The Daytona Nightmare for Kyle Larson Why He Has Never Conquered Superspeedway

Kyle Larson has undoubtedly established himself as one of the most dominant drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series, but there remains a glaring issue: his inability to conquer superspeedway tracks. Despite his long list of achievements, including winning the prestigious 2021 Cup Series championship, Larson’s track record at Daytona and Talladega is far from stellar. He’s proven to be a powerhouse on various other tracks, yet when it comes to the high-speed chaos of superspeedway racing, Larson struggles to perform at his best.

The Daytona and Talladega Curse: What’s Behind It?

Larson’s performance at Daytona and Talladega has consistently fallen short, leaving fans and analysts puzzled. Over the course of nine races at Daytona with Hendrick Motorsports, Larson’s best finish was a 10th-place finish in the 2021 Daytona 500. His Talladega stats aren’t much better, with only two top-10 finishes across eight races. This glaring gap in his performance is especially apparent when comparing it to his success on other types of tracks, where Larson thrives.

In the 2025 Daytona 500, Larson found himself as the only Hendrick Motorsports driver who didn’t lead a lap. His frustration grew as he couldn’t find his way to the front, and his difficulties became even more apparent when all of his teammates managed to secure strong finishes. Jeff Gordon, vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports, addressed Larson’s struggles after the race, acknowledging the psychological toll the situation may have taken on the driver.

Jeff Gordon’s Insight: “It’s Getting in His Head”

Gordon, a three-time Daytona 500 winner, weighed in on Larson’s difficulties, noting that it might not just be a matter of bad luck or a lack of skill. “I think now I’m starting to see it’s getting in his head,” Gordon said. “I’ve had a few conversations with him, and like, man, just go for it; just forget about it; don’t try to even overthink it.” Larson’s confidence seems to have been shaken by his consistent failures, making it harder for him to perform at the level expected of him. Gordon’s advice to Larson was simple: be himself. He encouraged Larson not to focus on what others are doing or try to force results, but to simply execute his racing style and trust that the outcomes would eventually fall into place.

The NASCAR Superspeedway Enigma: Is Larson’s Style a Fit?

Larson’s racing style, characterized by precise control and calculated moves, doesn’t seem to mesh well with the chaos that often defines superspeedway races. The introduction of the NextGen car in NASCAR has made superspeedway racing even more unpredictable, with multi-car wrecks and last-lap chaos becoming a regular occurrence. This type of racing demands a level of aggression and adaptability that Larson hasn’t quite been able to tap into, despite his overall success on other tracks.

Although Larson’s performance at superspeedways may not be ideal, it’s difficult to determine just how much these struggles truly affect his career. NASCAR’s superspeedway races are often marked by unpredictable outcomes, with even the most skilled drivers being victims of bad luck. Larson’s inability to win at Daytona or Talladega might not define his career as much as his record on other tracks.

The Struggles Continue: What Does the Future Hold for Larson?

Larson’s issues at Daytona are compounded by the shadow of his early Xfinity Series days at the track. In his 2013 debut, Larson’s car was destroyed in a harrowing crash that seemed to set the tone for his ongoing struggles at superspeedways. Despite winning the Xfinity Series race at Daytona in 2018, Larson has never been a serious contender in the Daytona 500, a race that has eluded him year after year.

After finishing 20th in the 2025 Daytona 500, Larson’s performance was further overshadowed by his Hendrick teammates’ success. William Byron’s victory and solid finishes from Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott highlighted Larson’s absence from the race’s competitive forefront. Even with a string of victories to open the season and a reputation for excellence, Larson remains a non-factor at Daytona.

Does a Daytona 500 victory really matter for Kyle Larson?

Interestingly, Larson himself seems to be taking his Daytona struggles in stride. He has never won the Daytona 500, and while he still expresses a desire to conquer the race, he doesn’t see it as the be-all and end-all of his career. “I’m not going to lose sleep if I don’t ever win this race,” Larson admitted, “but I still want to win the race and have that ring and that trophy.” His lack of success at Daytona doesn’t seem to weigh heavily on him, especially considering his impressive collection of other career accomplishments.

Hendrick Motorsports: A Team in Need of Answers

Despite Larson’s apparent indifference toward his Daytona 500 woes, the leadership at Hendrick Motorsports remains committed to finding a solution. Gordon has been candid about Larson’s difficulties, acknowledging the challenges but also expressing confidence that the team will figure it out. Larson and his crew chief, Cliff Daniels, have yet to find the right formula for success on superspeedways, but with their combined talent and experience, it’s only a matter of time before they crack the code.

Kyle Larson’s Biggest Critic: His Son Owen

Interestingly, Larson’s harshest critic may not be a fellow driver or team member, but his own son. Owen Larson, who has become something of a public commentator on his father’s racing struggles, has offered blunt advice on what he believes his father needs to improve: drafting. “He has to try harder,” Owen said. “Probably drafting.” While Larson has yet to address his son’s critique directly, it’s clear that Owen’s assessment reflects his growing understanding of what it takes to succeed at superspeedways.

Looking Ahead: Will Larson Overcome the Superspeedway Curse?

As NASCAR heads into the spring, Larson will have another opportunity to prove himself at Talladega, a track that has also eluded him in terms of victories. Whether or not Larson can break free from his superspeedway curse remains to be seen. However, as Jeff Gordon said, “I’m sure they’ll figure it out.” It might just take a few more soul-searching moments and some on-track adjustments before Larson can finally claim victory at a superspeedway.

Conclusion: Larson’s Superspeedway Struggles Aren’t Defining His Career

Despite his inability to win at superspeedways, Kyle Larson’s career remains one of the most successful in recent NASCAR history. With 23 Cup victories and a championship under his belt, his future is far from uncertain. As he continues to battle the superspeedway curse, Larson’s supporters, including Jeff Gordon, remain confident that the driver will eventually find his way to victory lane at Daytona and Talladega.

This ongoing struggle may be a chapter in Larson’s career, but it’s far from the final word on his legacy in NASCAR. Keep an eye on Larson’s journey, as the road ahead may hold the breakthrough he’s been waiting for.