If there was ever any doubt that Kyle Larson is not a championship favorite, he has gone and squashed it now. Ahead of the Kansas race, he was on the verge of breaking Jeff Gordon’s record for the most laps led in a season. Gordon notched up an astounding 2320 laps as a race leader, but Larson has gone and blitzed it.

To be exact, he has amassed 2397 laps as a race leader, and with two races left, he could extend that. Now, it has transpired that he has equaled another record, in the process. Apparently, he is the first driver since the late great Dale Earnhardt to notch up two hat-trick wins in a single season.

Dale Sr achieved this feat in 1987 with back-to-back wins at Darlington, North Wilkesboro, Bristol, and Martinsville. Later on, he did it again at Bristol, Darlington, and Richmond. Now, Larson has done it at Charlotte, Sonoma, and Nashville, and again at Charlott, Texas, and Kansas.

What next for Kyle Larson in the 2021 season?

Admittedly, his win could be bad news for the rest of the Round of 8 drivers. This is because there is now one race left for seven drivers to fill up three spots at the Phoenix Raceway finale. Heading into the Martinsville race, there are three avenues that he can pursue, ahead of the season finale.

Firstly, he could take it easy and let someone else win for a change. Secondly, he could try and play the team game and let Teammate Chase Elliott guarantee his Championship 4 berth. Finally, he could try and finish the season on a high note and keep up his winning ways at Martinsville and Phoenix.

Without a doubt, the Hendrick Motorsports team is one of the strongest out there. However, the likes of Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske should never be underestimated.

READ MORE: Kyle Larson on the Verge of Breaking a 20-Year-Old Record at Kansas This Weekend