During the race at Watkins Glen, Kyle Larson encountered a mechanical problem that severely impacted his performance and nearly ended his race early. Despite this setback, his crew managed to repair his car in the garage, enabling him to return to the track and finish the event. Larson also recorded the fastest lap of the race, earning a valuable point on a day that initially looked like a failed finish.

Kevin Harvick Highlights Hendrick Motorsports’ Leadership Amid Larson’s Struggles

Veteran driver Kevin Harvick emphasized the strength of Hendrick Motorsports’ (HMS) management and leadership, crediting them with maintaining motivation and engagement even during difficult periods. However, Harvick acknowledged that Larson and his team have not yet reached their desired performance level this season, contrasting their struggles with William Byron’s steady speed in the #24 car.

“Hendrick Motorsports has a great way of navigating the downs to be able to keep their people engaged and motivated, some, just from good business practices more than anything and management, good leadership. So that’s the part that I think they’ll show back up at some point, but it hasn’t been great,” Kevin Harvick described.

Larson’s Decline Traces Back to Indy and Changes Within HMS

Kyle Larson started the season strong with three victories in seven races, but since winning at Kansas, he has managed only three top-five finishes. NASCAR analyst Mamba Smith described Larson’s #5 team as “a sleeping giant” and praised crew chief Cliff Daniels for finding strategies that allow the team to salvage points even after setbacks like wrecks or mechanical failures.

Smith and Harvick pinpointed the Indianapolis race as the moment Larson’s downward trend began, noting that the team has yet to fully recover.

“I think when you look back at it, it’s still the issue still started at at Indy. You can definitely point back to where the the the slump started. And they obviously haven’t got out of it yet,” he said.

Smith also attributed part of the team’s challenges to internal changes, specifically the loss of Jon Edwards earlier this year. Edwards played a crucial role within Hendrick Motorsports, providing vital leadership and energy to the group. His absence has been felt deeply by the team, contributing to shifts in how they operate.

“There have been quite a few things that have changed at HMS in the past year,”

Smith noted, highlighting how such transitions can affect performance.

The Impact of HMS’ Supportive Environment on Larson’s Prospects

Despite the ongoing difficulties, the positive atmosphere within Hendrick Motorsports continues to support Kyle Larson’s efforts to return to form. The team’s focus on strong leadership and strategic adaptation keeps them competitive, even during tough periods. Fans and analysts remain hopeful that Larson and his crew will overcome their slump, building on past success to regain consistency.