Kyle Larson is likely one of the prime drivers within the NASCAR Cup Collection 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 may very well be far larger if NASCAR caught with the earlier chassis for a bit longer.
Leveling the taking part in area
“I feel if we might nonetheless have the 2021 automotive, I might 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 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 era of automotive, which has leveled the taking part in area to some extent and made issues far nearer throughout the Cup Collection area.
However in the event you have a look at the ultimate season with the previous automotive, Larson’s declare begins to have some benefit. Not solely did he win the 2021 NASCAR Cup Collection 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 that they had 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 nowadays 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 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 properly. I feel we in all probability share or are prime two in most Subsequent Gen wins. Younger, adaptable drivers and groups.
“Yeah, they’re troublesome vehicles to drive, although. It’s a must to run actually arduous, and I feel that in all probability advantages a man like myself.”
Photographs from Homestead-Miami – Race
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