The NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville on Sunday was a milestone event for Hedrick Motorsports. Rick Hendrick ’s team marked the 40th anniversary of their first Cup win, which was the first step in the team becoming the most accoupled force in the sport. Willaim Byron capped of the special moment by winning the race in overtime.
After the race, his teammate Kyle Larson, who finished P2 in the race, was really happy and proud over the results. He admitted that the 2024 Daytona 500 winner schooled the entire grid with his run during the green flag pit-cycle. Larson also highlighted how easily William Byron passed it’s rivals despite the race condition making it really hard during traffic.
Just a great day for Hendrick Motorsports. It’s been a great 40 seasons for them. Really cool to have 1,500 people here from Hendrick Motorsports to celebrate. Congrats to William. He did a really good job. Kind of schooled us all there after that green flag stop. Did a really good job passing all of us. He was able to set a good pace, still get through traffic good. Kyle Larson said via NBC.
The race showcased how good the HMS driver has been in the Next-Gen ear. It was his 9th win since the 7th Gen Car was introduced. This was also his 3ed of the 2024 season and if he is able to continue the form, he could win the regular season championship and position himself in the best spot to win the Cup title.
Kyle Larson pinpoints what went wrong for him at Martinsville
Larson while talking about his race pointed out that the No:5 Chevy was as fast as the No:24. He position out that the track position he lost in the second stage was the reason why he couldn’t be at the lead on the final lap despite starting on pole.
My car felt really good. I think we were all kind of the same speed, honestly. Just lost a little bit of track position there in the second stage. Was never able to overcome it. Kyle Larson said.
Going into next weekends race at Texas Motor Speedway, Larson would be hoping to redeem himself by securing a much important win. It would help him to position himself in the right path to challenge Byron for both regular season as well as the Cup title.
More must-reads: