Kyle Larson nearly secured his fourth win of the year, finishing second in the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. (Photo: Nigel Kinrade | Nigel Kinrade Photography)
LAS VEGAS — Kyle Larson and his No. 5 Zac Brown Band/HendrickCars.com Chevrolet team turned in a commanding performance on Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, dominating much of the 267-lap South Point 400 before ultimately finishing second to Denny Hamlin by 1.533 seconds. Starting sixth, Larson quickly established himself as a frontrunner, finishing second in Stage 1 before capturing Stage 2 and leading four separate times for a total of 129 laps.
From the drop of the green flag, Larson’s car showed the kind of speed and balance that has become synonymous with Hendrick Motorsports. The No. 5 Chevrolet was strong on both short- and long-run setups, giving Larson multiple opportunities to press toward the front of the field while maintaining control over tire wear and track position. By the end of Stage 1, he had already put himself within striking distance of the lead, showing the composure and precision that have made him one of the sport’s most consistent performers.
In Stage 2, Larson’s dominance became more pronounced. The team executed pit stops with crisp efficiency, allowing him to take the lead and hold it for the majority of the stage. He set the pace through the middle portion of the race, demonstrating an ability to manage tire wear while keeping a close eye on the challengers behind him. His efforts culminated in a Stage 2 victory, a clear signal that the No. 5 team had both speed and strategy locked in.
Despite leading 129 laps in total, Larson faced stiff competition in the closing laps. Hamlin, in the No. 11 Toyota, emerged as the decisive challenger, applying relentless pressure over the final stint. Larson acknowledged the difficulty of holding off Hamlin, who had a clear run and momentum in the final laps.
“I thought we did everything that we could do,” Larson said after the race. “The Toyota’s were really fast for the short-run there. I saw the No. 11 line up behind me and I knew he’d be difficult to hold off. If any one of the Toyota’s got clear and could get rolling, I knew it would be tough. He did a great job, though. He still had to make the right moves, which he did. I felt like I was doing all I could to stay in front of him, while also trying to track down the No. 19 (Chase Briscoe). We just came up a little bit short, but overall, it was a great day for the No. 5 Chevrolet team.”
While Larson fell just short of Victory Lane, the overall performance reinforced the team’s competitiveness and championship credentials. The combination of a fast car, precise pit stops, and Larson’s experience allowed the team to amass valuable points, keeping them in strong position as the Cup Series moves to the next round of the playoffs.
The race also highlighted Larson’s ability to balance aggression with calculated patience. Leading laps for extended stretches requires not only raw speed but also a strategic understanding of how to manage tires, track position, and on-track traffic. Larson executed all of these elements nearly flawlessly, allowing him to stay within striking distance of the lead even when Hamlin made his decisive move in the closing laps.
For Larson, the performance at Las Vegas was more than just a runner-up finish. It provided important insight into his car’s performance and the strategies required as the Cup Series heads to Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, Oct. 19, for the YellaWood 500, the second race in the three-race Round of 8.
Kyle Larson nearly secured a Championship 4 spot for Phoenix, placing runner-up in the South Point 400 at Las Vegas. (Photo: Christopher Vargas | Overbey Photography)
“We did have a great points day, but it could easily change next week,” Larson said. “We’ll just try to execute again; have a good points day at Talladega and be in a good position heading into Martinsville.”
Larson’s ability to extract maximum performance from the No. 5 Chevrolet was evident across all stages of the race. Even as Hamlin applied pressure, Larson maintained competitive lap times, demonstrating the depth of the team’s preparation and the car’s adaptability across varying track conditions. The strength in both short- and long-run speed positioned Larson to challenge for the win multiple times, highlighting his role as a consistent threat in the playoffs.
Pit strategy also played a key role in Larson’s dominance. Quick, efficient stops allowed him to maintain or regain track position at critical moments, particularly during the mid-race cautions. The team’s execution in these high-pressure situations underscored their preparation and synergy, reinforcing Hendrick Motorsports’ reputation for precision in playoff races.
Larson’s handling of traffic and restarts further exemplified his strategic acumen. On a track as wide and fast as Las Vegas, finding clean air and managing tire wear are critical to success. Larson’s ability to navigate through the field while conserving his car for the closing laps demonstrated both experience and foresight.
While Hamlin ultimately secured the win, Larson’s performance left no doubt about the No. 5 Chevrolet team’s competitiveness. Leading nearly a third of the race, winning a stage, and consistently running at the front provided a strong points haul and built momentum for the upcoming races in the Round of 8.
The final stages of the South Point 400 showcased Larson’s ability to adapt under pressure. With multiple lead changes and challengers closing in, Larson executed precise lines through traffic and managed tire degradation to remain a contender until the checkered flag. His awareness and execution in these high-pressure moments demonstrated why he is considered one of the sport’s premier drivers.
Beyond the immediate points implications, Larson’s performance at Las Vegas will carry confidence into the remaining playoff races. Talladega’s unpredictable superspeedway racing and Martinsville’s tight, short-track battles will require a combination of speed, strategy, and adaptability — qualities Larson and his team displayed consistently in the desert.
Notably Larson’s dominant performance at Las Vegas elevated him to 20th in the all-times laps led list in the NASCAR Cup Series at 10,356 laps and counting.
Even in finishing second, Larson maintained perspective on the bigger picture. The No. 5 team has positioned itself strongly in the playoff standings, with the experience gained from leading laps and winning a stage at Las Vegas serving as a foundation for the next two races.
Kyle Larson’s second place showing in the South Point 400 at Las Vegas was his fourth consecutive top 10 finish in as many weeks. (Photo: Christopher Vargas | Overbey Photography)
“We just came up a little bit short, but overall, it was a great day for the No. 5 Chevrolet team,” Larson reflected. “We’ll try to execute again next week at Talladega and be in a good position heading into Martinsville.”
Sunday’s runner-up finish is a reminder that success in the Cup Series is often measured not just by victories but by consistency, adaptability, and the ability to extract maximum performance under pressure. Larson and his Hendrick Motorsports team demonstrated all three at Las Vegas, setting themselves up as serious contenders as the playoffs progress.
The Round of 8 continues next weekend at Talladega, where Larson will look to translate the speed, strategy, and execution from Las Vegas into another strong performance. The team’s confidence, built on Sunday’s effort, will be crucial as the season approaches its climax, with championship aspirations on the line.
Larson’s ability to combine experience with a competitive car has been evident throughout his career, and Las Vegas offered yet another example of that skill set. Leading laps, winning a stage, and staying in contention until the final moments highlights the strengths of the No. 5 team and underscores Larson’s role as a consistent threat in the playoffs.
As the series prepares to move from the high banks of Las Vegas to the unpredictability of Talladega and the tight confines of Martinsville, Larson and his team carry momentum, data, and confidence that could prove decisive in the hunt for the championship.
Sunday’s race may not have ended in Victory Lane, but the performance of Kyle Larson and his No. 5 Chevrolet team reaffirmed their ability to contend at the highest level, setting the stage for a critical stretch of races in the Round of 8.
