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Is Kyle Larson’s Superspeedway Struggle Becoming a Mental Battle? Jeff Gordon Thinks So

Harry Stone by Harry Stone
February 17, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Is Kyle Larson’s Superspeedway Struggle Becoming a Mental Battle? Jeff Gordon Thinks So

Feb 16, 2025; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) makes a pit stop during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Kyle Larson can dominate nearly any track—except when it comes to superspeedways. The 2025 Daytona 500 was supposed to be a fresh start, a chance to erase years of frustration. Instead, it was the same painful story: strong race, wrong place, wrong time, and another wrecked No. 5 Chevy limping back to the garage.

And now, Jeff Gordon is starting to believe the problem isn’t just the track—it’s inside Larson’s own head.


Déjà Vu: Another Daytona 500, Another Missed Opportunity

Coming into Speedweeks, Larson knew the narrative. Daytona and Talladega have been his personal nightmare, just as they were for Tony Stewart, another all-time great who never won the 500.

“I’m not going to lose sleep if I don’t ever win this race,” Larson joked before the race.

But his actions on the track told a different story.

  • He struggled in qualifying, forcing him into the chaotic Duels.
  • He wrecked in his Duel race, damaging his car and starting 22nd for the 500.
  • He dodged crashes all race long, running inside the top 10 late.
  • Then, just as he saw a path to victory—boom. Another superspeedway wreck ended his day.

The culprit this time? Cole Custer and Christopher Bell triggered a chain reaction. Denny Hamlin spun, Ryan Preece went flying, and Larson got collected—again.


Jeff Gordon: “It’s in His Head Now”

After watching another Daytona 500 slip away, Jeff Gordon didn’t sugarcoat it.

“I love Kyle and he’s great, but this is a challenge for him.”

“It’s in his head now.”

That’s the concern—has this superspeedway struggle turned into a mental block?

  • Larson isn’t just unlucky—he’s changing the way he races these tracks.
  • Overthinking leads to hesitation, and at Daytona, that’s a death sentence.
  • His mindset is shifting from confidence to doubt, and in NASCAR, that’s dangerous.

While William Byron delivered a near-perfect race to win his second straight Daytona 500, Larson was left watching, again.


Even Larson’s Son Knows His Struggles

The most brutally honest review of Larson’s superspeedway woes?

It came from his own 10-year-old son, Owen Larson.

“He probably has to try really hard because he’s not good at superspeedways.”

Ouch.

Even his family knows the problem. And now, the question isn’t whether Larson can win a Daytona 500—it’s whether he still believes he can.


What’s Next? Can Larson Overcome This Mental Hurdle?

Larson has proven he’s one of the best drivers in the world—but superspeedways require a different skill set.

  • He has the raw talent—but does he trust himself at Daytona?
  • He can dodge wrecks—but does he put himself in the right position?
  • He’s fast—but does he have the confidence to race Daytona like he does everywhere else?

Until he breaks through at Daytona or Talladega, this mental block will only grow stronger.

But one thing is certain—until Larson proves himself on a superspeedway, the ghosts of Daytona will continue to haunt him.

And Jeff Gordon knows it.

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