Tony Stewart proves NASCAR drivers are close to illiterate about cars with hilarious Kyle Larson example

Kyle Larson is the modern-day version of Tony Stewart in terms of versatility.

Tony Stewart proves NASCAR drivers are close to illiterate about cars with hilarious Kyle Larson example

Kyle Larson and Tony Stewart (Via IMAGO)

Former NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of Stewart Haas Racing, Tony Stewart, has pointed out that the current generation of drivers needs to learn about the car they race compared to their predecessors. He proved his point by recalling an incident involving the 2021 Cup title winner, Kyle Larson.

Larson is the most talented racer of his generation. He has won titles in multiple divisions, in both Asphalt and Dirt. His versatility has been his defining factor. One of the main criticisms Larson faces stems from the same factor: Larson is more of a racer than someone who knows in and out of the car. He doesn’t have the knowledge about even the car he races, compared to some veterans or retired racers who built their cars.

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Stewart recalled an incident during the third season of Larson’s Cup career when he complained about the instrument behind his seat causing it to over-heat. Larson didn’t know that it was the fuel tank that had been at the place for the three years he had driven in the sport. Now, with 11 years of Cup experience, even Larson will laugh hard if he sees it happen.

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Kyle Larson had been in NASCAR for 3 years already in the Cup Series. And there was a race where the oil temp. It was really hot in the car…The oil tank is right behind the seat. And Kyle goes, ‘Man, I don’t know what is behind me, but my seat is burning up.’ Kyle, that’s your oil tank behind your seat. Been there every race.
Stewart said via Hot Rod Pod.

Racers don’t have to know about all parts of the car

While having knowledge about the car is essential for being competitive in events such as Rally Racing, this doesn’t apply to racing in circuits. The primary role of a race car driver is to be efficient and extract maximum speed from the car.

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Camping World Truck Series Pinty s Truck Race on Dirt on April 16, 2022 (Via IMAGO)

For engineers, while building a car, speed isn’t always the only primary option. Efficiency and safety are important as well. This means they have to make adjustments and compromise speed. A driver can give them extreme suggestions on how to increase speed and with certain compromises, the engineers can get the car get closer to it.

In Larson’s defense, unlike many drivers focused on just one series, Larson has invested his time on multiple teams on different cars and tracks. He can only succeed if he sticks to basics and races as fast as he can instead of going deep into how cars are produced.

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