Kyle Larson is among the high drivers within the NASCAR Cup Sequence proper now, however change from the Gen-6 to the present Gen-7 race automotive 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 might be far greater if NASCAR caught with the earlier chassis for a bit longer.
Leveling the taking part in area
“I feel if we’d nonetheless have the 2021 automotive, I’d have about 50 Cup wins proper now,” stated Larson in his winner’s press convention at Homestead. “I feel switching to this automotive has restricted us from profitable.”
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 era of automotive, which has leveled the taking part in area to some extent and made issues far nearer throughout the Cup Sequence area.
However should you take a look at the ultimate season with the outdated automotive, Larson’s declare begins to have some advantage.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 automotive 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.
However it’s not like he is struggling as of late 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 superb staff and with the ability to adapt to new issues is one thing you attempt to pleasure your self on,” continued Larson. “I feel that is an space the place the 5 staff actually excels and the 24 [Byron] as properly. I feel we in all probability share or are high two in most Subsequent Gen wins. Younger, adaptable drivers and groups.
“Yeah, they’re tough vehicles to drive, although. It’s a must to run actually laborious, and I feel that in all probability advantages a man like myself.”
Images from Homestead-Miami – Race
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