The world of NASCAR is known for its intense battles and the controversies that follow. A recent incident involving Kyle Larson has sparked heated discussions across the stock car racing community. During the NASCAR Xfinity race at Darlington earlier this year, Larson found himself in a last-lap tussle with John Hunter Nemechek. While Larson came out of the battle with a win, it wasn’t without a dramatic incident that left fans fuming.

Larson and Nemechek engaged in a thrilling exchange of positions during the final five laps of the race. However, it was the final lap that proved to be the most intense, as Larson’s #10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet sent Nemechek into the inside wall. Larson’s maneuver secured his victory but also raised many eyebrows. The community was quick to react as a clip of the incident resurfaced on Twitter, sparking discourse about Larson’s apparent dual standards of fairness in racing.

Last lap duel at Darlington: Larson doored Nemechek for the win

Starting the race in third place, Kyle Larson seized the lead during the first stage. Only to see the Joe Gibbs Racing driver take the spotlight in the second stage. Despite a pit road speeding penalty that set him back, Larson demonstrated his resilience by navigating through the field. As the final laps approached, Larson found himself in a fierce showdown with Nemechek, setting the stage for a gripping last-lap collision.

As the two cars jostled for supremacy, Larson and Nemechek made a few contacts with the wall, refusing to yield. The crescendo of their battle reached its peak at the exit of Turn 4. Where a momentous collision unfolded. Nemechek spun out after being doored, while the Hendrick Motorsports driver surged forward to claim victory.

Reflecting on the intensity of the race, Larson shared his insights in the victory lane, recounting the dynamics that led to the collision.

“We were able to get to (Nemechek’s) inside and just side-draft there,” said Larson. “We were just bouncing off each other a little bit. I’m not sure what happened in [Turn] 3, but it seemed like he was trying to get in behind me to shove me in the corner.”

“He kind of hooked me right and hit the wall. And [I] just tried to stay away from him off of [Turn] 4,” he added. “What an exciting race there. I didn’t know if he was upset with me or anything like that. So you’re just trying to get away from him.”

“Then I hit the wall, and he got to my door at the same exact time. And it kind of shot him and wrecked him. It was unfortunate that he ended up crashed — or I guess he got fifth, so that’s good. But just, yeah, I mean, wild. I haven’t really seen much. Just crazy.”

However, when Nemechek was asked about the incident, he described it as nothing but “Good, hard racing.”

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The resurfacing of this incident ignited fury from NASCAR fans. The community recalled Larson’s recent reaction to a similar incident involving Hamlin at Pocono. Where Larson had expressed his belief in earning respect on the track.

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The NASCAR fandom is no stranger to passionate opinions and spirited debates. The incident at Darlington Raceway prompted fans to draw parallels between Larson and a familiar name: Denny Hamlin. Often referred to as a “hypocrite” by racing fans, Hamlin’s actions have sparked many controversies in the past.

However, fans were quick to point out what they saw as a double standard in racing. Many pointed out that Larson’s behavior mirrored the same tactics he had criticized in Hamlin. The incident prompted a flurry of comments, with fans expressing their perspective on the perceived hypocrisy.

One fan pointed it out straight away: “I think the word is hypocrite.” Another said, “Denny is dirty though, remember that.” One more pointed out how Larson would behave being on the other end, “But if anyone does the same to Larson, we have to hear about it for a week 🙄.”

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There was one that pointed out how it’s only Toyota drivers who are always blamed: “Dirtiest racing I’ve ever seen from Larson. Nobody bats an eyelash if they ain’t in a Toyota, though 😂.” Another fan said, “Cry’s when he gets fenced, but pulls the same moves…”

As the dust settles after Larson and Nemechek’s clash at Darlington resurfaced, the motorsport community continues to dissect the implications of the race and its aftermath, underscoring the complex interplay between competition, sportsmanship, and public perception.