Kyle Larson warns rivals about overlooking the underdogs in the playoffs
Kyle Larson is taking a calculated approach to the Round of 16.
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Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)
Hendrick Motorsports Kyle Larson has admitted that overlooking the so-called underdogs in the 2023 Cup playoffs will be a mistake. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Michael McDowell, and Bubba Wallace are three drivers who have been given the status as they are the three drivers expected to get eliminated in the first round of the postseason.
Stenhouse made it to the last 16 with his win at Daytona, and though he failed to repeat the feat, his consistency in the last 26 races has shown he can deliver under pressure. McDowell made it by winning the Indy Road Course race and has proven many times that he can produce solid runs on regular tracks. Wallace got in on points, and his impressive runs in the last five races to hold into the top 16 proves he is also a contender.
Larson, while talking about the playoff, pointed out that it’s a mistake to overlook the underdogs in the Next-Gen car ear. He pointed out that the new car has made everyone equal on track in most races, and the execution of the driver was on point as well. He named Stenhouse Jr. as a driver who can deliver, considering his pace.
“Especially in the Next Gen era, I don’t think you can overlook anybody. You know, everybody’s so equal, and those ‘underdogs’ have done a really good job this year of executing each race and finishing where they probably deserve or a little bit better,” the 2021 Cup champion said, as reported by NASCAR.com.
“So, I look at like Ricky; he’s probably has his best season by far to date. And he’s been super consistent. He’s had a lot of speed at times. And those races that he’s had speed, he’s finished up there too,” Kyle Larson added.
In case you missed it: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. claims overlooking him in R-16 is a mistake, says he is determined to prove doubters wrong
Kyle Larson expects his team to be the standout this year
The 2023 season was of redemption for Larson after an underwhelming title defense last season. Despite securing multiple wins and getting it to playoffs, he failed to establish himself as a solid contender.
But he made solid progress in 2023 and has consistently performed alongside teammate Willaim Byron. Since there are only two HMS cars in the playoffs, Rick Hendrick will put all his resources into the duo.
While discussing the playoff battles, Larson pointed out that in the post-season pressure, some teams often step up their game and execute their races to perfection. He wishes to be one of those teams that execute well in the final ten races.
“I mean, I think you can’t overlook them guys at all because they’re gonna be consistent. They’re gonna do a job. And always, too, when the playoffs start, even the good teams, like there’s always somebody that, like, their team just does a really good job of executing and making themselves stand out. So hopefully, that’s us this year,” Larson said.
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