In a world where throttle drives the adrenaline, subtle jabs between teammates often reveal more than direct confrontations. Kyle Larson’s recent comments following his dominant Kansas Speedway victory expose exactly that kind of competitive undercurrent within Hendrick Motorsports. While celebrating his third win of the 2025 season—a commanding performance where he led 221 of 267 laps—Larson couldn’t help but acknowledge the points lead he now holds over teammate William Byron.

The significance of Larson’s remarks extends beyond typical post-race commentary. As he prepares for his second attempt at “The Double”—racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Larson clearly values entering this grueling challenge as the NASCAR Cup Series points leader. He, out of all the drivers, knows the pain of missing out on the regular season championship by one single point. So, he certainly feels secure with the lead and heading into the bus weeks of racing.

William Byron was just an innocent bystander to Larson’s Kansas dominance

“I do still feel like it’s very important for our series that, you know, their point leader is running the Indy 500,” Larson revealed in a candid moment after his Kansas victory. What seems like an innocuous comment about NASCAR representation at the iconic Indianapolis event actually carries deeper implications about team dynamics.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect for Kyle Larson. His decisive win at Kansas Speedway on Sunday saw him dominate in a fashion far different from last year’s nail-biter at the same track, which he won by a microscopic 0.001 seconds. This victory, combined with William Byron’s disappointing 24th-place finish after falling off the lead lap with an early flat tire, has propelled Larson to a 35-point advantage in the standings.

The numbers tell the story of contrasting fortunes. Larson’s three wins this season tie him with Christopher Bell for the most in the series. Meanwhile, Byron, who finished a distant 24th at Kansas after early trouble, has watched his early-season momentum fade. For Larson, this point swing represents more than just statistical success; it’s validation of his dual-focus approach as he prepares for Indianapolis.

“Hate William’s misfortune, but, you know, glad we were able to have, you know, enough of a point swing there to get the point lead. We were able to be leading the points as well last year, and I thought, you know, that was really neat. I mean, it was definitely a goal of mine, I feel like, last year to be leading the points in the 500,” Larson acknowledged, delivering the subtle dig at his teammate’s struggles while framing it within team camaraderie.

The “Double” attempt carries historical significance dating back to John Andretti’s first attempt in 1994. Tony Stewart’s 2001 performance—finishing 6th at Indianapolis and 3rd at Charlotte—remains the benchmark for this extraordinary challenge. For Larson, leading the Cup Series points adds another dimension to an already pressure-packed endeavor. But this time around, he would want to redeem himself after last year’s disappointment while attempting the Double.

With preparations intensifying following his Kansas win, Larson now heads to Indianapolis for qualifying. Unlike many drivers who might downplay their ambitions, his transparency about wanting to represent NASCAR as its points leader at the Indy 500 shows his understanding of the moment’s significance. But, if weather does play a spoiler this time around, his team, Hendrick Motorsports, has revealed that they will prioritize the Coca-Cola 600. Well, Larson can theoretically miss the NASCAR race, but he will have to forfeit all the playoff points he will earn in the regular season.

Meanwhile, the NASCAR community was shell-shocked when Kyle Busch shared his story about the failed attempt to race the 1100-mile at Indy and Charlotte.

Trending

1

Allegations Against NASCAR Over Manipulating a Race Get Stronger With Glaring New Revelations

2

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Takes Away Kyle Larson’s Dominant Kansas Win With a Brutal Reality Check

3

FOX Broadcaster Gets Teary Eyed, Publicly Disclosing Emotional Moment as Call Mounts Against Jamie Little

4

NASCAR Lawsuit: Michael Jordan and Co. in Danger of Being $30 Million in the Hole Amidst Major Turnover, Claims Pundit

5

Hailie Deegan’s Post NASCAR Career Starts Off Rocky as She Slowly Finds Her Feet

How Joe Gibbs Prevented Kyle Busch’s Indy 500 Attempt

Kyle Busch’s revelation that Joe Gibbs directly blocked his Indianapolis 500 opportunity has sparked considerable fan outrage. On a recent episode of the “Actions Detrimental” podcast, Busch didn’t mince words when he explained, “I had an opportunity done, sealed, signed, delivered… 2017, I had it all done.” When asked who prevented it from happening, Busch pointedly answered that it was Joe Gibbs who said no. Despite M&M’s being ready to sponsor the effort, and both manufacturers giving their approval.

This exposure paints a picture of a team owner potentially restraining one of NASCAR’s most talented drivers from reaching the legendary accomplishment. Now, “Coach” Gibbs, who commands great respect in NASCAR circles, is getting flak from fans. The contrast comes out even more when Gibbs later allowed Denny Hamlin to own a competing team (23XI Racing) while he drove for Joe Gibbs Racing.

For the avid fanbase for Busch, who are called “Rowdy Nation”, this revelation has opened old wounds on how their favorite driver was treated at JGR. Social media has been ablaze with fans making their disappointed opinions known on how Gibbs would come to obstruct what could have been a career-defining moment in Busch’s career. Interestingly, the timing of this disclosure is especially noteworthy as Larson played the role of the spoiler when Rowdy had a second bite at the Indy 500.