Kyle Larson, known as one of the most talented drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series, has recently struggled with his performance, sparking concern among fans and experts alike. Kevin Harvick, a revered figure in NASCAR, pinpointed Larson’s sudden downturn to the events surrounding the 2025 Indy 500, where Larson crashed and subsequently experienced a losing streak. This slump has affected not only Larson but also the Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) team as a whole.
Despite a strong start to the 2025 season and maintaining third place in the Cup Series standings, Larson has been unable to secure a victory since his last win in Kansas. Attempting the challenging ‘Double Duty’ event—racing at the Indianapolis 500 followed by the Coca-Cola 600 in the same weekend—Larson’s hopes collapsed after a crash at Indianapolis and a spinout from the lead at the Coke 600. This sequence of mishaps has seemingly derailed his momentum.
Following the Memorial Day weekend troubles, Larson’s performance has faltered further in subsequent races, as rivals extended their advantage. The 32-year-old now faces an uphill battle to catch up in a highly competitive season.
Kevin Harvick expressed on the Happy Hour podcast that Larson and his team have not been as sharp since that pivotal Indy 500 weekend, including during the recent All-Star Race where Larson again underperformed. Harvick highlighted that the entire Hendrick Motorsports outfit, including teammate William Byron, has struggled to produce strong finishes.
Larson’s been off since the whole Indy stuff started to happen, you know. I really think that, at the All-Star race and that weekend forward, those guys haven’t been as sharp as they were at the beginning of the year.
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Legend
Shane van Gisbergen Emerges as a Strong Contender Ahead of Sonoma Race
Newcomer Shane van Gisbergen, a former V8 Supercars champion from New Zealand, has quickly established himself as a serious threat in the NASCAR Cup Series. Having transitioned full-time into NASCAR, van Gisbergen has secured a playoff spot and recently achieved victories in both Xfinity and Cup events. His recent form makes him the favorite heading into the next race at Sonoma Raceway.
Despite van Gisbergen’s rising momentum, Kyle Larson remains determined to defend his record at Sonoma, his home track, where he has previously enjoyed strong results. Larson acknowledged that changes such as warmer July temperatures and slicker pavement may affect conditions, but emphasized his motivation to perform well in front of friends and family attending the race.
We have dominated there in the past—hopefully, we’ll be just as good… It will feel hotter in Sonoma with the race being in July. The pavement will be a little bit slicker. I love having friends and family at the track, especially the friends that don’t typically get to go to the track.
—Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
Challenges Ahead for Kyle Larson in Regaining Competitive Edge
Kyle Larson’s recent struggles will make it difficult to regain his earlier-season form, but Sonoma offers a critical opportunity for him to break out of his slump. The home track environment and support from local fans provide a motivational boost as Larson hopes to reverse his fortunes. However, the increasingly competitive landscape of the Cup Series means that any ongoing dip in performance could further complicate his championship ambitions.
Beyond Larson’s personal challenges, Hendrick Motorsports faces broader issues. With William Byron also battling inconsistent results, the team must address its overall sharpness and execution to sustain its stature in the season.
As the Cup Series progresses, watchers will closely monitor whether Larson can reset his trajectory and respond to Kevin Harvick’s critique by delivering stronger finishes, especially at a venue where he has previously excelled. This race weekend at Sonoma might be a defining moment for him and his team to regain lost momentum.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?
A. Larson may not be able to defeat Verstappen in F1, but he is considered more versatile than anyone else. According to Bianchi, Larson stands out because his experience is varied. He wins in many different types of cars, showing his wide-ranging skills.