Jeff Gordon candidly admits Kyle Larson is a better driver than him
Jeff Gordan hints that Kyle Larson is a driver on the level of Jimmie Johnson.
Follow Us
Jeff Gordon and Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)
2021 NASCAR Cup Series Kyle Larson secured his second Cup career final playoff spot on Sunday after successfully blocking JGR’s Christopher Bell for the win at Las Vegas. The No:5 Chevy Camaro ZL1, who had a tough Round-12 that saw him barely making out, has proven that he is the man to beat going into the finale.
This impressive outing has made Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon admit that his fellow Californian is a better driver than him. The four-time Cup champion and the man who ended Dale Earnhardt’s dominance believes that if he is to drive alongside Larson, he might not be able to outrace him.
Gordon, when asked plainly if he believed Larson was a better driver than him, gave an honest answer. He said, as reported by Yardbreaker, “Yes. I’m glad I didn’t have to race. I got my butt kicked by one guy at Hendrick Motorsports that was my teammate. I didn’t need to have two of ’em.”
Gordon has confirmed that he sees Larson, a driver who has a similar caliber as seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson. JJ was Godon’s teammate at HMS and won most of his titles fighting Hall of Famer in the same car. He feels that if he is to race Larson on the track, it will be a similar experience.
In case you missed it: William Byron claims he has ‘the blueprint’ is there for him to win the 2023 Cup title
Jeff Gordon reveals the key to Kyle Larson’s success
Gordon has highlighted the role played by Larson’s crew chief in making him the dominant driver he is now with HMS. He pointed out that alongside the work ethic and talents of Larson, Cliff Daniels‘s data-driven work also plays a major role in making the No:5 team click.
Larson said, “You take a guy like Kyle and his capabilities, his talent. He’s impressed me with his work ethic, too. I wasn’t sure how he approached the Cup Series, especially with Cliff and all the data, all the homework that Cliff gives him, the meetings they have. Cliff is an intense guy, and he brings a lot to the table. It’s a lot of information that you have to absorb.”
He also pointed out that having Larson has elevated the team to another level. Gordon pointed out that the work ethic and talent of the driver, alongside the expertise of Daniels, makes the 2021 championship-winning side successful.
Discover:
Stay Updated!
Justin P Joy
(4859 Articles Published)