Hendrick VP of Competition Chad Knaus explains emotions of Kyle Larson's Xfinity Series win at COTA

Kyle Larson doesn’t run in the Xfinity Series much these days, making his appearances in NASCAR’s lower series that much more special.

Special certainly sums up Larson’s run in the Focused Health 250 at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) this past Saturday, in which he passed both Shane van Gisbergen and Austin Hill on the final lap of double overtime to steal the victory.

Larson raced his way to victory lane piloting the No. 17 car for Hendrick Motorsports, a number that carries significant meaning in the Hendrick family. Ricky Hendrick, the son of Rick and Linda, drove the No. 17 truck during his time in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series from 2000 to 2001. Ricky Hendrick lost his life in a plane accident on Oct. 24, 2004.

Speaking with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Tuesday, Hendrick Motorsports vice president of competition Chad Knaus broke down Larson’s emotional triumph at COTA.

🏁 @TeamHendrick VP of Competition @chadknaus said getting the No. 17 car back into Victory Lane meant so much to so many on Saturday ❤️

🥹 "It was just very emotional and a touching time. Really made Mr. Hendrick proud."

More → https://t.co/MKhd9eLXG8 pic.twitter.com/KI2uWcUHSZ

— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) March 26, 2024

“It’s just been a bit of a passion project for all of us here at HMS,” Knaus said. “It’s really a great opportunity for us to cultivate young talent. And give our drivers an opportunity to get exposure and experience at these tracks. You know, we wanted to get that No. 17 to victory lane since it started. And it just has been a struggle. We’ve had a tremendous amount of speed with that program and [crew chief] Greg Ives has led that thing from the onset, and we’ve just worked so hard and haven’t been able to close the deal.

Kyle Larson gets Hendrick Motorsports off the schneid in Xfinity Series

“We all know the history with Ricky Hendrick. And the red, white and blue paint scheme and all of that, that goes along with it. It was just very emotional and a touching time. It really made Mr. Hendrick proud. So, we’re proud to be able to bring that home for him.”

Larson’s victory was Hendrick Motorsports’ first in the Xfinity Series since 2009, when Tony Stewart won in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. It’s Larson’s 15th on the circuit, and first since winning at Darlington Raceway last season.

“For whatever reason, the three years that we have run it between the four [full-time NASCAR Cup Series] drivers, we just haven’t been able to get into victory lane,” Larson said. “It was definitely special to win a race in that fashion and have everything work out for us there. It hadn’t worked out for us before that caution [on lap 45]. I had the flat spot, pitted and did not think I would get to this point right here. 

“This is the 40th anniversary season for Hendrick Motorsports. Maybe all that heartbreak we have lived through with this car, it was just meant to be this season. Hopefully, when William [Byron], Alex [Bowman], and Chase [Elliott] are in it and when I’m in it later this year, we can keep winning in it. It’s a fun team. It is fun to get to work with Greg Ives. He’s got a big sense of humor and keeps things light. I always enjoy getting to run this car.”