Kyle Larson exorcises Talladega demons, finishes fourth in crucial playoff race

If Kyle Larson and the Talladega Superspeedway had a relationship status on Facebook, it would undoubtedly be "complicated."

The superspeedways of Daytona and Talladega have long been cruel to Larson, especially the 2.66-mile track that rests in central Alabama.

Prior to Sunday, Larson had just three top-10 finishes at the circuit in 19 starts, and a lone top-five in the spring of 2022.

However, he put together perhaps his best Talladega race ever on Sunday, earning nine stage points and collecting a clutch fourth-place finish that leaves him all but locked in to the penultimate round of the NASCAR playoffs.

Larson started 12th and stayed in the mix all day long. Even when the whole of Hendrick Motorsports opted to give up their positions to top off on fuel at the beginning of Stage 2, Larson worked his way back through the pack, putting himself in position to earn stage points and eventually fight for the win.

After making it through the 28-car 'Big One' unscathed, Larson finished fourth in NASCAR overtime. While some fans may be frustrated that Larson refused to be more aggressive and potentially go for the win, it's understandable that a driver with such poor luck at drafting tracks would be reserved in such a situation.

When the points were tallied, Larson earned 42 — the third most of any driver on the day behind winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Hendrick teammate William Byron — and came out of Talladega 52 points above the cut line.

Larson enters the Round of 12 finale at the Charlotte Roval nearly guaranteed a spot in the Round of 8. If Larson is able to clinch his ticket early, don't be surprised if his more aggressive side shows up later in the race.

Larson won at the Roval in 2021, and will be considered a favorite when the green flag flies on Sunday.