Kyle Larson rips Next Gen car after blown tire, struggles at Homestead-Miami

Things are not going great for Kyle Larson today at Homestead-Miami Speedway. At least not in Stage 1 of the playoff race. Is this going to keep Larson from the NASCAR Championship 4?

Kyle Larson suffered a flat tire in Stage 1. He then hit the wall. While Larson has advanced his position after minor repairs and four new tires, he’s frustrated. His car is not as fast as it was before.

Larson was heard on his radio tearing into the Next Gen car. His diffuser is damaged, causing issues with downforce.

“These cars are f***ing stupid. How can you get a flat tire and be done … or get a flat tire and wear out a little bit of your diffuser and your race is killed. Stupid,” Kyle Larson said, via Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic.

"These f***ing cars are stupid. How can you get a flat tire and be done … or you get a flat tire and wear out a little bit of your diffuser and your race is killed. Stupid."

Kyle Larson

— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) October 27, 2024

Kyle Larson has struggled to get into the top-20 of this race. That is not great. However, it is a long race, he has remained on the lead lap, and there is time to get his car right. However, if Denny Hamlin or Tyler Reddick win today, it could put Larson below the cutline in points.

Things are only going to heat up with every lap turned. A lot of drivers have this race marked as their best chance to make it to Phoenix and the Championship 4.

Kyle Larson avoids major damage after flat

Bad news for Kyle Larson, but he avoided a major issue. A blown right rear tire from second place brought out the caution. This is the last thing Larson needed in these NASCAR Playoffs.

Cliff Daniels had this car looked at closely before putting it back on the track. Kyle Larson seems to have avoided major damage and he will continue on in this race.

Kyle Larson is not the only Hendrick driver to avoid total disaster. Chase Elliott dodged Justin Haley as the No. 7 car spun on Lap 1 of the race. Already in Stage 1, two drivers with championship hopes, two former champions themselves, avoid being wrecked.

Both drivers are making pace and still competing. Larson has been moving up through the field, but not much. Everyone knows he only needs a little bit of clean air and a decent car to make speed and pass the field.