Kyle Larson praises Denny Hamlin ahead of Championship 4 showdown at Phoenix

Even though Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin have had a frenemy relationship on the track in recent years, the friend part is still there. So, it’s not a shock that Larson has nothing but good things to say about his NASCAR rival ahead of tomorrow’s Championship 4 race.

In the last few years, Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin have had many great moments on the track. The 2023 races at Kansas and Pocono come to mind. Still, the two have nothing but respect for each other. Today’s comments by Larson prove it.

After Hamlin won the pole award, the Championship 4 had a media availability. The drivers talked about the race, their cars, and each other. Larson admitted that if he doesn’t win, he’d like to see Hamlin lift the Bill France Cup.

“No, I mean, honestly, I’m not surprised, I guess,” Kyle Larson said when asked about Hamlin’s increased support from NASCAR fans. “I think because everybody likes a story like that where somebody nearing the end of their career, all that. It’s great. I mean, I can see why people would cheer for him.

“I’m a competitor. I obviously want to win. But it would be really cool to see somebody who has put in so much time to this sport and been so close so many times. 60 wins. I agree. I’m going to want to kick his ass tomorrow, but it’s not going to kill me if he wins, unless he runs me in the fence again.”

How about that for sportsmanship? Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin have not always seen eye to eye. “Denny’s always right.” “I gave him room to lift.” There is reason for Larson to want to see Hamlin come up short again. Their past run-ins, Larson’s own title hopes. Of course, the 5 team wants to become two-time champs, but the other option isn’t the worst thing in the world.

Kyle Larson trails Denny Hamlin at qualifying

Today’s qualifying session for the NASCAR Cup Series ended with Denny Hamlin taking the pole. Kyle Larson will line up just behind him in P3 for tomorrow’s Championship 4 race at Phoenix. William Byron is slotted in P2 between them.

For Hamlin’s teammate, Chase Briscoe, qualifying could have gone much better. Remember, Briscoe had the fewest laps in practice of the Championship 4 with his tire issue. He qualified P12. A little bit of work to do for the 19 team in the race on Sunday. But with the tire wear and track conditions, there should be ample opportunity to mix up strategy and get track position again.

Kyle Larson didn’t have to say what he said about Denny Hamlin. It was a very cool moment between two competitors and two all-time greats. But make no mistake, Larson isn’t showing up tomorrow to finish second.