Kyle Larson Went on a Profanity Laced Radio Rant Over Phoenix Disaster  

Coming into the Phoenix Cup race, Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson was comfortably leading the championship with a 49 points gap to Denny Hamlin as well as 50+ points lead to Christoper Bell and Chase Briscoe. Lady luck gave up on the No:5 team at Phoenix, resulting in him DNF-ing and earning only a P34 finish.

He started the day at P22 and couldn’t make up any significant ground throughout the race, as the No:5 Chevy didn’t have the pace that earned him top-5 finishes in all bit one race before Phoenix. On lap 281 of the race, while fighting for P16, he blew his right-front tire and slammed hard into the wall. The veteran racer didn’t hesitate to share his frustration throughout the race.

It didn’t feel completely like ***, but we were completely like ***.

Kyle Larson said during race to Cliff Daniels.

The veteran was able to secure just three points, putting him just five points ahead of Christopher Bell at P2 and just 30 points ahead of Chase Briscoe as well as Denny Hamlin. The whole top 7 is separated by just 56 points. That’s one main reason why Kyle Larson was dropping F-bombs left and right during his radio conversations.

I don’t know, I mean, it’s just, nothing is good, and even when it feels good, they’re ******, way ******* faster. Like this ***** 77 is light years faster than me. I’m probably not the best short track guy, but I feel like I’m ***** maximizing what I got.

Kyle Larson ranted on team radio.

"I don’t know, I mean, it’s just, nothing is good and even when it feels good, they’re f***ing, way f***ing faster — like this f**ing 77 is light years faster than me. I’m probably not the best short track guy, but I feel like I’m f***ing maximizing what I got." Kyle Larson

— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) October 18, 2026

Kyle Larson wants to forget everything before going to Talladega

On his post-race interview, the veteran admitted that he was ready to settle for any position within the top-20 before the tire blew and he wrecked. But the defending champion knows the chaos and dram are part of NASCAR racing, especially the chase where every point matters.

Not a good one (day). I was just trying to salvage anything in the top 20 would have been great and then I just blew a right front, I guess — like a lot of people were. It’s just a bummer but we can still do it. It happens.

Kyle Larson said.

Later in the same conversation, he admitted that his plan going into the Talladega weekend is to forget about Phoenix and secure a good finish at Talladega next Sunday. He is hopeful that he can execute better next week, despite the obvious challenges the Superspeedway offers.

I don’t know. Just trying to go there and forget about today and get back after it and do a good job. We’ve done well at the superspeedways so hopefully we can just execute and score some points and yeah just keep ourselves in the hunt.

Kyle Larson added.

Dega is the last track a driver wants redeem himself in, as the one chaotic moment is enough to change the whole championship picture. It would be interesting see who among the seven contenders would remain as title contenders after next Sunday.

Also Read: Ryan Blaney Isn’t Betting on Rivals Misfortune in the 2026 Championship Chase