DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — Hendrick Motorsports showed its strength to start the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs on Sunday night. 2021 series champion Kyle Larson took his first Southern 500 while top playoff seed William Byron finished fourth to keep his title chances strong. Even Chase Elliott, who missed out on the playoffs, ended eighth as his team competes for an owner’s title. Larson’s win gave owner Rick Hendrick his 299th career Cup victory and Larson said all four of the organization’s drivers are on high alert to achieve the milestone victory at Kansas next weekend.
