Jeff Gordon responds to Kyle Larson’s superspeedway struggles after disappointing Daytona 500

Kyle Larson is one the finest racers in the world and he has the accolades to prove it. But the one thing that’s eluded him throughout his career is a superspeedway victory.

Larson is 0-for-42 at Daytona and Talladega, finishing 20th in Sunday’s 67th running of the Daytona 500. He often vented his frustration over his radio: “I make all the wrong moves. Any move I make is the wrong one.” All three of his Hendrick Motorsports teammates — Alex Bowman, Chase Elliott and William Byron — spent time up front and led laps. The latter won the whole thing for the second year in a row. Larson didn’t lead a lap and never looked like a major player among the 41-car field.

At this point, Hendrick Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon believes Larson’s lack of success on superspeedways is starting to get in his head.

“Gosh, the guy is not perfect,” Gordon said, via Jenna Fryer of The Associated Press. “I think now I’m starting to see it’s getting in his head. I’ve had a few conversations with him, and like, ‘Man, just go for it, just forget about it, don’t try to even overthink it,’” Gordon said. “I don’t know what advice to give him other than — all I told him today is ‘Just be Kyle Larson. Don’t try to be something you’re not. Don’t look at what somebody else is doing that’s having success. Just go out there and execute, and the other things will turn around and come your way eventually.’”

Gordon, a three-time Daytona 500 champion, added it’s up to Larson and crew chief Cliff Daniels to turn it around on superspeedways.

“It’s a head-scratcher for sure, for he and Cliff and the whole team,” Gordon said. “But I’m sure they’ll figure it out.”

Kyle Larson’s struggles on superspeedways continue in Daytona 500

Sure, Larson may not be on the shortlist of best superspeedway drivers. But the 2021 Cup Series champion has been successful in spite of, winning 23 races since joining Hendrick in 2021. And as Byron pointed out, Las Vegas will be here in a few weeks. Larson took the checkered flag at Las Vegas last spring and will likely be the favorite to repeat.

“Wait until we get to Vegas, and he’ll just be ripping,” Byron said.

Eventually, Larson would like to win the Daytona 500; It’s the only crown jewel race he’s yet to win. But he won’t be losing any sleep over it.

“Like, I’m not going to lose sleep if I don’t ever win this race, but I still want to win the race and have that ring and that trophy and be a part of the names that have won it,” Larson said. “But again, I think there’s a lot else, a lot more that goes into winning and a lot of luck. It’s not a big deal.”

The post Jeff Gordon responds to Kyle Larson’s superspeedway struggles after disappointing Daytona 500 appeared first on On3.