. He’s reacting to how the #45 comes.”

Reddick then switched to the top lane, gaining some ground through turns three and four. However, Larson, showcasing quick thinking and racecraft, moved up the track in an unexpected maneuver. And this is exactly where Letarte’s excitement-filled, expert analysis was on evident display.

What did Tyler Reddick have to say?

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The Hendrick talisman dissected the race footage further, emphasizing the brilliance of Larson’s aforementioned maneuver. “You see the #5 slide up on purpose, once again playing defense and blocking that opportunity. As good as the #45 was, if the front tires work enough and he can turn, you can get the turn below him (Larson), the climb down the hill off turns three and four, get that momentum, and then the #5 would be in trouble.”

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Additionally, even Tyler Reddick himself acknowledged Larson’s brilliance in disrupting the #45’s airflow in post-race interviews. “He was able to run in the middle of the racetrack and disturb my air no matter where I ran,” Reddick admitted. Larson’s calculated moves, especially through turns 1 and 2, showcased a deep understanding of aerodynamics and racecraft in the dominant Chevrolet, ultimately securing his win.

As the Cup Series now heads to Phoenix for the Shriners Children’s 400, the lessons learned from this thrilling battle will undoubtedly influence the strategies of both competitors and provide fans with another dose of high-octane racing action, straight from the Valley of the Sun.

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