“It probably just ended up biting me”: Kyle Larson bemoans his mistake after crashing out in inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa

Kyle Larson was poised to win the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway until a crash early in the final stage dashed his hopes of securing his fourth victory of the season.

During a restart on lap 219 of 350, Larson squeezed into the gap between Brad Keselowski and Daniel Suarez, forcing them three-wide into Turn 4 for a top-five spot. As Larson tried to maneuver, Suarez, on two fresh tires, got loose and made contact with the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy.

Kyle Larson lost control and collected Denny Hamlin before colliding with the wall. He was later pushed into the garage for repairs and was back on track 30 odd laps down on the leader, eventually finishing P34.

The 2021 Cup champion expressed regret over his actions speaking with journalist Bob Pockrass, admitting he could've been more patient during the restart, given he was the fastest driver on the track.

"I haven't seen the replay yet, but I guess I could have not gone to the middle (lane) and been more patient knowing how fast my car was and knowing who I was around. I wanted to get as many cars as I could in the beginning of that run (from the back of the field). It probably just ended up biting me," he said.

Kyle Larson elaborated on the incident that took him out, reckoning that he had almost made the three-wide pass successful.

"I had room. I mean I made it to the exit of the corner and I'm not sure if Suarez got loose underneath me or what happened. But he got into my left-rear and kind got me out of control."

---

Kyle Larson sheds light on contact with Denny Hamlin

The #5 HMS Chevy driver started at the back of the field in Stage 2 and was blazing through the field. Denny Hamlin, on the other hand, was having an uncharacteristically miserable day on a short track.

On lap 172, Hamlin punted Larson, moving him out of the groove. The incident left the #5 Chevy driver upset, as according to the Athletic's Jeff Gluck, he vented his frustration over the radio saying:

"What the fu** was that for?"

After the race, Kyle Larson shared his thoughts on the incident. According to Bob pockrass, he believes it wasn't an intentional move from the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing driver.

"We lapped him (Denny Hamlin) and then, I don't know, he just slightly got in the back of me and got me out of the racetrack. I doubt it was intentional; I wouldn't see why it would be intentional," Larson said.

Denny Hamlin took the blame for the incident, stating that he gassed up too soon and ran into the back of the #5 Chevy.

A forgettable outing for both Larson and Hamlin made way for Chase Elliott's third-place finish at Iowa, taking the lead on the Cup standings.