BRISTOL, TN – Kyle Larson, a well-regarded talent in NASCAR, faces a significant challenge at superspeedways. The 2021 Cup Series champion has yet to secure a victory at these high-speed tracks. As he approached the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega, many fans considered Larson an underdog. Embracing this label, he acknowledged, “I probably have the worst average finish here of guys with more than three years of Cup experience. So I’ll take being the underdog.” Larson’s performance, which culminated in a P3 finish at Talladega—his best at a superspeedway to date—was overshadowed by his criticism of the Next Gen car, a topic that has sparked debates among fans and drivers alike.
The introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022 brought about much anticipation as it promised to revolutionize the sport, but it has instead left Larson and others grappling with its limitations. He expressed frustration about the car’s design, which hampers not just competition but also the excitement that fans crave. Denny Hamlin, Larson’s on-track rival and friend, has frequently recounted how the rush to develop the car hindered proper testing. “We didn’t have multiple racecars on the racetrack testing this car until two months before the very first race. And at that moment is when we all realized holy s—, you cannot pass. It was really, really bad,” Hamlin stated, summing up a general discontent shared by many in the garage.
The Next Gen car was initially seen as a symbol of fairness and equality in competition. Larson, alongside his peers, had to adapt to a car that fundamentally altered the dynamics of racing. However, the very principles meant to foster equality may have inadvertently created a formidable barrier. The car’s symmetrical design and underbody aerodynamics have been criticized for limiting opportunities to execute passing maneuvers. With 670-horsepower engines that, while restricted, yield tightly packed racing, creating momentum for overtakes has become increasingly difficult.
Following his Talladega race experience, Larson articulated his frustrations, emphasizing the challenges of passing.
Yeah, yeah, very, very, very difficult to pass,
he admitted.
I mean, I started the race in the back and couldn’t go anywhere. Some things got jumbled up… You need moments like that for the field to get kind of choked up and fanned out.” This scenario, where a lack of passing due to car limitations leads to predictability in outcomes, seems to be undermining the excitement that superspeedway racing once held.
Larson’s remarks resonate deeply with many fans accustomed to thrilling finishes. His crew chief, Cliff Daniels, also noted the issue, stating after the race, “Typically, the stage one and stage two, you know, completion isn’t very exciting or… there’s not a lot of trouble that happens along the way.
This might indicate a shift away from dynamic racing, where unexpected collisions and dramatic finishes once thrived, leaving many fans yearning for the excitement that seems to have vanished.
The conflict lies in the nature of passing strategies in these races. Larson, who had a promising start and even led the pack at certain points, found himself hampered by the aerodynamic limitations of the Next Gen car. His frustration peaked during the final stages of the race, particularly when he was unable to push his fellow driver, Austin Cindric, in a bid for advancement. The car’s limitations prevented him from capitalizing on opportunities, even when positioned favorably.
Questions loom over the safety of the drivers as well. As the Next Gen era began, numerous competitors, including Hamlin, conveyed that collisions now feel more intense than ever thanks to the increased stiffness of the newly designed chassis. Hamlin vividly described the aftermath of a severe collision at Daytona, likening the impact to that faced by boxers, saying, “I feel like my jaw was like one of those boxers that gets his whole face demolished.” With the rising concern about safety, many drivers have called for more horsepower—up to 750—to allow for better control and handling during high-speed races. However, NASCAR officials have been hesitant to make these adjustments, prioritizing the aesthetics of close pack racing over the essence of competitive sport.
For Larson, the stakes are high. As he navigates through his career, the challenges brought forth by the Next Gen car serve as barriers rather than opportunities for triumphs. His commitment to the sport remains undeterred; however, the underlying frustrations concerning racing dynamics continue to overshadow his performances. As discussions surrounding the Next Gen car persist, fans and analysts grapple with one pressing question: has the transition to this new vehicle format sabotaged the fundamental thrill of superspeedway racing for drivers and fans alike?
While some racing purists may defend the new design, suggesting that change is a natural part of the sport’s evolution, others point to a troubling trend that seems to prioritize efficiency and safety over adrenaline-pumping competition. Denny Hamlin’s assertion that “these cars are horrendous” may reflect a broader dissatisfaction, showcasing a need for a return to the exhilaration that has captivated audiences for generations. As Larson and his fellow racers approach the next superspeedway event, the looming question remains—what measures can be taken to revive the heart and soul of the sport, ensuring that iconic moments are not lost to the limitations of an evolving vehicle?
In conclusion, Larson’s experiences at superspeedways highlight a critical debate within NASCAR. As fans eagerly await the return of thrilling races filled with passion and competition, the question of whether the Next Gen car is to blame for the diminishing exhilaration of superspeedway racing becomes ever more significant. Only time will reveal the necessary changes required to restore the spirit of the sport, allowing drivers like Kyle Larson to reclaim their rightful place at the forefront of NASCAR history.
