As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series shifts into high gear, it’s clear that the track’s top dogs have a new rival to contend with. Kyle Larson is making waves, leaving seasoned veterans like Joey Logano in his dust. The secret behind Larson’s success? A well-executed strategy of running the wall, a daring move that requires nerves of steel and a deft touch.
The Homestead race of 2022 saw Larson clinch a decisive victory, setting the pace by leading 199 laps and scoring his maiden win at the track. His prowess on this challenging circuit has left many wondering, what sets him apart? Logano, the Cup Series Champion of 2024, believes he’s cracked the code to Larson’s supremacy.
Logano is no stranger to the Homestead track. With a record of five consecutive top-6 finishes on this circuit between 2015 and 2019, and a remarkable win in 2018 that led him to his first Cup Series Championship, he was once a force to reckon with. However, his performance has taken a hit since 2020, with only one top-15 finish to his name at Homestead. This dip in form begs the question: what changed?
In a candid admission to the media ahead of the Phoenix Raceway, Logano conceded that Larson’s skill in running close to the wall on tracks like Homestead and Darlington was unmatched. Other notable names like Tyler Reddick and Ryan Blaney have also shown prowess in this daring strategy, but Larson stands a cut above the rest. His exceptional performance at Darlington last year, where he maneuvered his No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 from 18th place to a respectable finish, is a testament to his skill.
Yet, Logano points to another critical element behind Larson’s dominance – the Next-Gen Car. NASCAR collaborated with Technique Chassis in May 2022 to enhance the rear-end chassis of the Next Gen car. This updated model, which introduced “triggers” to boost crush zones and minor design tweaks for better energy absorption during rear impacts, has been a game-changer. The new design allows drivers to recover from minor errors, adding to their confidence on the track. Logano contends that this feature has particularly benefited Larson, allowing him to not only maintain speed but also sustain consistency.
Larson’s impressive stats lend credence to Logano’s argument – he has led an astounding 296 laps in the three Next-Gen races at Homestead Miami to date. His masterclass at Darlington in 2024 saw him leading a staggering 263 laps, winning both stages, although he ended the race in fourth place.
However, the spotlight should not exclude other noteworthy drivers like Tyler Reddick. Reddick made headlines last October at Homestead when he overtook Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney in the final lap, securing his position in the Championship Four by riding close to the wall. An audacious move, indeed, but one that Reddick had been honing since his rookie year in the Xfinity Series.
As the Cup Series heads back to Phoenix Raceway, fond memories of clinching the 2024 Cup Series Championship at this very track might flood Logano. Despite his past triumphs, Logano remains focused on the present, gearing up for the Cup Series’ fourth race on March 9, 2025. His track record at Phoenix is impressive, boasting three wins and 15 top-10 finishes in 31 starts since 2009.
Last year’s finale at Phoenix showcased Logano’s tenacity as he overcame an early setback to secure his third championship. This year, however, he faces fresh challenges, including Goodyear’s option tires and a formidable line-up of competitors. Ryan Blaney, who narrowly missed the championship last year, and Christopher Bell, aiming for a third consecutive Next Gen win, are among the front-runners.
As we gear up for another adrenaline-fueled race at Phoenix, the question remains – who will claim the checkered flag this year? Will Larson continue his dominant run, or will veterans like Logano reclaim their glory? Stay tuned to find out!