Kyle Larson admitted to a possible weak spot with ‘shorter, flatter tracks’ within the playoffs. He acknowledged that venues like World Extensive Expertise Raceway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway stay challenges however was additionally assured of his staff’s progress on such tracks.
On tracks like New Hampshire and the Gateway, drivers depend on braking, throttle management, and mechanical grip as a substitute of aero and downforce-heavy setups. Banking permits automobiles to hold pace by way of corners, and with out them, drivers usually battle for traction and find yourself with tire put on.
Hendrick Motorsports has traditionally been good at aero-dependent intermediates. Notably, Larson took 5 of his ten wins throughout his title-winning 12 months at Intermediates. Reflecting on the identical, Larson shared a constructive outlook on his probabilities.
“I believe nonetheless the shorter, flatter tracks (are potential weaknesses), so seeing Gateway and New Hampshire within the playoffs will not be one thing that I used to be thrilled about. However I do assume we’ve made our package deal higher on that fashion of observe,” he mentioned through NASCAR.com
“I have a look at Iowa, we have been quick and (Hendrick Motorsports teammate) William (Byron) gained. Chase (Elliott) was quick. Alex (Bowman) was quick. Once we went to Richmond, we have been all actually good once more……I do assume we’ve gotten our automobiles higher on these locations, however we nonetheless must most likely be higher,” he added.
Kyle Larson enters the playoffs with two consecutive sixth-place outcomes at Daytona and Richmond, giving him useful momentum after a middling summer season stretch. To his credit score, Larson additionally stands atop the playoff standings with a 26-point cushion that may soak up any blows from WWT Raceway or New Hampshire.
Sunday’s Prepare dinner Out 500 at Darlington Raceway guarantees to be a good cease for Larson as nicely. The 367-lap occasion is scheduled for Sunday, August 31 at 6 PM ET.
Kyle Larson believes drivers are calmer throughout the playoffs
In a press convention forward of the primary playoff race, Kyle Larson provided an alternate perspective on the season forward. He defined how drivers are extra cautious to keep away from at pricey errors that will finish their day early.
Making the playoffs generally is a determined bid for a lot of, however Larson means that the general tone shifts as soon as the post-season will get underway,
“I really feel just like the racing has at all times calmed down a bit bit when you get to the playoffs as a result of everyone’s so aware of, like, ending and making an attempt to only get the very best end attainable that day,” he mentioned through Youtube/ Frontstretch. [2:22 onwards]
Kyle Larson defined that the non-qualified drivers present a bit extra respiration house for the playoff contenders. Nonetheless, he insisted the sector remains to be ‘extremely aggressive’.
The 31-year-old may also benefit from the assist of his teammates, who’ve all certified for the playoffs. Alex Bowman secured his berth because of Larson and Elliott’s late-race transfer at Daytona that prevented a brand new winner.
Edited by Tushhita Barua
