Published 02/24/2023, 12:29 PM EST
It’s no secret that NASCAR drivers have a love-hate relationship with speedway racing. One moment, you’re cruising along, stable, and in control, hoping for some help in the middle lane, and the next, you’re caught up in a wreck that’s entirely out of your control. Kyle Larson knows this all too well. The talented driver has yet to win at a speedway, and his unfortunate streak has left many wondering if he has what it takes to end it. But according to a recent episode of the “NASCAR on NBC” podcast, a Hendrick Motorsports legend thinks Larson has what it takes.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 01: NASCAR driver Kyle Larson speaks with the media during the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day at Charlotte Convention Center on September 01, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Steve Letarte, an American professional NASCAR crew chief and sportscaster, discussed the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Season on the show. Letarte had some inspiring words when asked about Larson’s unfortunate streak at speedways. “If you’re in the picture…if you’re one of those 15 cars we just talked about…Kyle Larson specifically we just talked about… . that’s all you can ask because if you are there time and time and time again, you will win at Daytona 500.”
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Larson’s impressive driving skills have put him in the picture time and time again, and Letarte believes it’s only a matter of time before he ends his unfortunate streak. “You will get the right move, the right this, the right that. And uh…Kyle Larson’s gonna question it? I don’t think his move was completely wrong.”
What does Letarte think about the victor?
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Despite getting caught up in a wreck, Letarte didn’t hesitate to give credit where it was due. He says in the podcast, “Congratulations Ricky Stenhouse… ’cause he didn’t ‘TALK BOTTOM! TALK BOTTOM! OH! No decision 3 wide’ or ‘No decision, wrecked him down the in field’. He waited…Waited… waited… waited, left turn. And it’s kinda like, you know, a little bit of a game of ‘Chicken!’ Right? Like, he waited till the last minute to pick his lane, and then it was an abrupt move to the point that gave Kyle Larson enough time still to hit him or miss him, which tells me it’s not a bad block just a well-executed block.”
Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (47) talks to the press during Daytona 500 media day at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Letarte acknowledges Larson’s speedway struggles, but they won’t hinder his promising career. Larson’s proven himself and earned his place with impressive driving. And as Letarte reminds us, “that’s all you can ask” for a driver looking to end their streak.
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According to Letarte, Kyle Larson’s impressive driving skills and position make it only a matter of time before he ends his unfortunate speedway winning streak. In other words, Letarte believes that Larson’s success is inevitable despite his current streak.
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