LIVE FEED: How Kyle Larson’s 2021 Coca-Cola 600 Win Defied All Odds
The 2021 Coca-Cola 600 marked a career milestone for Kyle Larson, as he claimed his first victory in a race spanning more than 400 miles. What made this win even more remarkable was the unexpected journey leading up to it—one filled with doubts and uncertainties despite being one of Hendrick Motorsports’ most historic victories.
A Nervous Start for Crew Chief Daniels
Just a week before Larson’s triumph, teammate Chase Elliott had notched a win at the Circuit of The Americas, bringing Hendrick Motorsports to an incredible 268 victories. However, Larson’s crew chief, Cliff Daniels, admitted he was skeptical about their chances heading into the Coca-Cola 600.
Daniels explained:
“The rules we had then and the trim levels of the car, some being high drag, high downforce, and some low drag, low downforce … we wanted to put downforce into our car for the 600 that year, and I was so convinced that we weren’t going to qualify very good and then we weren’t going to have a good pit stall.”
Despite these concerns, Larson’s performance exceeded all expectations. In the session leading up to the race, he boasted the best 10-lap average and secured the third-best individual lap, setting the tone for what would be a dominant showing.
A Masterclass Performance
Larson’s skill was on full display at the 2021 Coca-Cola 600, as he delivered a commanding performance. He led an astonishing 327 of the 400 laps, reminiscent of his dominance at Bristol, where he led 462 of 500 laps in a similar display of excellence.
Daniels admitted to being anxious after practice, saying:
“I was pretty upset after practice, knowing we had a really fast car in race trim. I had a lot of anxiety going into qualifying that day that we weren’t going to have a good qualifying result. Sure enough, it was a really hot, slick day for qualifying, so having downforce in your car did matter, and we qualified on the pole.”
Larson’s pole position set the stage for a flawless performance. He swept all four stages of the race, earning a perfect 70 points and eight playoff points. Crossing the finish line a staggering 10.051 seconds ahead of teammate Chase Elliott, Larson left no doubt about his dominance that day.
The Role of Team Hendrick
Larson credited his success to the unwavering support of Hendrick Motorsports, whose faith in his abilities continues to drive his career forward. Speaking about the team, Larson said:
“Rick Hendrick was on board. I mean, he’s the guy, you know, paying for it all. I have his support and his backing to go, you know, live out a dream and hopefully bring two good results and also bring HendrickCars.com a lot of eyes to their business.”
Rick Hendrick himself praised Larson’s efforts, stating:
“Kyle had a great month of May and showed what a gifted race car driver he is. From a sponsorship perspective, we saw an incredible lift for HendrickCars.com and measured a three-to-one return on our investment.”
Looking Ahead: The Memorial Day Double 2025
Larson’s journey doesn’t stop with his past successes. In 2025, he will have another shot at the Memorial Day Double, participating in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. This opportunity comes after weather derailed his plans in 2024, preventing him from racing in Charlotte due to a rain delay in Indianapolis.
Teaming up with Arrow McLaren in the No. 17 car, Larson is ready to tackle this ambitious challenge once again. Reflecting on the opportunity, he shared:
“Hopefully, this year will go better than this past one did.”
Kyle Larson: A Legacy in the Making
Larson’s victory at the 2021 Coca-Cola 600 wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Overcoming doubts and delivering a dominant performance, Larson has solidified his place as one of NASCAR’s most formidable talents. With the unwavering support of Hendrick Motorsports, he continues to push boundaries, proving that hard work and resilience can overcome even the toughest challenges.