“Just executed a flawless race” - Kyle Larson reflects on generational NASCAR win at Bristol

Kyle Larson claimed his fifth win of the season in Saturday’s (September 21) NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. He dominated the race, sweeping all three stages and leading 462 of 500 laps en route to a generational NASCAR win at 0.5-mile track. Following the victory, he described his outing as a perfect race without mistakes.

Kyle Larson’s win at Bristol wasn't just another win; it's a once-in-a-generation win in NASCAR, given the laps he led at Bristol. Larson’s win with 462 laps led is the most laps led by a Bristol winner since NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough led 495 in 1977.

Larson’s mark of 462 laps led also set the new Hendrick Motorsports record of leading the most laps in a single race by any driver in a team's history; even legends like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson couldn’t lead so many laps in one NASCAR race.

Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio about his and HMS’s most dominating win at Bristol, here's what Larson said:

“It's obviously fun when your car is that good and you can start up front and get to lead early on. So just proud of the race team, proud of the pit crew, and proud of myself. I feel like we just executed a flawless race. We didn't make any mistakes on pit road.”

“The few times that we came down, our car—I don't even think we adjusted on it once throughout the night. And I felt like I hit my marks about every lap. So, you know, it's fun when you can execute like that and turn it into a historic night.”

Kyle Larson’s victory marked the 28th of his career and second in the Bristol Night Race. With the win, he advanced to the next round of the NASCAR playoffs.

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“They’re the best in the business” - Kyle Larson praises his #5 HMS team after Bristol win

2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion was unbeatable on Saturday at 0.5-mile track. A driver is as good as his team, and Larson gave credit for his dominating performance to his #5 HMS Chevrolet team, who were great in execution throughout the weekend.

“Man, that was just great execution all weekend by the team. Practiced good. You’ve got to qualify good; we did that. Yeah, just had a great car. Thanks to the whole 5 team. They’re the best in the business,” Larson said in a post-race interview (via NBC Sports).

Heading to Round of 12 of the playoffs, Kyle Larson is leading the Cup Series playoff standings with 15 points over championship rival Chrsitopher Bell. Larson has a 39-point cushion on the cutline; all he needs is a win or 21 more points to advance to the Round of 8.