Kyle Larson is among the high drivers within the NASCAR Cup Collection proper now, however swap 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 could possibly be far increased if NASCAR caught with the earlier chassis for a bit longer.
Leveling the enjoying subject
“I believe 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 believe 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 subject to some extent and made issues far nearer throughout the Cup Collection subject.
However in the event you take a look at the ultimate season with the previous automobile, Larson’s declare begins to have some benefit. Not solely did he win the 2021 NASCAR Cup Collection championship, however Larson additionally gained 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 that they had 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 today both. Larson gained 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 believe simply being with an excellent workforce and with the ability to adapt to new issues is one thing you attempt to delight your self on,” continued Larson. “I believe that is an space the place the 5 workforce actually excels and the 24 [Byron] as nicely. I believe we in all probability share or are high two in most Subsequent Gen wins. Younger, adaptable drivers and groups.
“Yeah, they’re tough automobiles to drive, although. It’s a must to run actually exhausting, and I believe that in all probability advantages a man like myself.”
Photographs from Homestead-Miami – Race
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