Kyle Larson Recalls Painful 2023 Championship Loss to Ryan Blaney

Kyle Larson has successfully achieved his spot in the Championship-4 to fight for the coveted Cup Series title win at Phoenix in 2025. The HMS star is already a one-time champion heading into the title battle this year.

Notably, Larson is the only driver with a former championship win against Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and William Byron. Now, amid his strong winning chances, he recalled his painful 2023 championship fight against Ryan Blaney that he lost at the end.

Back in the 2023 season, Kyle Larson was similarly a dominant force and was among the favorites to win the Cup Series title. However, he could only finish second to Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney back then.

Regardless, he will be well prepared in the 2025 season as his past experience will surely come in handy for him this year. As such, Larson recalled the woes of 2023 and how he is better prepared for the fight this time around.

In a press conference appearance ahead of the Phoenix race, Kyle Larson recalled his ill-fated 2023 championship fight at Phoenix against Ryan Blaney. He recalled that he was quite happy to have made it into the playoffs back then. However, Larson accepted that he was definitely sad that he did not win the coveted driver’s title and finish second.

Kyle Lasron accepted that watching the guy ahead of him in Ryan Blaney, bring home the title win was certainly not a good feeling. Regardless, he is glad to have found a realistic shot at fighting for the title once again this year. Larson hopes to finish one spot ahead of his previous finish at Phoenix and defeat the rivals for his second Cup Series title win.

I know, although I was happy I made the Final 4, I was definitely sad to not win. We finished second, I think that year. Seeing the guy in front of you take the checkered flag, become a champion was a deflating feeling. Glad to be back in this position. Hopefully, we can be one spot better than we were last time.

Kyle Larson said via speedwaydigest.

Kyle Larson refuses ‘competitive advantage’ because of his previous title experience

The 2025 season has certainly been eventful for Kyle Larson despite occasional ups and downs in performance. Larson will still have some sort of mental rest ahead of the race at Phoenix, as he hopes to leverage his experience to achieve the best possible results. However, despite his proven track record and previous experiences, he believes that he does not have a clear competitive advantage over his rivals.