WATKINS GLEN, NEW YORK - AUGUST 21: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 21, 2022 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Kyle Larson details team meeting after contact with Chase Elliott
Shane Walters
Kyle Larson doored Chase Elliott for the win at Watkins Glen International; A team meeting the next day has changed his tune on the contact
On Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series raced on the road course of Watkins Glen International. The race ended with a bit of drama for the Hendrick Motorsports teammates of Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott.
On a late race restart, race leader Chase Elliott selected the outside lane. Kyle Larson was handed a bump draft from AJ Allmendinger on the restart, nosing Larson slightly ahead of Elliott into turn one.
As they jumped on the brakes, Larson locked up the right front wheel. He slid through the corner and ran Elliott wide. Elliott dropped through the field as a result.
Meanwhile, Larson drove to victory lane.
After the race, Elliott climbed from his car and went right to Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon. He appeared to be venting on the situation. Moments later, Elliott gave the most diplomatic interview of all time.
Every Monday, Hendrick Motorsports hosts a competition meeting for all four drivers. Georgia resident Elliott pilots his plane to each of those meetings while the other three drivers travel from their Charlotte area homes.
On Tuesday, a select few NASCAR drivers took part in a test session at Martinsville Speedway. Larson was one of the drivers in the test and he was asked how the meeting went. It appears Larson had a lot of listening to do in the Monday meeting…
Kyle Larson comments on the Hendrick Motorsports meeting after the race
“I wish things would have I guess played out differently and Monday would have been a lot better for me,” Larson said during a test at Martinsville Speedway on Tuesday.
“It was productive. In the end, it was positive to have that talk. I’m ready to just move on from it and look forward to Daytona and on into the playoffs.”
“One thing is for sure, we all like to win. We try really hard to do that. In the end, I probably should have a little more respect next time.”
“You also have to look out for the organization and everybody as a whole. I wish things would have played out differently and Monday would have been a lot better for me.”
Larson explained that in the meeting he did more listening than talking.