Kyle Larson, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner at Watkins Glen International, faces fresh obstacles ahead of this weekend’s race as he works to overcome well-documented Kyle Larson Watkins Glen tire struggles. Despite his track success with Hendrick Motorsports, a recently introduced Goodyear tire compound has left him searching for solutions that suit his aggressive driving style.
Larson Confronts Unfamiliar Tire Dynamics Before Race Weekend
Larson has built a strong reputation at Watkins Glen, but a decision by Goodyear to change their tire compound has introduced a challenging puzzle. This new, softer road course tire made its debut at COTA earlier in the year, designed to increase wear and encourage greater performance drop-off throughout NASCAR races. Larson acknowledged in a recent SiriusXM NASCAR Radio interview that adapting his legendary approach has become much more difficult in this context.
Adjusting Driving Approach for Goodyear’s Softer Compound
Unlike past seasons, Larson is still searching for the right chemistry with Goodyear Racing Eagle’s latest tire. The new rubber does not accommodate his habit of pushing the car aggressively over a long run. As Larson candidly explained,
“Well, I mean I like to go to places that we’ve had a history of winning at, but the newer road course tire, I just haven’t quite gotten the feel for it that I need,”
—Kyle Larson, Driver
“I think it’s a softer compound, and I think that just doesn’t lend itself well to me. I sometimes abuse the tires some, and it is just not good for the long run.”
—Kyle Larson, Driver
Larson pointed out the advice often received by drivers—modifying smoothness and aggression isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. He stressed the subtleties in technique that the new tires demand. He reflected on how both he and the Hendrick Motorsports team are actively seeking a combination of settings and driving skills to bridge the gap.
“It’s obviously easy to say, oh, well, just be smoother, don’t be so aggressive, and things like that. But there’s still a technique that goes along with it that your driver’s gotta try and figure out.”
—Kyle Larson, Driver
Team Efforts and the Path Forward at Watkins Glen
Despite these technical hurdles, Larson remains optimistic and determined to adapt, drawing on experience and ongoing collaboration with his team. He hopes their efforts will pay off in finding a package compatible with both his driving style and the new Goodyear rubber.
Larson has fond memories of his Watkins Glen wins in 2021 and 2022, which came before Goodyear introduced the softer compound. Now, as he prepares for another test in New York, he refuses to let recent setbacks dampen his resolve. Through ongoing efforts to adjust and fine-tune their approach, he sees this weekend as an opportunity for redemption.
“So I look forward to the challenge this weekend and hopefully we can have a solid, solid day,”
—Kyle Larson, Driver
The outcome at Watkins Glen could offer crucial insights for Larson and Hendrick Motorsports as they continue to navigate Goodyear tire changes. With his record at stake and NASCAR Cup Series standings in view, the next race at this iconic road course looms as a proving ground for both driver skill and team adaptability under evolving tire dynamics.
