AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Kyle Larson has closed his comeback season in NASCAR with his first championship, capping his return from a nearly yearlong suspension with a title-winning victory at Phoenix Raceway.
Larson received a flawless final pit stop from his Hendrick Motorsports crew to get the No. 5 Chevrolet back on track ahead of his three title rivals. He controlled a restart with 25 laps remaining, quickly cleared Martin Truex Jr., then held off several of Truex’s challenges.
Larson had a Cup-leading 10 victories this year, success that was in stark contrast to his troubles in 2020. He was fired four races into last season and lost nearly every sponsor for his use of a racial slur while racing online. Hendrick signed him and came away with its 14th NASCAR title.
Truex finished second and was followed by Denny Hamlin, his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate.
Kyle Larson shared his first career NASCAR Cup championship with the youth racing school that stood by him in his comeback. The Urban Youth Racing School is a Philadelphia-based program that creates opportunities in racing for minorities. Founders Anthony and Michelle Martin and two students attended the championship finale at Phoenix Raceway. The Martins stood their ground and gave Larson a second chance and forged a bond with the driver. They all celebrated together in victory lane after Larson won the championship.
