[autotag]Kyle Larson[/autotag] entered Las Vegas Motor Speedway looking to win his first NASCAR Cup Series race of the 2024 season, and he did more than win it. Larson swept the day at Las Vegas. It was a dominant showing by the Hendrick Motorsports driver, who showed exceptional speed at the two superspeedway races to start the new year.
Entering 2024, the “Year of Larson” saying was used to describe his attempt at “The Double” in May. Larson will attempt to make the Indianapolis 500 and run the Coca-Cola 600 later in the day. However, the “Year of Larson” began at Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon. It was a statement win after he lost the championship at Phoenix Raceway in 2023.
The driver of the No. 5 car has a chip on his shoulder. It comes from that loss to Ryan Blaney at Phoenix, which has produced one victory and the points lead after three races in 2023. Yet, this shouldn’t be the end of Larson’s success. It’s only the beginning. Sure, he may slow down from averaging three-stage wins per race on 1.5-mile tracks, but he should be fast every week.
He holds off a hard-charging Tyler Reddick late at Vegas! Repost to congratulate Kyle Larson on his NASCAR Cup Series WIN. pic.twitter.com/AKpgdQnZfx
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 4, 2024
Hendrick Motorsports’ speed, Larson’s talent, the chip on his shoulder, and the momentum from last season’s playoffs all come together for massive expectations. Larson doesn’t need to repeat his 10-win campaign from 2021, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him come close if everything goes right. The “Year of Larson” isn’t just a lazy narrative.
This is real. Larson proved that at the first intermediate race of the season at Las Vegas and when he ran up front at the superspeedway races. Larson can win a ridiculous number of races in the Cup Series, but “The Double” would be his greatest accomplishment. It takes endurance and talent to drive 1,100 miles in one day.
It would be a massive success if Larson could come away with two top-15 finishes. One that highlights the career of the 2021 Cup Series champion. While NASCAR is expected to be a big year for Larson, May could be a legacy-defining month. Larson has shown indications that 2024 could be a massive year, and it wouldn’t be shocking to anyone.
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