Kyle Larson’s playoff performance is drawing scrutiny following a disappointing finish at Darlington, raising questions about his prospects as the NASCAR Cup Series heads toward critical races. As key voices in the racing community express concern and analysis, Larson faces mounting pressure to rediscover his previous form in the lead-up to Bristol and beyond.
Inconsistent Results Raise Alarms for Team Hendrick
Kyle Larson, widely regarded as a top contender, finished 19th in the playoff opener at Darlington, a result that was part of an underwhelming day for Team Hendrick. Chase Elliott managed the best finish for the team at 17th, with William Byron coming in at 21st and Alex Bowman in 31st, marking a rare struggle for the normally competitive squad. Larson, who has typically excelled at Darlington, was not able to deliver the kind of dominating performance that fans and analysts have come to expect from him, compounding worries about his current run of form.
Longtime NASCAR observers like Kyle Petty noted the drop-off in Larson’s performance, pointing out he has not displayed the same excellence since earlier in the season. Petty remarked,
“I just don’t think we’ve seen the Kyle Larson since May,”
—Kyle Petty, Analyst
Petty drew parallels to the end of Jimmie Johnson’s storied career, when performances began to fall short of what had become routine over years of dominance. He observed that while Larson continues to achieve solid finishes, the expectations for him remain unusually high due to his prior success and often spectacular driving.
According to Petty, what sets the standard for Larson is his ability to maneuver at the edge—a driving style that regularly astonishes spectators. Describing what he and many expect from the No. 5 Chevy driver, Petty emphasized that Larson should be aggressive and daring on the track. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that Larson’s decisions at Darlington, such as choosing not to contest certain positions, were pragmatic given his car’s limitations. Petty said,
“He didn’t fight for a position. He didn’t worry about it. That’s Mark Martin-esque. You know what I mean? Take what you’ve got, go to the house with it. And that’s what he did.”
—Kyle Petty, Analyst
While this approach may have averted disaster on a difficult day, Petty signaled that it is not the form that will likely carry Larson deep into the playoffs, stating that more extraordinary performances will be needed—similar to the times when Larson dominated and “lapped the field.”
“I want to see some of those days where he’s challenging for the lead. I want to see some of those days where we used to see him run and we used to see him do that magic and we’ve not seen any magic since May.”
—Kyle Petty, Analyst
Steve Letarte Offers a Different Assessment of Larson’s Situation
While Petty focused on the need for Larson to recapture earlier brilliance, Steve Letarte analyzed Larson’s circumstances from a technical standpoint, especially as they relate to upcoming races. Letarte emphasized the importance of raw speed and competitive pace, particularly at high-speed flat tracks. He commented,
“So for me, it’s real simple,”
—Steve Letarte, Analyst
Letarte explained that the race at Bristol will serve as a crucial barometer for Larson’s true competitiveness, noting that if the No. 5 car does not display top-three pace, it will signal significant trouble in Larson’s championship quest. Bristol is considered Larson’s standout venue, the place where he has been able to transcend variables such as team or tire changes, consistently posting elite performances. Letarte warned that anything less than signature speed would heighten doubts.
“So, if he isn’t dominant, and he doesn’t have to win because there’s a lot of ways to lose there, we’re just talking raw speed. If he doesn’t have Kyle Larson speed, then I’m going to start to be really concerned.”
—Steve Letarte, Analyst
Petty concurred with this view, adding that it has been some time since Larson was in genuine contention for victory. He believes that for Larson to advance, being within striking distance of the front at Bristol and other key races is vital. As Letarte summed up the debate, he cautioned that a return to form by Larson could quickly change the entire playoff narrative:
“As much as we’re all concerned, if he goes and leads 350 laps and wins at Bristol, I’m not sure you want to wake that dragon up.”
—Steve Letarte, Analyst
Focus Turns to Gateway Before Bristol’s Critical Test
Despite his recent 19th-place finish at Darlington, Larson currently stands third in the Cup playoff points as he heads toward the upcoming race at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis. This strong position in the standings reflects consistency over the season, but it does not erase the concerns about momentum and peak performance at crucial playoff moments.
Many discussions around Larson’s playoff path focus on Bristol, where his track record includes three victories, eight top-five finishes, and thirteen top-10s from only eighteen appearances. However, the immediate challenge is at Gateway, where he has started three times, logging a single top-five and two top-10 finishes.
If Larson delivers another lackluster result at Gateway similar to Darlington, he may find himself needing a must-win at Bristol to prolong his playoff run and escape potential elimination before the Round of 12. The performance at Gateway could therefore have an outsized influence not only on his championship hopes but also on the confidence and strategy Team Hendrick brings into the pivotal races ahead.
What the Next Races Mean for Larson’s Playoff Hopes
Kyle Larson’s playoff performance now stands at a crossroads, with recent results triggering concern about whether he can recapture the dominance that fueled earlier successes. Analysts and fans alike are closely monitoring how he and Team Hendrick respond—not just at Bristol, where he has excelled historically, but also at Gateway, where a strong run could stabilize his campaign. If Larson can reclaim his signature aggression and speed at these crucial tracks, he may remind the competition of the threat he once posed, but if the struggles continue, his 2024 title aspirations could quickly fade.
