Kyle Larson Sets Track Record at Las Vegas Motor Speedway During NASCAR Practice Session

Kyle Larson electrified the NASCAR garage today at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, setting a new track record with a blistering lap time of 29.735 seconds during the final practice session ahead of Sunday's Pennzoil 400. The Hendrick Motorsports driver's record-breaking run broke the previous mark of 29.825 seconds set by Martin Truex Jr. in 2019, demonstrating the speed improvements that NASCAR's Next Gen car continues to produce at intermediate tracks across the Cup Series schedule.

Larson's record lap came during the final 10 minutes of the 50-minute practice session, when teams typically focus on single-car qualifying simulations to prepare for Saturday's qualifying session. The 31-year-old Californian found the perfect combination of aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip, navigating the 1.5-mile tri-oval at an average speed of 181.426 mph while maintaining consistent lap times throughout his run. "The car felt incredible out there," Larson said after the session. "When you hit that sweet spot with the setup, everything just flows naturally, and you can push the limits without the car getting loose."

The record-setting performance caps off an impressive week of preparation for Larson and the No. 5 Chevrolet team, who have been working extensively on race trim setups that could prove crucial during Sunday's 400-mile race. Crew chief Cliff Daniels praised his driver's feedback and the team's collaborative approach to finding speed at a track where track position and pit strategy often determine race outcomes. "Kyle has always been exceptional at tracks like this, but the communication between him and our engineers has taken our program to another level," Daniels noted.

Larson's teammate Chase Elliott finished second in the practice session with a time of 29.801 seconds, giving Hendrick Motorsports a strong one-two showing that bodes well for their chances in what has traditionally been one of the most competitive intermediate track races on the NASCAR schedule. The Hendrick organization has invested heavily in wind tunnel testing and simulation work over the winter months, and those efforts appear to be paying dividends as the 2026 season approaches its early stages.

Other notable performers during the practice session included Denny Hamlin (29.856 seconds), Ryan Blaney (29.891 seconds), and Joey Logano (29.923 seconds), demonstrating the depth of competition that fans can expect during this weekend's racing action. The tight lap times suggest that qualifying will be highly competitive, with track position potentially playing a crucial role in determining race strategy for Sunday's event.

Sunday's Pennzoil 400 will mark the fourth race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, with Larson currently sitting third in the championship standings after strong finishes in the season-opening races at Daytona, Atlanta, and Phoenix. The Las Vegas race has historically been a favorite among drivers due to its multiple racing grooves and opportunities for strategic racing, factors that could favor Larson's aggressive driving style and his team's strong pit crew performance. "Records are nice, but what really matters is being fast when it counts on Sunday," Larson reflected. "We've got a great race car, and now we just need to execute when the green flag drops." Sunday's race is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM PT, with coverage provided by FOX Sports as NASCAR continues its west coast swing before returning to traditional eastern venues later in the season.