Kyle Larson, widely regarded as one of the top race car drivers globally, recently acknowledged that he does not stand a chance at mastering Shane van Gisbergen’s renowned heel-toe braking technique. This admission came as Larson discussed the driving skills that give van Gisbergen an edge in road course racing, particularly after the New Zealander’s impressive NASCAR debut in 2023.
Shane van Gisbergen quickly became a dominant force when he won his first Cup Series race at the Chicago Street Course. His success is partly credited to his use of heel-toe braking, a sophisticated driving method where the driver uses the right foot to brake and accelerate simultaneously, while the left foot operates the clutch for smooth gear shifts. This approach contrasts sharply with the tactics used by most NASCAR drivers, who typically brake with their left foot and rarely engage the clutch during gear changes in modern stock cars.
Larson explained during a press event at Sonoma Raceway that adapting to van Gisbergen’s method poses a significant challenge for drivers accustomed to traditional NASCAR techniques. He stated,
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks… like there’s zero chance I can learn how to do that. And even if I did, like there’s zero chance that I can have it be better than what I’m probably doing with left-foot braking. So yeah, he’s just so good.
Despite Larson’s respect for van Gisbergen’s road course abilities, he noted that van Gisbergen’s weakness lies in oval racing, suggesting that mastering ovals could make him an even tougher competitor.
Perspectives from Other Top Drivers on Adopting the Heel-Toe Technique
Other elite racers have shared their thoughts on the potential of incorporating heel-toe braking into their skill set. Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, remarked with humor that by the time he could even begin to learn the technique, it would be time for him to retire. Busch highlighted the complexity of mastering the method, describing it as beyond his capability and experience.
Christopher Bell echoed this sentiment in a 2023 interview with NBC Sports, saying,
I wouldn’t even know where to begin. It’s definitely something that would take a long time to master and probably be an easy way to make a mistake.
Bell also pointed out that limited practice opportunities and restrictions on open testing make it difficult for drivers to experiment with such advanced techniques without risking costly errors during actual races.
Nevertheless, there is considerable interest among drivers in trying to improve by using heel-toe braking. Ryan Blaney expressed this eagerness, stating,
If I had the time, I would definitely love to do it. If I could go run a Cup car every single day, that’s all I would work on.
This competitive drive to match or surpass van Gisbergen’s proficiency adds an extra layer of intensity to upcoming road course events, including races at Sonoma Raceway.
The Broader Impact of Van Gisbergen’s Driving Style on NASCAR
Van Gisbergen’s arrival and his mastery of the heel-toe braking technique have set a new benchmark for road course racing within NASCAR, challenging traditional norms and pushing other drivers to reconsider their driving habits. While many veterans find the method difficult to embrace, younger drivers appear motivated to learn and close the gap. The evolving competition on road courses underscores a potential shift in driver training and technique development within the sport.
Ultimately, Kyle Larson’s candid admission illustrates the high skill level required to adopt heel-toe braking successfully and highlights van Gisbergen’s unique talent. As the NASCAR season progresses, the impact of this technique and the ongoing rivalry around it will likely shape strategies and driver performances on road courses across the calendar.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?
A. While Larson may not surpass Verstappen in Formula 1, he is one of the most adaptable drivers globally. Bianchi thinks Larson stands out due to his diverse skills. He currently achieves victories across many different car types.