Kyle Larson is likely one of the high drivers within the NASCAR Cup Sequence proper now, however change from the Gen-6 to the present Gen-7 race automobile is one thing that he believes put a notable dent in his stats web page.
He earned his 14th win within the Subsequent Gen period on Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, which was additionally the thirtieth of his profession. Solely 29 different drivers have ever reached that milestone, however Larson believes that quantity may very well be far greater if NASCAR caught with the earlier chassis for a bit longer.
Leveling the enjoying area
“I feel if we might nonetheless have the 2021 automobile, I’d have about 50 Cup wins proper now,” mentioned Larson in his winner’s press convention at Homestead. “I feel switching to this automobile has restricted us from successful.”
It is fairly the assertion, believing that he would have earned round 20 extra victories within the final three years with out the introduction of the present technology of automobile, which has leveled the enjoying area to some extent and made issues far nearer throughout the Cup Sequence area.
However for those who take a look at the ultimate season with the outdated automobile, Larson’s declare begins to have some advantage. Not solely did he win the 2021 NASCAR Cup Sequence championship, however Larson additionally received ten races and led 2,581 laps — that is greater than 1,000 greater than anybody else. The brand new automobile denied groups like Hendrick the clear benefit they’d constructed up because the Gen-6 was launched in 2013, offering a complete reset for the game.
Nevertheless it’s not like he is struggling today both. Larson received three races in 2022, 4 in 2023, and a series-leading six in 2024. And his Homestead victory final weekend was his first of the 2025 season after simply six races.
“I feel simply being with a very good group and with the ability to adapt to new issues is one thing you attempt to delight your self on,” continued Larson. “I feel that is an space the place the 5 group actually excels and the 24 [Byron] as effectively. I feel we most likely share or are high two in most Subsequent Gen wins. Younger, adaptable drivers and groups.
“Yeah, they’re tough vehicles to drive, although. You need to run actually laborious, and I feel that most likely advantages a man like myself.”
Pictures from Homestead-Miami – Race
On this article
Be the primary to know and subscribe for real-time information e-mail updates on these matters
Subscribe to information alerts
