He started on the pole, won both stages, earned the bonus point for the fastest lap of the race, led 221 of 267 laps and took the points lead. Larson’s victory was his third of the season, the earliest he has scored three wins in a Cup season.

Kyle Larson’s win at Kansas Speedway in front of a sparse crowd was a great example of the fundamental problem NASCAR faces as it navigates the 2020s and beyond.

Byron sits at No. 2 in the Cup Series standings, while Bell improved to No. 3 with his runner-up finish in Kansas. Chase Elliott stood pat at No. 4, and Ryan Blaney jumped up to No. 5 in the standings by ending Sunday's race in the No. 3 spot.