Kyle Larson, the driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, spoke with the media ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying session at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. Known for his strong performances on this 2.28-mile circuit, Larson returns as the defending winner, targeting another victory amid fierce competition at the Charlotte Roval.
Adjusting to Track Changes and Tire Packs Impact
Larson commented on recent modifications to the track, particularly the tire packs added at Turns Seven and 17. Watching the previous Truck race, he noted,
“I don’t really remember anybody really clipping them, so I would say that they’re in a good place. But yeah, we’ll see once we get out there.”
He explained that the tire packs could influence restart strategies, especially around the hairpin turn, which felt much wider before the addition of the packs. He added that last year, drivers sometimes cut that corner slightly, and the new features might prevent that going forward.
The Vital Role of Qualifying at Road Courses
When asked about the importance of qualifying on road courses such as the Roval, Larson emphasized its critical nature.
“Qualifying is extremely important everywhere, but especially on the road courses, I feel like. It’s just really, really hard to pass because we’re all pretty similar, I feel like.”
He attributed tougher passing opportunities to improved brake control with newer cars and said qualifying has gained more weight at all track types, most notably at road courses.
Home Advantage and Local Support at Charlotte
Reflecting on Charlotte as his home race, Larson shared the benefits of competing on familiar territory.
“It’s great to be here at home; sleep in your own bed, drive to the track and drive home.”
He pointed out that many members of Hendrick Motorsports’ shop staff who might not travel to other races get to attend this event. Despite busier weeks due to local commitments, the advantages of having family nearby and a home crowd make the weekend special.
Challenges and Unique Features of the Charlotte Roval
Larson compared the Charlotte Roval to other road courses by describing its distinct characteristics. He noted the surface is worn and very bumpy through the first two corners, which makes handling especially tricky.
“Drive-off is difficult in the hairpin, the bus stop on the backstretch, the frontstretch of chicane, all of that.”
He acknowledged that every track has its own challenges, and the Roval presents its own unique difficulties for drivers and teams alike.
Learning From Other Races and Competitors
On extracting insights from watching Truck and Xfinity races at the Roval, Larson said that while racing lines appear similar, there are still valuable lessons.
“I think just seeing areas where people are making moves to pass or how much of a curb that they’re using, stuff like that. So, yeah, you can pick up something every time you watch a race.”
Reflecting on Past Success and Adjusting to New Conditions
Larson addressed his performance on the Roval with the Next Gen car setup. He mentioned that in previous years, he had never quite felt comfortable, describing the car as
“on edge and out of control.”
However, last year, the Hendrick Motorsports team focused heavily on improving car balance, making significant progress.
“So I’m hopeful that this time around we’ll have that same sort of feel and comfort.”
He also noted the challenge posed by this year’s tire changes and admitted uncertainty about what to expect in the upcoming race.
Current Playoff Standings and Strategy Moving Forward
Discussing his playoff progress, Larson expressed satisfaction with his performance so far in this elimination round.
“This round has gone pretty well. I feel like both of the two races have been pretty similar.”
He explained how he has gained many stage points even when not finishing as strongly as anticipated in later stages. Larson emphasized the importance of increasing intensity and calculated risk-taking in the upcoming rounds.
“I feel like our team has quietly been getting better for a while now. Each week, we’re continuing to get better.”
He conveyed optimism heading toward races like Martinsville.
Memories of Overcoming Adversity in Previous Races
Recalling the dramatic 2021 Charlotte Roval race when Larson’s car faced multiple electrical issues, he praised his team’s swift problem-solving and determination.
“Our team did a really good job of diagnosing the issue, fixing the issue, and then just executing the day.”
Despite concerns about getting eliminated due to mechanical troubles, the team’s careful planning and strong restarts led to an unlikely victory. Larson described the experience as
“kind of a championship sort of thing.”
Comparisons with Shane van Gisbergen’s Dominance
Regarding Shane van Gisbergen’s recent dominance with four consecutive wins at the Roval, Larson downplayed his own edge on road courses.
“I don’t think there’s anything I do better than SVG (laughs)…”
When asked how close he feels to van Gisbergen, Larson candidly acknowledged,
“I feel like this year, nowhere near him.”
He attributed part of this gap to tire changes and differences in driving style but expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities and hopes to remain competitive.
Approach to Risk and Intensity in Playoff Races
Larson elaborated on the balance between risk and reward during this critical playoff phase. He described taking “calculated risk” at this stage, especially moving into the Round of Eight, where the margin for error narrows.
“You don’t want to take too much risk and take yourself out of things, but you also don’t want to be too easy and feel like you give up a spot or two each stage.”
He noted that race strategy depends heavily on specific circumstances at each moment, including points position and track location.
Dirt Racing Experience Adds to Road Course Adaptability
Reflecting on his background in dirt racing, Larson linked that experience to his adaptability on road courses. Unlike most drivers, he had no prior road racing experience before NASCAR, but his sprint car background helped him develop a good feel for car movement.
“In a sprint car, you have a lot more travel and feel of the car moving around… When you get to a road course, things are just floppier. You can feel the tire and feel the suspension.”
This ability to sense and communicate the car’s behavior gives him an advantage in setting up the car for tough road circuits.
Reduced Dirt Racing During NASCAR Season Due to Scheduling
Larson confirmed that he is not racing much on dirt late in the NASCAR season, due primarily to scheduling conflicts.
“There’s really not any mid-week racing right now. I don’t feel a need to go race in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, on a Friday night; get home here at 2 a.m. and then have to get on track during the playoffs.”
This allows him to focus more exclusively on the NASCAR playoff campaign.
Looking Ahead: The Stakes at the Charlotte Roval
As the Charlotte Roval race approaches, Kyle Larson’s combination of local knowledge, previous success, and willingness to adapt will be crucial. His team’s steady improvements and his experience overcoming adversity position him as a serious contender in this high-pressure playoff event. With tough competition from van Gisbergen and others, Larson must balance calculated risk with steady execution to advance further in the championship chase and strengthen his hold on the Charlotte Roval legacy.
