Other teams would have been concerned about the waiver issue, but Jeff Gordon didn't notice it for Team No. 5. Kyle Larson didn't let NASCAR's decision cloud his judgment or faze him too much.
Before this week started, Larson wasn't sure if he would be playoff eligible this season, but now he's not only eligible, but coming off his third win of the year, he's primed for even more success.
Along with Cliff Daniels, Larson has the car, the strategy and the talent to win anywhere, anytime. Jeff Gordon was pleased to see the team all united for the win and never “faltered.”
“Yeah, I didn't think it would affect the majority of the team. I think it was in Cliff's mind. [Daniels] Kyle and Rick [Hendrick] Jeff Andrews, me and Chad [Knaus]On that level, maybe it was on the PR/media side, but in terms of how it was communicated to the whole team, I don't think they were really upset.
“But they seemed to be just preparing for the next race, the next two races, just like they always do. I think the best medicine in any situation is to get back to the race track. Especially when they come here, it's a home track for Kyle and I think they're enjoying racing and a lot of the competitors are enjoying it too.
“I think this solves a lot of problems.”
It was another great day for Hendrick Motorsports.
Kyle Larson is the points leader
With this win, Kyle Larson will take the points lead from Denny Hamlin. Two weeks ago, this team looked like they were at rock bottom. Without the exemption, everyone was going to give up on them.
Now they have another win along with an exemption from NASCAR and it's smooth sailing. At this point, Larson is the favorite to win. He's the favorite to win the regular season and the playoffs. This season feels similar to the 2021 season.
Larson won in Las Vegas in 2021 and 2024. He won in Kansas, just like in 2021, and now he won in Sonoma, just like in 2021. In Nashville, two weeks later, he has a chance to repeat his 2021 victory.
Kyle Larson showed his trademark calm and collected demeanor today. He had no idea what the pit strategy was going to be. All he did was trust in his team and get the win. And that's all his team asked of him.
