Denny Hamlin took center stage this week by closely analyzing Kyle Larson’s latest victory at Kansas, an event that, despite impressive statistics on paper, drew mixed reactions from fans and industry insiders alike. Though Larson dominated by leading 221 of 267 laps—an astounding 82.7 percent—Hamlin argued on his Actions Detrimental podcast that the win was not as commanding as it first appeared. Unpacking the nuances, he explained that Larson’s performance, while strong, benefited from missed opportunities by rival teams, and the apparent dominance masked vulnerabilities that could have made the result less certain.
The Kansas race represented Larson’s second Cup Series win of the season, coming on the heels of criticism surrounding the race’s excitement level. Fans voiced dissatisfaction, referencing the lack of dramatic lead changes and comparing the event unfavorably to last year’s unforgettable photo-finish between Larson and Chris Buescher. Some called the race a “snoozefest,” but Denny Hamlin countered this narrative, highlighting layers that spectators may have missed.
According to Denny Hamlin, the #5 team excelled through flawless execution, particularly in qualifying and maintaining clean air, which helped Larson control the front. However, Hamlin emphasized that Larson was not untouchable, noting moments when the driver struggled deeper in the pack.
“He’s less dominant than he has been in years past,”
Hamlin commented, suggesting that skillful management and precise strategies, rather than raw speed alone, ensured Larson’s success. Hamlin criticized other contenders for letting rare opportunities slip by, saying,
“They had chances to do something, but they just didn’t cash in.”
Veteran voices like Dale Earnhardt Jr. bolstered Denny Hamlin’s assessment. On his own podcast, Earnhardt highlighted stages in the race where drivers such as Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski seized control, and mentioned how Joey Logano almost cleared Larson on a restart.
“There were some points in the race where particularly Chase Elliott took control of the race. And I know Brad drove up there, passed him,”
Earnhardt said, referencing moments where Larson’s grip on first wavered. He further noted how Ryan Blaney and Josh Berry closed in during the late stages, revealing weaknesses that the #5 team had to overcome.
Both Denny Hamlin and Earnhardt stressed that the alignment of race stages worked in Larson’s favor, allowing the #5 team to mask their vulnerabilities by splitting long runs, which prevented rivals from exploiting fatigue or setup challenges. With the outcome in Kansas determined as much by strategy as by speed, the scrutiny from figures like Denny Hamlin brings the spotlight firmly onto the team’s approach.
As the NASCAR season accelerates toward the North Wilkesboro All-Star Race, attention will shift to Kyle Larson’s upcoming endurance test, which includes both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Denny Hamlin’s analysis raises questions about the sustainability of Larson’s form under greater pressure, hinting that strategic execution—and the ability of opponents to capitalize on fleeting chances—will be critical factors moving forward.
