Kyle Larson, a driver for Hendrick Motorsports, voiced his frustration over the lack of respect for American race car drivers in an interview ahead of the Bristol Motor Speedway race. He criticized the European bias in motorsports, asserting that Formula One fans often dismiss American racing series like NASCAR and IndyCar. Larson stated that while Formula One is the most-watched motorsport globally, this focus leads to a lack of recognition for the diverse and challenging nature of American motorsports. Currently, Larson ranks ninth in the NASCAR Cup Series with 206 points, having achieved one top-five and four top-ten finishes this season.

In addition to his comments on respect for American racers, Larson celebrated his victory at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, marking his first win of the 2026 season. He started the race strong, qualifying second, but faced challenges early on, finishing stage one in fourth and stage two in fifth. However, he regained control in the final round, crossing the finish line 2.55 seconds ahead of Joe Gibbs Racing's Chase Briscoe. Larson's teammate, Corey Day, also performed well, finishing eighth in the race.