At this time during the 2022 NASCAR season, [autotag]Kyle Larson[/autotag] sat 18 points above the playoff cut-line in the Round of 12. It was supposed to be a solid cushion to the bubble as Larson tried to stay mistake-free at the Charlotte ROVAL. Unfortunately for the No. 5 team, a late wreck and Christopher Bell’s victory ended his championship hopes with a shocking elimination.
Fast forward to October 2023 and Larson sits in a similar position. The driver of the No. 5 car only has a 15-point advantage on the playoff cut-line with Tyler Reddick, another successful road course driver, looking to make his way back into the picture. Thankfully for Larson, the Charlotte ROVAL has provided consistent speed over the years.
KYLE LARSON WINS THE 2023 SOUTHERN 500! pic.twitter.com/cz3MPP54YE
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) September 4, 2023
Larson won the event during the 2021 season and has two stage victories to his name since the Charlotte ROVAL’s debut. Despite only one top-10 finish, the Hendrick Motorsports driver has been fast at the venue. Also, Larson has run well at road courses during the 2023 season with two top-10 finishes. Yet, his last win was over one year ago at Watkins Glen International.
There will be a lot on the line once again for Larson at the Charlotte ROVAL this weekend. Compared to last year, he appears to be in a way better situation as the No. 5 car has been a consistent contender every week. If Larson can get to the Round of 8, an appearance in the Championship 4 seems likely. The only issue is getting there and the Charlotte ROVAL is in his way.
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