Hendrick Motorsports has not looked like its usual dominant self at Iowa Speedway this weekend, but one driver has separated himself from the rest of the organization.
Kyle Larson appears to be Hendrick’s best shot at contending for the win in Sunday afternoon’s Iowa Corn 350.
Larson showed speed throughout Saturday’s practice and qualifying sessions, putting himself near the front of the field while the other three Hendrick cars struggled to find the same pace.
The No. 5 Chevrolet will start alongside Ryan Blaney on the front row after Larson qualified second, giving him immediate track position and a chance to challenge for the lead when the green flag drops.
Behind Larson, the picture has been much different for Hendrick.
William Byron, Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman have yet to show the same level of speed as their teammate. Elliott’s weekend has been made even more difficult after damage from Saturday forced repairs to the No. 9 Chevrolet, sending him to the rear for the start of Sunday’s race.
That leaves much of Hendrick’s hopes resting on Larson.
Iowa is the type of track where Larson can be dangerous. The short layout, multiple grooves and importance of managing tire wear play into the strengths of a driver who has built his career around succeeding on short tracks and dirt ovals.
Starting second also gives the No. 5 team a major advantage. Track position could be difficult to regain if a driver falls deep into traffic, meaning Larson already has something most of his Hendrick teammates will be chasing from the opening lap.
Hendrick Motorsports still has four cars capable of turning things around once the race begins, but based on what the weekend has shown so far, Larson is clearly leading the charge.
If Hendrick Motorsports is going to leave Iowa Speedway with a victory Sunday afternoon, the No. 5 looks like its best chance to make it happen.