Motorsport TechnologyKyle Larson kept up his incredible run of form in 2021 by notching his sixth victory of the season, leading on seven different occasions before heading home Kevin Harvick to the chequered flag at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Larson was already locked into the Round of 12 even before Sunday’s race but there appears to be no end to the Californian’s competitive edge as he led a race-high 175 laps.
He was all smiles after that one. 😃@KyleLarsonRacin | @Valvoline pic.twitter.com/sv5GmrseMJ
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) September 19, 2021
“Getting a playoff win is always good,” Larson is quoted on the official Hendrick Motorsports website. “To get a playoff win, or just get a win here at Bristol, has always been tough to do. I haven’t been able to do it until tonight. It feels great. It’s good to win a playoff race.”
Aside from the No. 5 team’s victorious night, there was more good news for Hendrick Motorsports fans as all four team drivers made it through to the Round of 12, William Byron joining Larson on the podium with a third-place finish and Alex Bowman in close pursuit in 5th.
Chase Elliott also made it through as a result of his previous form despite trailing in 25th on the day after tangling with Harvick, but Hendrick also continues to lead all teams with 12 wins in 2021.
Next stop for all four teammates, the #NASCARPlayoffs Round of 12! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/w3TLDCUCXY
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) September 19, 2021
“I was honestly just trying to go as hard as I could,” said Byron. “I was just trying to make as much speed as I could. I felt like that was what our car had, and we were just trying to hold off the No. 12 (Ryan Blaney) and just drive it as hard as I could. It was a pretty awesome moment that we could pull through being 18 points out, and (to) come into this race and advance is pretty amazing.”
“I’m just appreciative to make it through this round,” added Bowman. “It’s Ally’s first time in the playoffs, and we want to get them as far as we can and try to go chase a championship. There are some good tracks coming up for us this round and I’ve just got to go do my job, not make any more mistakes and have a good rest of the playoffs.”
Time for some victory lane photos. 📸 @KyleLarsonRacin | @Valvoline pic.twitter.com/4YaMGjLV8B
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) September 19, 2021
