Kyle Larson led 462 of the five hundred laps in a surprising performance to win at Bristol for his fifth victory of the 2024 season. It was also the twenty eighth victory of his profession. He ran eleventh on the track and led more laps than any winner at Bristol since Cale Yarborough almost a half-century ago in 1977.
“I've had numerous good cars since I got here to Hendrick Motorsports, so it's hard to say (if that is one of the best). But man, it was just an amazing execution all weekend by the team. We practiced well. You need to qualify well; we did that. Yeah, we just had an amazing automobile. Thanks to the entire team, Team 5. They're one of the best within the business.
We dominate numerous races but we may not win all of them, so it's good to win here.
“Just a phenomenal car, it could sort of handle my stuff and then really overtake a few cars at the end.”
Race Winner Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports, HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro
Photo: Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport Images
Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott was second, greater than seven seconds behind. Bubba Wallace was third, Denny Hamlin fourth and Christopher Bell fifth. Ryan Blaney, Ryan Preece, Chase Briscoe, Alex Bowman and Ross Chastain rounded out the highest 10.
Four drivers also dropped out of the playoffs: Joe Gibbs Racing duo of Ty Gibbs and Martin Truex Jr., RFK Racing's Brad Keselowski and Harrison Burton within the No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford.
While Bowman led the race from pole position, Larson quickly moved into the lead and never looked back. He swept the stages and was unrivaled, setting a blistering pace.
Fight to get into the twelfth round
In the fight for promotion, Suarez and Keselowski quickly dropped out of the lead, while Burton was left behind resulting from power steering problems.
The defining moment of the race got here when Corey LaJoie crashed with about 170 laps to go, ending his final start for Spire Motorsports. The field pitted for a final fuel stop, and it was there that the playoff picture modified dramatically. Chase Briscoe had a slow pit stop, nevertheless it was Truex who saw his entire night go up in smoke. Running second, he received a speeding penalty that put him behind the pack. There was no further caution and he remained trapped deep within the back.
The battle for the ultimate transfer spot was between Suarez and Gibbs. While the Trackhouse Racing driver had a dismal night, dropping off several laps and barely ending in the highest 30, Gibbs was racing towards the highest 10. Only 4 points separated them with 100 laps to go, but Gibbs faltered as Suarez gained just a few more places, giving him enough time to secure a spot in Round 12.
When the points are reset for the following round, Larson is back on top of the points standings. The 4 riders at the underside at the moment are Austin Cindric, Suarez, Bowman and Briscoe.
