“STOP FIXING RACES”: Fans react as Jeff Gordon hypes Kyle Larson for NASCAR Cup championship in 2024

NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon has claimed that Hendrick Motorsport driver Kyle Larson might win the championship title this season. Larson emerged victorious in NASCAR's return to the Brickyard 400 last Sunday.

Four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon emerged victorious in the first edition of the Brickyard 400 back in 1994 while driving for HMS. He went on to win the championship the same year. Kyle Larson finds himself in a similar situation, after a controversial win at the Indianapolis oval.

Gordon, in a post-race interview, backed Larson winning the championship this season.

"I think the #5 team is very, very strong. One of the best teams out there obviously. I think they, now having this win under their belt, really is going to set the tone for the rest of the season, of who's the biggest threat to the championship," he said.

However, several fans expressed disagreement with Larson as Gordon's pick for 2024's possible champion. Moreover, with the decision to let the race at Indianapolis run after Ryan Preece's spin-off in overtime, fans have also criticized NASCAR for allegedly playing favorites. One wrote:

"STOP FIXING RACES TO LET KYLE WIN"

"NASCAR will do whatever they have to do to make sure an HMS driver wins this year, that's for sure..." another said.

"No. Can’t finish out races half the time and makes stupid moves under pressure. Just look at last year with the barrels. Bell suffers from the same issue. I think it’s Hamlin and to a far lesser extent Reddick," a third fan wrote.

"Nah, based on the patterns from the last two seasons HMS looking to clinch but outta nowhere Penske now this time with Cindric is gonna steal it." this user commented.

Kyle Larson drives the #5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, competing full-time in the Cup Series. He is in his 11th year and won the championship title in 2021.

"With NASCAR behind them I’m sure they have a pretty good chance!" a fan claimed.

Larson has 27 Cup race wins and three All-Star race wins, and has won at all crown jewel events barring the famous Daytona 500.

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"A very unique scenario" - Kevin Harvick comments on Kyle Larson's controversial overtime start at IMS

At the overtime restart at the Brickyard 400, there was speculation that Kyle Larson jumped the start, which helped him gain on Ryan Blaney's #12 Ford.

Larson was on the inside line, but as Brad Keselowski had to pit for fuel, he joined Blaney on the front row. Larson made the most of Keselowski's misfortune and emerged victorious at IMS.

Former Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick commented on the overtime restart in a recent episode of his "Happy Hour" podcast. He said:

"The restart was tight. I went back and watched it a couple of times. I don't see anything that I would call a penalty or Larson jumping the start. I think they just took off about the same time, and he just beat Blaney through the gears, it looked like to me. So, a very unique scenario that ultimately ended up being the thing that won him the race." [15:30]

Kyle Larson's win at Brickyard marks his fourth win this season. He is currently on top of the driver standings with 749 points.