Kyle Larson has called out NASCAR’s lack of wet-weather pit stops. The reigning champion went on the ‘Door Bumper Clear’ podcast and explained why teams should have more control over transitioning from wet-weather tires to slicks.
The recently concluded New Hampshire race saw drivers start on wet-weather tires before a competition caution on lap 40 allowed a change to slicks. As a result, drivers didn’t have to race over the pit road, and teams took their time as well.
Advertisement
Larson believes the practice hurts the racing product.
“I think we’ve been doing this rain thing long enough now, it’s gone well. There’s other series that do live pit stops in the rain. Every other series does live pit stops in the rain. Why can’t we?” he said.
“And bring in that element of strategy. And I think that’s where the good teams can rise or even the slower teams like an SVG would have really smashed the field, he would’ve had a lot of cars a lap down. I think if they would’ve opened the strategy up. So I think it’s just time, like we have the experience of doing it. Just let us just open it up,” Larson added.
The Dollar Tree 301 saw multiple drivers struggle with wet tires. Carson Hocevar spun out on the pace lap, while Tyler Reddick got wiped out on lap 1.
Many drivers avoided the paved section of the track and opted for a non-racing line on the apron, as rubber buildup on the middle lanes made the track more slippery. Josh Berry was one of the drivers who took the middle lane early in the race and was in no man’s land for a while.
Kyle Larson led the way for Hendrick Motorsports and rounded out the top-5. The result was his second straight top-10 after a five-race slump.
Advertisement
Chase Elliott defends Kyle Larson’s recent struggles
Feb 4, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (9) and driver Kyle Larson (5) during media availabilities at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Chase Elliott recently addressed Kyle Larson’s winless stretch. The No. 5 driver hasn’t won since Kansas last year, while Elliott has two wins this season.
“I mean, I don’t think he’s alone in a lot of that. You know, it’s not like we’ve been lighting the world on fire either. I don’t think it’s fair to single him out on that. We’ve all been working really hard to be better,” Elliott said via On3.
Larson has had his fair share of podiums this year, but hasn’t managed to take the top step yet. His best result so far is a runner-up finish at Kansas Speedway.
Chase Elliott, on the other hand, finished outside the top-20 at New Hampshire. The result dropped him two spots in the standings, as he sits behind Larson in eighth.
Their HMS teammate William Byron is 12th, while Alex Bowman rounds out the top-30.
Advertisement
Read More:
Richard Childress and RCR Confirm No. 33 Driver for 2027 NASCAR Cup Series Season
Kyle Petty Drops a Blunt Reality Check on Josh Berry’s Late-Season Turnaround: “If You’re Not Winning Races, Sorry”
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in NASCAR, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
Read the full article here