Kyle Larson, after becoming a key beneficiary of NASCAR’s new fastest lap point rule, addressed the ongoing dispute over whether lapped cars like his should be eligible for these points during the season’s races. The debate intensified after Larson, finishing 42 laps down at Mexico City, still secured the extra point, igniting questions about fairness and competition in the sport. The Kyle Larson fastest lap point rule discussion has sparked varied opinions among drivers, teams, and fans.
Larson Defends the Fastest Lap Bonus for All Drivers
Under the new policy, NASCAR introduced a system reminiscent of Formula 1, granting a bonus point for the fastest lap recorded—though in F1, only drivers in the top ten are eligible, while NASCAR’s version has prompted people to reconsider the criteria for eligibility. The argument centers on whether cars that are multiple laps down should have equal opportunity for this potentially crucial point.
Kyle Larson, experiencing the system firsthand, called the rule a welcome motivation, especially when drivers face setbacks on track. He pointed out that incidents like crashes or problematic pit stops often push competitors several laps down, at which point chasing the fastest lap can provide a renewed sense of purpose:
“I like how it currently is; I’d be curious, I guess, to hear the other side of it…To me, I mean, I think you know when you have an issue going on in your day. I mean, it could be, you know, for me it’s been a wreck…it could be, you know, a pit stop. At some point the race has you multiple laps down,” he said.
“And then it just gives you an incentive to go out there and push for that one extra point that you can, You know, you know you can go get,” he added. —Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
Opposing viewpoints were outlined by Bob Pockrass, who noted that critics believe lapped cars might gain unfair advantage by pitting for fresh tires, carrying less fuel, and running in clear air, thus outpacing drivers still in contention. He explained:
“The other side is well, is that car truly the same as the other cars and where obviously they have opportunity to run them, come in on and pit up fresh tires, don’t put on a lot of fuel and just run a couple of like qualifying laps in clean air.” —Bob Pockrass, NASCAR Reporter
Kyle Larson responded bluntly to these concerns, standing by his viewpoint with little patience for detractors:
“Who cares? I mean, point is out there to get, it’s available for everybody.” —Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
This controversy arose as Larson entered the playoffs, tied in points with Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron but seeded first due to three early-season wins. Following a 19th-place finish at Darlington Raceway, Larson now occupies third in the championship standings.
Gateway Track Considered Critical for Championship Prospects
Moving beyond the debate, Kyle Larson identified World Wide Technology Raceway (Gateway) as a significant stage for any playoff contender hoping to succeed later at Phoenix, the season’s finale—both tracks demand similar setups, including reliable braking and swift exits from flat corners.
“I think in the years we’ve ran Gateway already, it’s always to me the one track that shows who’s gonna be good at Phoenix,” Larson said via X/Bob Pockrass. —Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
He expressed his belief that strong results at Gateway are often mirrored in Phoenix, suggesting that drivers who adapt there could have an edge during the final rounds. Notably, Larson pointed out that teams like Team Penske and Joe Gibbs Racing have traditionally performed better than Hendrick Motorsports at this venue, creating another layer of challenge as he strives to reach the championship round with confidence.
Looking Ahead as Debate Continues
The fastest lap point rule, as discussed through Larson’s remarks and Pockrass’s observations, remains a flashpoint for NASCAR as teams seek every edge available during crucial races—especially with playoff implications at stake. With Kyle Larson and William Byron deep in the battle for the top of the standings, the discourse over fairness and competition is likely to persist as drivers, including those from Team Penske and Joe Gibbs Racing, vie for every possible advantage at World Wide Technology Raceway, Darlington, Gateway, and the finale at Phoenix. As the season continues, the impact of the fastest lap rule will remain a closely watched storyline throughout the racing community.
