Tensions flared among drivers during the recent Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway, particularly between Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott. The race, held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, featured a contentious moment during a Stage 2 restart when the two competitors engaged in a three-wide maneuver that led to aggressive racing and contact.
Denny Hamlin, a veteran driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, expressed strong disapproval of Larson and Elliott’s tactics. He criticized their reckless approach, noting that they had created a hazardous situation for themselves and others on the track. Hamlin explained how both drivers laid back several car lengths before surging forward, which significantly increased the risk of accidents. He called upon NASCAR officials to take action against what he described as a blatant disregard for safety.
“What I’m calling on is NASCAR officiating to do something about it, ’cause it’s a complete disregard for the people that you’re laying back from,” Hamlin stated. He emphasized that such maneuvers could lead to dangerous crashes, highlighting the need for more stringent enforcement of racing rules.
Hamlin further elaborated on the incident, mentioning that Larson and Elliott appeared to be racing at speeds significantly faster than their competitors. “They laid back so much, they must have been running 10 miles an hour faster, probably more than that,” he said. “Then the cars in front of them took off, and they both tried to shoot the gap at the same time in the middle. It’s like they both deserved to wreck.”
The fallout from the race left Larson particularly frustrated, as he finished in 28th place after experiencing difficulties on the track. Larson’s race took a turn for the worse when he made contact with Christopher Bell, forcing him to narrowly avoid a collision with the wall. In an emotional moment over the team radio, he vented his frustration, saying, “How much f***ing room do I have to leave people? I’ve been quiet for 45 minutes… I’ve been trying to be a good teammate, and it hasn’t gotten me anywhere for the last f***ing hour.”
Elliott performed slightly better, securing a 14th-place finish. However, both drivers left Iowa Speedway with lingering tensions that could impact their teamwork moving forward. The management at Hendrick Motorsports is concerned that unresolved conflicts among teammates could hinder the team’s overall performance as they strive for success in the series.
As the racing season progresses, observers will be closely watching how the dynamics between Larson, Elliott, and Hamlin evolve, especially in light of the heightened emotions displayed during the Iowa race. The incident serves as a reminder of the fine line drivers walk between competitive spirit and safety in the high-stakes world of NASCAR racing.
