Kyle Larson Breaks Jeff Gordon’s NASCAR Record

Kyle Larson only needed to lead 53 more laps to break all-time legend Jeff Gordon’s NASCAR record for laps as a race leader in a season. Gordon’s previous record was 2,320 laps in a 36-race season. Larson entered Kansas Speedway on Sunday with the pole-position.

It was a foregone conclusion that Larson would shatter Gordon’s record. Kyle went a step further and not only broke the record but won the race. The victory marks Kyle Larson’s ninth win of the NASCAR season. His performance places him as a certain frontrunner for this year’s NASCAR Cup.

The victory for Larson was bittersweet. It came on the 17th anniversary of Larson’s team owner Rick Hendrick’s son Ricky dying in a tragic plane crash. Ricky was travelling in a Beechcraft Super King, which killed the 24-year-old racer when the accident occurred.

Hendrick and his wife Linda were unable to attend the race. Larson pointed towards the sky as a gesture to the Hendrick family after crossing the finish line.

There are two races remaining in the NASCAR Cup season. Kyle Larson will attempt to continue his success on Halloween in the XFinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway. If he continues to perform the way he has, Larson might consider auditioning for a role in the Fast and the Furious franchise.

Can Kyle Larson win this year’s NASCAR Cup? Let us know in the comments!