Sunday’s Southern 500 brought a bittersweet result for Kyle Larson.
The defending NASCAR Cup Series champion finished a solid fifth on Sunday evening and is seventh in the Chase standings, only 49 points back of leader Denny Hamlin going into the second race of the Chase at Gateway on Sept. 13. But for a driver who came into the night not having won in 50 races, Sunday was an opportunity for Larson to get back to victory lane.
The deciding call of the race came when the event resumed after a brief red flag for rain. With less than 30 laps to go, crew chief Cliff Daniels opted to keep Larson in the top spot, but on older tires. That call came as Christopher Bell, Ty Gibbs and other drivers on the lead lap pitted for fresh rubber.
Kyle Larson was no match for Christopher Bell’s fresh tires
Larson did an admirable job holding onto the lead after the restart, holding off Bell for a number of laps. But with 12 circuits remaining, Bell’s tire advantage paid off, as he scooted around Larson to grab the lead and, aside from a brief bobble, never looked back.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 7, 2026
Larson faded to fifth by the end of the race, and while it was a solid start to the postseason as he looks to defend his championship, it was a disappointing ending to a night that could’ve been so much more for the No. 5 team.
Sunday was arguably the best performance of 2026 from Larson, who looked like his old, dominant self for portions of the race. But a win continues to elude him this season, and Gateway next week isn’t likely to be the source of one.
