Chip Ganassi had a tough decision to make last weekend before the Pure Michigan 400. His young star driver, Kyle Larson, wanted to fly to Iowa for the A-Main championship Saturday night before returning to Michigan to race on Sunday.
Ganassi let Larson run both races, but he knew on Sunday that he would be criticized for it if Larson struggled for the fourth straight Cup Series race. He told NBC Sports he always wants to do what's best for his drivers.
"I was questioning myself in the middle of the race," Ganassi said. "I was getting ready to take a lot of heat in the media for that, if we didn't have a good day."
Related: Kyle Larson says he won at Michigan for one reason
Larson said the exposure will help him find a sponsor after the season ends.
"I think our guys saw the opportunity in front of them with how much exposure I could get if I ran the Knoxville Nationals," Larson said. "I think Chip also understood that. There's been so much exposure this week behind me, and to run good at both races will hopefully help us in the search for a replacement sponsor at the end of the year."
Ganassi and Larson have a close relationship, and Ganassi's reaction after Larson won at Michigan was a special moment to watch.
Getting clocked in the face is worth it when you're a winner, right @KyleLarsonRacin?#MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/6IqI6znBiJ
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) August 14, 2017
The duo have teamed up for three victories this season, and they are in position to compete for the championship this year.