Kyle Larson is one of the best dirt racers in the world and that makes his opinion of NASCAR racing on Bristol Dirt and other dirt tracks a really important one. Based on his latest comments, it makes the situation even more eye-opening.
What did Larson have to say and what is the future of NASCAR racing at Bristol Dirt and other dirt tracks?
Kyle Larson makes strong comments about NASCAR racing on dirt tracks
The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Bristol Dirt for the third running of the popular event. It represents the second straight year the Cup Series has competed on Easter Night as it helps build an audience for the networks.
NASCAR’s first time at Bristol Dirt was a significant struggle as it rained all weekend and caused the races to be postponed. Then, the sport refused to listen to NASCAR’s best dirt drivers as the track was not prepared as requested.
Last season’s event was better as the nighttime environment produced better racing overall. However, this still does not please some of NASCAR’s most prominent dirt racers as Bristol Motor Speedway now only has one pavement date.
Larson talked to Frontstretch about NASCAR racing on Bristol Dirt and whether he wants to see it return for the 2024 NASCAR season.
“No, I think we all really enjoy the concrete surface here at (Bristol Motor Speedway). I think the crowd is typical bigger it seems like at this point now for the concrete stuff. I don’t know, it’s up to (NASCAR) and the promoters but I would love to get back to running two races on the concrete here.”
Kyle Larson on running at Bristol Dirt beyond 2023
This is a very notable quote from a driver like Larson as he clearly remains the best dirt racer in the sport. Plus, the argument is there for the driver of the No. 5 car to be the greatest dirt racing driver of the current generation.
Larson was then asked which dirt track NASCAR should look at next if Bristol Dirt was taken off the schedule. Needless to say, his answer will surprise you.
“None, none…’cause we don’t need to be racing on dirt.”
Kyle Larson on NASCAR going to another dirt track in 2024
For someone of Larson’s caliber to say the Cup Series shouldn’t race on dirt tracks, that should send a message of some kind to the people in charge. Perhaps, NASCAR doesn’t need to be racing on dirt tracks.
The racing has been fun and it could be an annual tradition on Easter Night but Larson is one of many drivers to miss two pavement races at Bristol. It is understandable because the venue represents one of NASCAR’s best race tracks.
Is Larson right? Should NASCAR move away from Bristol Dirt and dirt racing in general? Continue reading to find out those very questions below!
Related: Kyle Larson will attempt the 2024/2025 Indianapolis 500s with McLaren Racing
Evaluating NASCAR’s future at dirt tracks after Kyle Larson’s comments
It is hard to base an entire opinion on one driver’s comments but Larson is arguably the one dirt driver that can make you think about it. Honestly, Larson is at least right about Bristol Dirt beyond the 2023 season.
There is no need to race at Bristol Dirt. NASCAR would benefit from keeping its drivers happy as they enjoy the concrete track more than the dirt track. Plus, the racing is not in the same stratosphere as Eldora.
The NASCAR Truck Series went to Eldora for several years before the event came to an unfortunate end. It was hands-down much better than Bristol Dirt as it provided better racing overall.
Bristol Dirt is not the same. Sure, the racing can be fun at points but it doesn’t feel like a true dirt track. The best idea would be to remove it from the schedule and go back to running two concrete tracks moving forward.
However, what about another dirt track? Could NASCAR ever return to Eldora? If so, that would be the ideal scenario since it has been the best dirt racing seen in NASCAR since it was introduced a while back.
The Cup Series could work on dirt tracks but it needs to be the right one. Bristol Dirt is not the right one and drivers are being deprived of a race track that is one of the favorites across the board.
Sometimes, the sport needs to listen to its drivers and Larson is probably the best one to listen to on this subject. Maybe, NASCAR can find a better dirt track but Bristol Dirt is not the best situation.