Kyle Larson executed a brilliant late-race charge to take the lead with eight laps remaining and claim his second career win at Sonoma Raceway and third victory of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Larson, a native of Elk Grove, California about an hour from Sonoma, emerged victorious in a frantic race that featured seven caution flags in the first half before settling down over the final 51 green flag laps. Varying pit strategies came into play, with Larson among the last to make his final stop on lap 90.

Restarting eighth with 20 laps to go, Larson methodically picked off cars one-by-one before engaging in a thrilling three-way battle with Martin Truex Jr. and Chris Buescher for the lead. Larson made the winning pass for the top spot with eight laps left.

“I was just out there banging laps away,” said Larson. “I knew I’d be quick but thought it would even off too much. Thankful we had enough grip.”

Truex kept Larson honest until dramatically running out of gas just before the finish, allowing Michael McDowell to steal second place. Buescher came home third after leading 32 laps and winning Stage 2.

The victory vaulted Larson into the championship lead by 14 points over teammate Chase Elliott. It also marked redemption after Larson missed the Coca-Cola 600 two weeks ago while attempting racing’s Memorial Day double of the Indianapolis 500 and Charlotte’s 600-miler.

Joey Logano’s pole-winning run ended in a 21st place finish, while Denny Hamlin suffered an engine failure on lap 2 that dropped him to 38th and third in the standings.

The Cup Series now heads to Iowa Speedway for the first time next Sunday for the Iowa Corn 350.