Kyle Larson aims to end Hendrick Motorsports Michigan win drought this weekend at Michigan International Speedway, where the team has not celebrated a victory since Jeff Gordon’s notable success in 2014. As he prepares for Sunday’s Firekeepers Casino 400, Larson highlighted his surprise at the drought, noting that Michigan is not generally considered a troublesome track for Hendrick Motorsports.
Decade of Frustration at Michigan International Speedway
For the past ten years, Hendrick Motorsports has come up short at the D-shaped Michigan oval. Jeff Gordon, a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, was the last to secure victory for the team in 2014, standing as their only highlight at this track over the last decade. Now, with Kyle Larson joining the squad, the story could shift. Larson himself holds three personal victories at Michigan, beginning with his 2016 triumph while part of Chip Ganassi Racing.
Reflecting on the situation, Larson voiced his thoughts, stating,
Yeah, I don’t know. I think it’s been since even I won in ’17 that a Chevy has won here. Which is, I mean, it’s kind of surprising because I don’t feel like it’s a track that we struggle at, you know, by any means.
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
Persistent Speed but Elusive Wins for Larson and Hendrick
Despite showing strong pace and consistent front-running performance in Hendrick cars at Michigan, neither Larson nor his teammates have managed to clinch a win, due in part to unpredictable race-day dynamics. Yet, Larson remains positive and points out that the team does not face the same obstacles at Michigan that have hindered them at other circuits such as Nashville.
Larson Set for Sunday Challenge After Escaping Sprint Car Crash
Kyle Larson is set to begin Sunday’s Firekeepers Casino 400 from the fifth position on the grid, lined up alongside Chris Buescher, another Michigan race winner. Race fans can watch the action unfold live on Prime Video at 2 pm ET, with up-to-the-minute coverage from MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The build-up to Sunday’s showdown included a dramatic incident, as Larson walked away uninjured from a high-speed sprint car crash at Plymouth Dirt Track. Reflecting on the ordeal, Larson commented,
Glad I’m okay. Big hits, but all in all I feel fine.
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
Championship Battle Continues Among Hendrick Drivers
As the Cup Series heads into Michigan, Larson sits second in the championship standings with 499 points, following closely behind William Byron, his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, who leads the board with 547 points. The racing community eagerly watches as Larson strives to secure a pivotal win and potentially end the long-running drought for Hendrick Motorsports at Michigan International Speedway.
