Kyle Larson is widely regarded as one of the most successful and talented drivers in the modern NASCAR Cup Series. However, despite his impressive career, he believes the transition to the current Gen-7 race car has hindered his potential for even greater success. Larson made a bold claim after securing his 14th win in the Next Gen era at Homestead-Miami Speedway, which also marked his 30th career Cup victory.
While Larson’s 30 wins put him in an exclusive group of only 29 drivers to achieve that milestone, he argues that his total could be much higher had NASCAR stuck with the Gen-6 car for a little longer. In a statement that raised eyebrows, Larson suggested that, without the introduction of the Next Gen car, he might have reached around 50 Cup wins by now.
A Bold Claim on the Next Gen Car
“I think if we would still have the 2021 car, I would have about 50 Cup wins right now,” Larson said during his winner’s press conference at Homestead. “I think switching to this car has limited us from winning.”
His statement suggests that he believes the Gen-7 car, which was introduced to level the playing field and create more competitive balance, has resulted in fewer victories for him and his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team. While this might seem like a lofty claim, it carries weight when considering Larson’s dominance in the final season of the Gen-6 car.
In 2021, Larson had a remarkable season, securing the NASCAR Cup Series championship with ten wins, 2,581 laps led—more than 1,000 laps ahead of anyone else—and an overall performance that left little doubt about his skill and consistency with the older car. The switch to the Gen-7 car reset the competition, reducing the clear advantage that teams like Hendrick Motorsports had built over the years, particularly with the Gen-6.
Success Despite the Challenge
Despite Larson’s frustration with the current car, it’s important to note that he hasn’t exactly struggled since the introduction of the Next Gen car. In fact, he’s remained one of the sport’s top drivers. In 2022, Larson won three races, followed by four victories in 2023. In 2024, he claimed a series-leading six wins. His victory at Homestead in 2025 was his first of the season after just six races.
Larson’s ability to adapt to the challenges posed by the Next Gen car is evident, and he credits his team’s adaptability as a key factor in their continued success. “I think just being with a good team and being able to adapt to new things is something you try to pride yourself on,” Larson said. “I think that’s an area where the 5 team really excels, and the 24 [William Byron] as well. I think we probably share or are top two in most Next Gen wins. Young, adaptable drivers and teams.”
A Different Driving Experience
While Larson is clearly an exceptional driver, he acknowledges that the Next Gen car presents unique challenges. “Yeah, they’re difficult cars to drive, though. You have to run really hard, and I think that probably benefits a guy like myself,” he explained. The Next Gen car requires a different level of skill, and Larson’s ability to push hard and adapt to these conditions likely gives him an edge over some competitors.
In conclusion, while Larson’s claim of having “about 50 Cup wins” without the Next Gen car is speculative, it underscores the impact that the change in equipment has had on his career. Despite these challenges, Larson continues to be a dominant force in NASCAR, and his adaptability and success with the Gen-7 car prove that he’s still one of the sport’s best drivers, no matter the obstacles.
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