# Kyle Larson's Phoenix Stats Puzzle

> Larson admits his team's Phoenix performance is deceptive despite strong finishes.
- Title: Kyle Larson's Phoenix Stats Puzzle · EssentiallySports
- Summary: Larson admits his team's Phoenix performance is deceptive despite strong finishes. Kyle Larson's team has strong Phoenix finishes but lacks speed, risking…
- Keywords: kyle larson, hendrick motorsports, phoenix raceway, nascar cup series, chase, championship, no 5 chevrolet, pit crew, race strategy, track performance, sports, Kyle
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-no-were-terrible-kyle-larson-pulls-back-the-curtain-on-his-deceptive-phoenix-stats
- Author: Aaradhya Singh
- Published: 2026-10-17T16:41:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kyle larson, hendrick motorsports, phoenix raceway, nascar cup series, chase, championship, no 5 chevrolet, pit crew, race strategy, track performance, sports
## Larson's Phoenix Finish Record
Larson has three P3 finishes at Phoenix Raceway, including his second Cup championship win.

> No, we’re terrible
## Larson's Team Performance
Larson says his No. 5 Chevrolet is an 11th to 13th place car typically, not a race-winning machine.
## Phoenix Track Challenges
Larson describes Phoenix as an awkward track with poor grip, especially in Turn 1.

> Phoenix is just such an awkward track
## Recent Race Performance
Larson finished third at Phoenix in March 2026 after struggling with loose handling.

> It was an awesome finish for how much we struggled today
## Championship Strategy
Larson's team uses smart race strategy and execution to overcome speed limitations.
## 2021 Championship Win
Larson won the 2021 championship after a last-lap pit stop that put him in the lead.
## Chase Race Dynamics
Larson leads Chase by 49 points with 312 laps remaining after recent race results.
## Pursuers' Opportunities
Briscoe and Bell have strong Phoenix results to build on for the championship chase.
## Larson's Concerns
Larson fears Phoenix's grip issues could undermine his championship lead in final races.

> It doesn’t, because we were good in St. Louis last year and we went to Phoenix and we were trashed there too
## Next 312 Laps
The next 312 laps will determine whether Phoenix is Larson's best track or a challenge to his lead.
## Key takeaway

Kyle Larson's team has strong Phoenix finishes but lacks speed, risking championship lead in final Chase races.