In a dramatic turn of events at the NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway, spotter TJ Majors has voiced his opinion that Kyle Larson “lifted” before the chequered flag, ultimately impacting Brad Keselowski’s chance at a victory. Majors, who serves as Keselowski’s spotter, made this claim on his popular podcast, sparking widespread discussion in the NASCAR community about the final moments of the race.
The situation unfolded during the final lap of the YellaWood 500, where Brad Keselowski, one of NASCAR’s most skilled superspeedway racers, found himself in a prime position to battle for the win. With the draft playing a critical role at the high-speed Talladega track, momentum and positioning are key. Larson, who was racing just ahead of Keselowski, allegedly eased off the throttle just before the finish line, a move that Majors believes disrupted the forward momentum Keselowski needed to make a final run for the checkered flag.
According to Majors, this split-second decision by Larson had significant consequences for the race outcome. “Kyle Larson lifted, and that’s what killed our run,” Majors said during the podcast. He expressed frustration over the fact that the drop in speed effectively broke Keselowski’s drafting momentum, leaving him with little chance to make a pass or gain ground as the pack surged towards the finish line.
Larson’s decision to ease off is not unusual in superspeedway racing, where drivers often have to manage their runs to avoid dangerous situations or to protect their position. However, the timing of Larson’s alleged move drew attention because of how it potentially impacted one of the final contenders for the win. Keselowski, who was driving for RFK Racing, finished a respectable 4th, but it was a race he clearly had the ability to win.
Majors’ claim has ignited debates among fans and analysts, with some agreeing that Larson’s actions hindered Keselowski’s chances, while others argue that such moves are common at Talladega.
For Keselowski, the race was yet another near-miss as he continues his search for another superspeedway victory. For Larson, it’s another example of the fine margins that define racing at tracks like Talladega, where a single decision can have lasting consequences for multiple drivers.