Kyle Larson, fresh off his participation in both the Xfinity and Cup Series races at Texas Motor Speedway last weekend, spoke candidly about his preference for the Xfinity Series over the NASCAR Cup Series. After seizing victory in the Andy’s Frozen Custard 300, Larson praised the racing dynamics of the Xfinity Series, asserting that the competition allows for closer, more thrilling action, in stark contrast to what he described in the Cup Series. His remarks come at a time when prominent drivers, including Denny Hamlin, are vocalizing similar frustrations, challenging the status quo of NASCAR’s top tier.
Larson explained,
You can run much closer to people in Xfinity, which is nice. Kind of run in their wake a little bit better, and not be upset. So, the Cup car is much tougher to get to people and pass them. You can’t really manipulate their car. So, yeah, that makes it fun. When you get to come back to Xfinity and kind of not worry about dirty air quite as much.
His honest evaluation reinforced the growing sentiment that NASCAR’s Next Gen Cup car has inherent limitations when it comes to close-quarters racing, especially compared to the Xfinity Series vehicles.
Elaborating on the difference, Kyle Larson highlighted his experience on the Texas track, saying that the Next Gen Cup car struggles in turns 3 and 4. He pointed to a bump on the track that, for the Cup Series, disrupts cars significantly, often resulting in accidents. According to Larson, this instability is far less of an issue in the Xfinity Series, which adds to the enjoyment and competitiveness of racing in that division.
These are the kinds of opinions NASCAR likely doesn’t want to hear,
he admitted, acknowledging the potential controversy his comments might spark.
Despite the challenges associated with Cup Series cars, Kyle Larson’s performance on Sunday demonstrated his skill, as he managed to finish in fourth place after leading 90 laps. The race ended under intense circumstances, with four cautions in the final laps and Larson losing ground to Michael McDowell during crucial restarts. Nonetheless, his honest feedback regarding the racing product has reignited discussion about the direction of NASCAR’s premier division.
Denny Hamlin, a consistent critic of the Next Gen Cup car, has echoed similar criticisms. On several occasions, Hamlin has called for changes, referencing races like those at Talladega Superspeedway. Compared to the Cup Series race, the Xfinity contest was widely perceived as more exhilarating. Hamlin even remarked,
I would love… Joe Gibbs Racing, if you’re hearing this, sign me up for an Xfinity superspeedway race.
He longed for the racing excitement of the past, emphasizing,
That is how racing used to be. That’s how good we used to have it. We just never knew it.
The growing preference among star drivers like Kyle Larson for the Xfinity Series over the Cup Series casts a spotlight on NASCAR’s ongoing challenge to appeal to both racers and fans. If the current trajectory continues, with top talents expressing a desire to compete in what is officially the “second-tier” series, it may prompt NASCAR to rethink its approach to the Cup Series car and racing format. As Larson and Hamlin’s criticisms gain momentum, the conversation around NASCAR’s future has never felt more intense or emotionally charged.
