Kevin Harvick on Kyle Larson slump has become a major talking point in NASCAR after an unexpected downturn in Larson’s performance this summer, despite his earlier lead in the Cup Series and impressive laps led. The Hendrick Motorsports driver, who last celebrated a win at Kansas, is now in a challenging stretch, prompting analysis from commentators and fellow racers alike.
Larson’s Performance Takes an Unexpected Turn
Although Kyle Larson remains among the top three drivers this season, his inability to convert strong performances into wins has raised questions across the NASCAR community. Following a solid opening to the year, his victory drought has persisted well past his last triumph in Kansas, and his attempt at the Charlotte-Indy Double only intensified his struggles. Since then, Larson has dropped his lead in the standings, slipping in the rankings as others gain momentum.
His situation is made more notable by the simultaneous slump of his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, William Byron, who began the year with a win at the Daytona 500 and consistent top-10 finishes. However, neither Larson nor Byron has managed to dominate recent races as they did earlier in the season, with both facing increased difficulties on the track. Byron, despite his speed across multiple weekends, has experienced two high-profile crashes, opening the door for rivals to close the gap.
Kevin Harvick Weighs In on the Slump
On a recent episode of Harvick’s Happy Hour, retired NASCAR star Kevin Harvick gave his assessment of Larson and Byron’s sudden drop in form. Harvick focused especially on the aftermath of Larson’s Indianapolis campaign, suggesting the All-Star race and subsequent events marked the beginning of their troubles:
“Larson’s been off since the whole Indy stuff started to happen, you know. I really think that, at the All-Star race and that weekend forward, those guys haven’t been as sharp as they were at the beginning of the year.”
—Kevin Harvick, Retired NASCAR Driver
Incidents such as Larson’s recent wreck have only underscored the shift in his season, raising concerns about continued participation in dirt track events and potential distractions. Team owner Rick Hendrick continues to support his drivers’ decisions, but some fans are starting to question whether off-track activities may be affecting focus.
Changing Landscape for Hendrick Motorsports
The dip in performance from both Kyle Larson and William Byron has allowed others within the team to step up. While both drivers entered the year as front-runners for the Cup title, their recent results have left questions about consistency. As Larson watches his title hopes slip for now, Byron’s crashes have also hampered the team’s overall position.
Team dynamics at Hendrick Motorsports are shifting in response. With two of the team’s usual contenders facing difficulties, Chase Elliott is now emerging as their best performer, holding second place in the standings with 619 points and a recent win. Meanwhile, fans and analysts continue to discuss whether Larson might be moving out of consideration for NASCAR’s greatest honors until he can recapture the form that brought him his 2021 championship.
The Big Picture: What Comes Next for Larson and Hendrick
Kyle Larson’s continued struggle to find victory lane comes at a pivotal moment in the Cup Series, especially when expectations for both him and his teammates were high after early-season success. Maxwell Verstappen’s calm response to earlier comments from Larson has contrasted with the increased pressure and criticism now faced by the American driver on social media and within racing circles.
As the summer races progress, the spotlight will remain on Kevin Harvick’s words and whether Larson and Byron can regain their competitive edge for Hendrick Motorsports. For now, all eyes are set on how both drivers and the team will respond to these challenges and whether their pursuit of another Cup title can be revived before the season draws to an end.
