In what has become a frequent occurrence, Kyle Larson found himself in position to win Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway. But once again, the 24-year-old Chip Ganassi Racing driver fell just short, finishing second yet again.
NASCAR Phoenix 2017: Kyle Larson finishes 2nd, yet again
Kyle Larson finished second for the third race in a row on Sunday, but did take over the Cup Series points lead.
Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images
Larson was the runner-up to Ryan Newman in the Camping World 500 after appearing to have the advantage going into a two-lap overtime finish. But despite being on older tires, Newman was able to maintain the lead on the restart while Larson, who had pitted and got right-side tires, became entangled with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. entering Turn 1. Larson was able to maintain control, but the ground he lost proved to be difference.
“I guess little mistakes or inexperience or whatever you want to call it,” Larson said. “Hindsight is always 20/20, but I should have went a lane up in (Turns) 1 and 2. I should have known to just stay close to Newman. That’s what I wish I would have done.”
In four Monster Energy Cup Series races this season, Larson has finished second three times -- to Brad Keselowski at Atlanta Motor Speedway, to Martin Truex Jr. at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and to Newman on Sunday. Larson is the first driver to do so since Carl Edwards in 2011. Adding to Larson’s near-wins: he was also leading the season-opening Daytona 500 before running out of fuel on the final lap.
“It’s a lot of fun right now,” Larson said. “I’m sure if I ran second for the next eight weeks, yeah, it’s probably going to grow old. But it’s so cool to be one of the fastest cars every week. I feel like I’ve got a shot to win every week.
“If we can just keep doing that, the wins are going to come. I could easily have four wins right now.”
The latest second-place effort by Larson did present him a tangible benefit: He leapfrogged Brad Keselowski atop the Cup Series points standings, the first time the fourth-year driver has held the top spot. Larson’s 184-point total is six better than Keselowski, who’s facing a point penalty after his car failed post-race inspection following a fifth-place finish at Phoenix.
“It’s really, really cool to be the point leader right now,” Larson said. “That was a goal of mine going into today.”
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