Kyle Larson Reveals the Thrilling and Terrifying Truth of Racing at Bristol: “It Feels Like You’re Still Turning!”
As the NASCAR world gears up for the much-anticipated Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, one name stands out among the crowd: Kyle Larson. The Hendrick Motorsports star, who has dominated the track with back-to-back victories, is ready to face the daunting challenge that awaits him on this notoriously tricky short track.
But Larson knows that even with his impressive track record, Bristol is no walk in the park. In an exclusive interview on NASCAR: Inside the Race, he opened up about the unique challenges of racing at this iconic venue. “Bristol would be a little easier to get lost,” Larson admitted, reflecting on the intense speeds drivers must maintain. “When you’re rolling so fast over a 100-lap run, you start to lose track of where you are on the track.”
In a striking analogy, Larson compared the dizzying experience of navigating Bristol’s steeply banked corners to a day spent on the water. “There’s definitely been times where I get out of the car and the feeling is like getting off the boat after being on the lake all day,” he said. “You just feel like you’re still kind of turning. I would say Bristol’s probably the only track that I’ve ever felt that way.”
The banking of the track, which varies from 24 to 28 degrees, creates a thrilling yet disorienting atmosphere. This unique feature allows drivers to carry insane speeds while maneuvering through turns, resulting in heart-pounding racing across multiple lanes. But with exhilaration comes chaos—Larson accurately noted the topsy-turvy nature of racing at Bristol, where split-second decisions could make or break a race.
Adding to the complexity, Larson highlighted the high-stakes environment of green flag pit stops. At just 0.533 miles long, Bristol’s tight layout means that pitting under green can lead to significant disadvantages. “You can fall way behind your competitors if you pit at the wrong time,” he cautioned. Most teams prefer to avoid such risky maneuvers unless absolutely necessary.
Compounding the pressure, drivers face different entry points for pit road depending on their stalls, requiring laser-focused attention. “If you’re pitted on the frontstretch side, it’s a different entry than [under] yellow,” Larson explained. “You don’t want to make the brain fart of going to the wrong pit road. So, you’re really focused on that, too.”
With Larson aiming for a perfect three-for-three at Bristol, fans are left on the edge of their seats, wondering if he can conquer this formidable track once again. Will the racing prodigy continue his reign, or will the unpredictable nature of Bristol prove too much? The answer will soon be unveiled as the race unfolds!
