During the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a clash unfolded between drivers Austin Dillon and Kyle Larson. This incident occurred as Larson, with aggression, attempted to overtake Dillon while chasing leader Ryan Blaney. The move led to Larson spinning out and Austin Dillon defending his position on the track.
Dillon, a seasoned driver with a rich family legacy in racing, has defended himself. Having won prestigious races like the Daytona 500 in 2018 and clinched championships in both the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series, Dillon’s comments hold credibility.
Positioned close to the wall, Dillon didn’t see Larson’s rapid approach. Reflecting on the incident, Dillon explained, via Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports:
Kyle Larson said Austin Dillon didn’t do anything wrong. Dillon said he held his line and didn’t know Larson was there (as Larson said he thought is what happened). pic.twitter.com/5x3BzAplmh
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 27, 2024
“I was just holding my line against the wall. That was the one place I could just stay.” Dillon continued: “I thought they’d turn right under me. I didn’t even know the #5 was coming truthfully. But in the end, I was just against the wall and I think he got in hot and caught my left front. I mean, I didn’t do anything but stay against the wall.”
Larson also sought to defend himself:
“I had a shot to win, so, proud of my effort there,” Larson said. “And then yeah, I just bummed that it didn’t work out there in the three. Austin did nothing wrong, he just… I was hoping he’d see me coming and maybe give me the top knowing that I was running there. But he didn’t.
“He kept running his line and there was a little bit of a hole and I thought that might be my opportunity to win.”
Tyler Reddick from 23XI took the win at the Straight Talk Wireless 400. His victory secured a spot in the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway.
“I don’t know, we were backed in a corner and had no other choice. I knew we were on a tire deficit, and here at Homestead, that’s a death sentence, but I didn’t care,” he said via NASCAR.
“We did what it took to win this race, and we’re fighting for a championship.
“I couldn’t believe it,” he continued. “I just knew I needed to get even with [Blaney] on his right side door, and he raced me clean, and I appreciate it. I’m just really, really excited having a shot at the championship.”
Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, lauded Reddick’s performance. Jordan, an influential stakeholder, said the following:
“Little kid [Reddick] drove his ass off, and I’m proud of him.”
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