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Kyle Larson recently looked back on his dominant run in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. Despite missing out on the coveted trophy, the 32-year-old made headlines throughout the year and ended his fourth season with Hendrick Motorsports, ranking sixth in the final drivers' standings.
Statistically, the 2021 Cup Series champion Larson proved to be the best driver year-round by racking six victories, including two in the playoffs. Apart from that, Larson also led the most laps (1700) and earned the maximum number of stage wins (12). However, these achievements weren't sufficient for the Rick Hendrick driver to lift his second championship title as the playoffs format demands otherwise.
Reflecting on the past season, Larson stated winning races has become tough, citing Next-Gen cars' introduction, and how consistent results from the start of the season lose their value eventually as every playoff contender has to fight for a spot in the last 10 races for a chance to compete at the Championship 4 race in Phoenix. He said:
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"If anything, I just think the format in a way devalues a championship. Especially in the Next-Gen era. So, I think obviously you'd like to win the most races and win the championship and all that, but I think winning six races, that's extremely tough to do, and we were a factor in many more than that."
"So, I'm proud of the season, proud of the effort from the team, and looking forward to next year too. We'll hopefully start off strong and carry it on through the playoffs like we did this year," Kyle Larson added.
Moreover, the Elk Grover, California native mentioned how he was unaffected in the final championship week knowing he had the most wins, which for him is as important as winning a championship.
Kyle Larson wants the playoffs format to be more "fair"
Back in November 2024, Kyle Larson shared his thoughts on the chances of potential playoff format changes in the coming years. In a conversation with renowned journalist Bob Pockrass, the 29-time Cup Series race winner said:
"I think there's probably ways that could keep it compelling. But also maybe a little bit more fair at the same point. There's no question that the playoffs are really exciting and the format produces excitement, so you don't want to get rid of that, but at the same point, yeah, I mean, you'd like to see it a little bit more fair, and maybe this is the fairest way, I don't know."
After storming into the post-season with four wins in the regular season, Kyle Larson secured one win in Round 16 and Round 12 of the playoffs. However, he crashed out on the chase for his second Cup Series championship title in the Round of 8.
