Over the years, it had been a dream for Kyle Larson to win the Knoxville Nationals. Despite having competed in the event for several years, the sight of victory lane had never arrived. But in 2021, he finally clenched his first title.
Advertisement
And after winning his first, Larson had been willing to get himself in the elite list of drivers who have more than one to their name. This year at Knoxville Nationals, Larson’s dream came closer after he won the pole for the event.
The chances seemed high for the win, and come race day, that is exactly what took place. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion finally won his second Knoxville Nationals title. Thereby, propelling him to become the eighth driver in the race’s 62-year-long history to ever do so. What made this achievement all the more special was the fact that it came hours after Larson, who has a day-job in NASCAR, took part in the qualifying for Sunday’s race at IMS.
Kyle Larson takes home $180,000 after winning at Knoxville Nationals
After the celebrations on victory lane, Larson stated, “To win another crown jewel feels amazing. When you’ve got guys like Rico, Donny, and Gravel coming from deep to breathing down your neck, it’s definitely nerve-wracking.”
He added, “Near perfect week for us, our team. Again it all meant so much to my life not only my career but my life… This is my favorite week of the year… I look forward to this event all year long, this is all I think about all week.”
“The track goes through a big transition there in the first 25 (laps). We pounded the bottom for a while. I caught traffic, and the top was still kind of dirty. The middle wasn’t quite there. I decided it was time to move up there and help clean that lane off, and help it get one-lane dominant up there before Donny found it before me…”
Larson led all 50 laps to win his second Knoxville Nationals title
Since the drop of the green flag, Larson stayed out front and never ceded position. Donny Schatz was right there behind him for most of the race. Even Logan Schuchart had made it up to second. But eventually, it was David Gravel who came from 22nd and finished in second place behind Yung Money.
David Gravel had an interesting race considering the number of positions he made throughout the duration of the race. Furthermore, usually, the Knoxville Nationals events are often known for chaotic moments on the race track. Surprisingly, this event did not have much of that, instead, all eyes were hooked on Larson’s utter dominance and Gravel’s amazing recovery drive.
