Kyle Larson, an acknowledged master of riding the fence, has his sights set on a sweep at the Homestead Miami track. Yet, Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill, a driver with a penchant for the bottom lane, has a different strategy in mind to outpace Larson and the rest of the field.
Larson demonstrated his skills recently, weaving through the crowd from the back of the pack to clinch the top 5 spot in a Truck Race. His decision to participate in all three races at the track paints a picture of a man confident in his abilities. However, Austin Hill, a driver who defies conventional approaches, has plans to take the race from a different angle.
Hill’s strategy? Stick to the bottom lane. A strategy that he has used successfully in the past, propelling him to the championship four in the previous season by defeating Cole Custer. His unconventional approach caught the attention of Larson himself who acknowledged Hill’s stellar performance last year and recognized him as a formidable contender.
Larson is no stranger to victory at the Homestead Miami track. He has participated four times in the Xfinity Series, securing a win once and landing in the top 5 thrice. It’s this impressive record and his average finish of 3.3 at Homestead that puts him at the forefront of this race. Yet, Hill remains unphased, confident in his strategy and ability to defend his title.
Hill’s preference for the bottom lane is rooted in his fondness for a loose race car. This preference, coupled with his unique car setup, has proven to be effective in his career. Dale Jr., a veteran of the NASCAR scene, praises Hill’s ability to control the race and advises against pushing Hill into the lead as he becomes a difficult opponent to surpass.
The upcoming race may not just be a two-horse race between Hill and Larson. Hill’s teammate, Jesse Love, who had a strong performance last season and recently outperformed Hill in Las Vegas, could be a potential threat. Despite this, Hill remains committed to supporting his teammate, even going as far as sharing some of his racing tips.
Sharing strategy among teammates isn’t uncommon in NASCAR, but Hill’s willingness to divulge his secrets is rare. While he’s careful not to reveal too much, his advice has proven beneficial to his peers. For instance, Chandler Smith improved his performance in the Truck Series race after receiving some tips from Hill.
As the race approaches, only time will tell whose strategy will prove most effective. Will Hill’s bottom lane approach continue to bring him success, or will Larson’s fence-riding strategy prevail? The stage is set for an exciting race, and all eyes are on these two drivers as they prepare to face off on the Homestead Miami track.
