Kyle Larson talks the Bristol Dirt race

Larson on NASCAR’s upcoming dirt race: “I think it’s still 500 laps. So, that’s pretty crazy.”

Kyle Larson is set to return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2021. It was announced today that he’ll be driving the No. 5 for Hendrick Motorsports.

All this year, Larson has been dominating on the dirt tracks. In 82 dirt track races for 2020, he’s won 42 of them.

Related: Kyle Larson to drive No. 5 for Hendrick Motorsports in 2021 NASCAR season

Now, for 2021, NASCAR will return to the dirt. They’re set to drop dirt on the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway and turn them loose in the first Cup race on dirt since 1970.

It’s going to be a wild weekend. Most of the drivers, aren’t in favor of the bold change.

You might think Kyle Larson would be all for it. However, for years, he’s always stated that he wasn’t in favor of seeing the Cup Series on dirt, at all.

But, they’re going to do it in 2021. So, what does he think?

Related: Dirt regular Kyle Larson isn’t in favor of the NASCAR Cup Series on dirt tracks

Kyle Larson in victory lane at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55
Kyle Larson in victory lane at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 (Photo: World of Outlaws)

Kyle Larson on Bristol Dirt

“In March, I don’t think they’ll have an issue getting moisture in the track. It always rains in Bristol, in March,” Larson stated via the Dale Jr Download on Wednesday.

“Bristol, as it is, with concrete, is my favorite track. It feels like a 500 lap dirt race. It’s fast, aggressive and you can move around.”

“With the dirt race there, I don’t know what to expect. I would assume it’s going to be a lot slower. With it being in March and with all the rain, it could be really rough.”

“Which I look forward to. I like rough dirt tracks. It adds character and you can move your lines around.”

“And, I think it’s still 500 laps. So, that’s pretty crazy,” Larson says with a laugh.

“It’s going to be entertaining, regardless.”

“From racing Eldora in the truck, it basically turns into a pavement race anyway. So, I feel like that guys that don’t have any dirt experience will do just fine. Plus, with all the banking, it’s going to have way more grip than Eldora does.”

“I think guys like myself, Bell or Reddick will have a slight advantage. But, after 500 laps, that won’t even matter. Kevin Harvick could go out there and win.”

“The fans will enjoy it. We’ll see if it grows into something.”

“If the track gets rough and builds character, it could be fun. But, then it could be hard on the equipment and who knows.”

“I think 500 laps is a lot, too much. An 8 lap dirt race, my heart rate will be 190, the whole time, it’s insane.”

Related: Bristol Dirt – Here’s how the NASCAR dirt race came to be

Links

Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports | Dale Earnhardt Jr | Bristol Motor Speedway | Speedway Motorsports Inc | NASCAR

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