Kyle Larson began the NASCAR Cup Series season impressively, securing three wins within his first 10 races. However, since attempting to complete “The Double” on May 25, Larson has struggled, culminating in a 37th-place finish at the Coca-Cola 600 held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Over his last eight races, Larson’s average finish has dropped to 19.8, a significant decline from a 9.8 average in the season’s first 12 events.
Shift to Dover Offers Chance to Rebound
The series now moves to Dover Motor Speedway, a challenging one-mile oval where Larson aims to reverse his recent fortunes. Known as “The Monster Mile,” Dover suits Larson’s background as a dirt-track specialist. In his previous six races at Dover, Larson has achieved five top-six finishes, including a second-place result earlier this year. His career average finish of 8.2 at Dover is second only to NASCAR legend David Pearson’s 8.0.
Larson Maintains Status as Top Championship Contender
Despite the recent slump, Kyle Larson remains the favored driver to win the NASCAR Cup Series championship, according to BetOnline Sportsbook, which lists his odds at +350 to capture his first title since 2021. Hendrick Motorsports, Larson’s team, also continues a strong tradition, with at least one of its drivers finishing in the top 10 at Dover in every race since September 2010.
Current Championship Odds Overview
As of Week 21, BetOnline Sportsbook has released the latest odds for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series drivers’ championship, with Kyle Larson leading the field based on his consistent performance at Dover and his early-season success.
“Kyle Larson’s Mother is clutch when it comes to posting photos of him next to racing legends during his childhood.” —Unnamed Source
Looking Ahead
With Dover presenting an opportunity to regain momentum, Larson’s performance at the one-mile oval will be critical in maintaining his position as a frontrunner. His ability to bounce back from the recent difficulties could have significant implications for his bid to win the NASCAR Cup Series championship this year.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?
A. Larson might struggle to outpace Verstappen in F1, but he’s more adaptable than anyone else. Bianchi points out that Larson’s achievements are varied. He’s succeeding in many different kinds of cars.