Kyle Larson’s Superspeedway Struggles: Jeff Gordon Weighs In as NASCAR Heads to Atlanta

Despite being one of the most versatile and talented drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series, Kyle Larson continues to struggle on Superspeedway tracks. While he dominates on short and intermediate tracks, his record at Daytona and Talladega suggests an ongoing challenge that has even caught the attention of Jeff Gordon, the Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports and a four-time Cup Series champion.

As NASCAR heads to Atlanta for the Ambetter Health 400, the big question looms: Can Larson break free from his Superspeedway slump?

Kyle Larson’s Superspeedway Numbers: A Mixed Bag

Impressive Elsewhere, But a Tough Road at Daytona & Talladega

Kyle Larson’s overall NASCAR record is outstanding, but his performance on Superspeedways tells a different story. His average finish at Daytona and Talladega stands at 21.9, significantly lower than his 13.0 average on short tracks and 12.8 on intermediate circuits.

Although he has secured Top-5 finishes at Talladega, including a 4th-place finish in October 2024 and another 4th place at Daytona in April 2022, his last Top-10 finish at a Superspeedway dates back to 2021—the very year he won his Cup Series Championship.

For a driver of Larson’s caliber, such inconsistencies raise major concerns, and even Jeff Gordon acknowledges the mental toll it is taking on him.

Jeff Gordon’s Brutally Honest Take on Larson’s Struggles

“It’s Getting in His Head,” Says NASCAR Legend Jeff Gordon

Speaking candidly about Larson’s performance, Jeff Gordon didn’t hold back:

“Gosh, the guy (Larson) is not perfect. I think now I’m starting to see it’s getting in his head.”

Gordon further revealed his personal conversations with Larson, urging him to stop overthinking his approach:

“I’ve had a few conversations with him, and like, man, just go for it. Just forget about it. Don’t even try to overthink it.”

He continued, offering simple yet powerful advice:

“All I told him today is just be Kyle Larson. Don’t try to be something you’re not. Don’t look at what somebody else is doing that’s having success. Just go out there and execute, and the other things will turn around and come your way eventually.”

Despite this pep talk, Gordon admitted his own confusion about Larson’s Superspeedway struggles, calling it “a head-scratcher, for sure.”

The Harsh Reality: Larson’s Daytona and Talladega Curse

Best Daytona finish? P6—Nine Years Ago!

Larson’s best-ever finish at Daytona International Speedway was a 6th-place result in 2016. Since then, he has failed to crack the Top 5 on a consistent basis.

For a driver who has amassed 23 Cup Series victories since joining Hendrick Motorsports, this Superspeedway slump is baffling. However, his team leadership remains patient, recognizing that his strengths far outweigh this particular weakness.

To further emphasize how unpredictable Superspeedway races can be, even elite drivers like Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, and Chase Elliott have faced similar struggles at times. Pack racing, drafting tactics, and high-speed wrecks often create chaotic finishes, where luck plays a much bigger role than at other track types.

Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta: A New Chance or More of the Same?

Atlanta’s New Superspeedway-Style Racing Could Spell More Trouble for Larson

While traditional Superspeedways are at least two miles or longer, the 1.54-mile Atlanta Motor Speedway has been redesigned to produce “pack racing”—the same intense, high-speed battles seen at Daytona and Talladega.

So, even though Atlanta isn’t classified as a full-length Superspeedway, it races like one—which could spell yet another challenging weekend for Larson.

Atlanta’s Brutal History for Larson: Can He Break the Curse?

14 races. 0 wins. Average Finish: 20.1

Larson’s history at Atlanta Motor Speedway isn’t exactly promising. Across 14 career starts, his average finish stands at a disappointing 20.1.

His best results came in 2021 and 2017, when he secured second place in both races. However, in his last four Atlanta appearances, he has failed to crack the Top 30—a concerning statistic heading into Sunday’s race.

Even some NASCAR analysts believe Larson’s aggressive driving style isn’t always well-suited for pack racing dynamics, where patience, positioning, and drafting are just as important as raw speed.

Teammate William Byron Still Believes in Larson

“Wait Until We Get to Vegas,” Says Byron

Despite Larson’s struggles on Superspeedways, his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, William Byron, remains confident in his abilities. Byron, fresh off his Daytona 500 victory, brushed off concerns about Larson’s form, stating:

“Wait until we get to Vegas, and he’ll [Larson] just be ripping.”

Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a 1.5-mile intermediate track, has traditionally been one of Larson’s strongest venues—suggesting that a return to form may be just around the corner.

Final Thoughts: Will Atlanta Be the Turning Point?

Pressure Mounts, But Is This the Weekend Larson Shines?

As NASCAR heads to Atlanta, Kyle Larson has one mission: Prove that his Superspeedway struggles don’t define him.

With Jeff Gordon offering guidance, his team backing him, and William Byron vouching for his skill, the pressure is on.

Can Larson finally tame the Superspeedway demons, or will Atlanta be another frustrating chapter in his otherwise stellar career?

We’ll find out this Sunday at the Ambetter Health 400!

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Kyle Larson?

Beyond Atlanta—Can Larson Turn His Superspeedway Misfortunes Around?

Even if Kyle Larson struggles in Atlanta, the season is long, and opportunities for redemption remain. His biggest challenge, however, is figuring out a winning formula for Superspeedway success before the next big showdown at Talladega in April and Daytona in August.

Some NASCAR insiders believe that Larson’s aggressive racing style works against him on these tracks. Unlike short and intermediate circuits, where raw speed, skill, and consistency reign supreme, superspeedways require a different mindset. Success often hinges on pack racing strategies, understanding aerodynamic drafting, and most importantly—having a little bit of luck.

Could a Different Approach Help?

Many veteran drivers, such as Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski, have mastered the art of Superspeedway racing by adopting a more patient, strategic approach—waiting for the right moment to make a move instead of forcing the action too early.

If Larson takes a page from their playbook, he might increase his chances of breaking through. However, changing his natural driving instincts is easier said than done. He thrives on high-risk, high-reward maneuvers, which often work wonders on other tracks but have led to disappointment on Superspeedways.

Will 2025 Be the Year Larson Figures It Out?

With the NASCAR playoffs looming later in the year, every race matters. If Larson wants to be a true title contender again, he must conquer his biggest weakness. Whether that happens this Sunday in Atlanta—or further down the road—will define his legacy as a complete driver.