Kyle Larson has identified shorter, flatter tracks as a potential difficulty as the NASCAR playoffs progress, acknowledging venues like World Wide Technology Raceway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway as challenging for his team. Despite this, Larson remains optimistic, noting improvements in his car’s performance on such tracks and the progress Hendrick Motorsports has made recently.
On circuits such as New Hampshire and Gateway, driving demands focus on braking, throttle precision, and mechanical grip instead of relying heavily on aerodynamic downforce. Because these tracks lack significant banking, drivers often struggle to maintain traction, which can lead to increased tire wear as they compete for grip through corners.
Hendrick Motorsports has historically excelled at intermediate tracks that rely more on aerodynamic setups, and Larson’s five wins during his championship season came mostly on these types of tracks. Reflecting on his team’s overall readiness, Larson remains cautiously confident heading into the playoff rounds.
“I think still the shorter, flatter tracks (are potential weaknesses), so seeing Gateway and New Hampshire in the playoffs is not something that I was thrilled about. But I do think we’ve made our package better on that style of track,” he said via NASCAR.com
“I look at Iowa, we were fast and (Hendrick Motorsports teammate) William (Byron) won. Chase (Elliott) was fast. Alex (Bowman) was fast. When we went to Richmond, we were all really good again……I do think we’ve gotten our cars better on those places, but we still need to probably be better,” he added.
Momentum Builds as Larson Enters Playoffs with Solid Results
Kyle Larson begins the playoffs on a strong note after securing two consecutive sixth-place finishes at Daytona and Richmond, helping him recover momentum following a less consistent summer. His position atop the playoff standings, with a 26-point lead, offers him a buffer as he approaches the more demanding shorter tracks.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Cook Out 500 at Darlington Raceway offers a promising opportunity for Larson to continue his playoff push. The 367-lap race is set for Sunday, August 31, at 6 PM ET and will be critical for maintaining his advantage in the championship battle.
Larson Observes Greater Caution Among Drivers During Playoffs
Before the first playoff race, Larson shared insights into how the mindset of drivers shifts once the postseason starts, with competitors adopting a more cautious approach to avoid costly errors. According to him, while playoffs can trigger desperation for many racers, the overall competition tends to calm down as they prioritize consistent finishes.
“I feel like the racing has always calmed down a little bit once you get to the playoffs because everybody’s so conscious of, like, finishing and trying to just get the best finish possible that day,” he said via Youtube/Frontstretch.
Larson also mentioned that with some drivers no longer in the playoffs, those competing for the championship can find more room on the track, although he emphasized that the racing remains extremely aggressive.
Strong Team Support Bolsters Larson’s Playoff Campaign
Adding to his confidence, Larson will be backed by Hendrick Motorsports teammates who have also qualified for the playoffs. Alex Bowman’s playoff spot was clinched partly due to a late-race move at Daytona involving Larson and Chase Elliott that prevented a new winner from emerging, highlighting the strength and collaboration within the team heading into the postseason.
