Kyle Larson, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner at Watkins Glen International, arrives at this weekend’s race facing unexpected challenges due to changes in Goodyear’s tire compound. Despite his strong history at the 2.45-mile road course, Larson acknowledges difficulties adapting to the newer tires, which have impacted his confidence and performance.
The Impact of Goodyear’s Updated Tire Compound on Larson’s Performance
In a recent interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Larson detailed how the softer road course tire introduced by Goodyear in recent years has conflicted with his driving style during long runs. The new compound, aimed at increasing tire wear and creating greater performance fall-off through the race, requires an adjustment he says he has not yet fully mastered.
Well, I mean I like to go to places that we’ve had a history of winning at, but the newer road course tire, I just haven’t quite gotten the feel for it that I need,
Larson explained.
I think it’s a softer compound, and I think that just doesn’t lend itself well to me. I sometimes abuse the tires some, and it is just not good for the long run.
Larson elaborated that while advice such as “be smoother” or “don’t be so aggressive” might sound straightforward, competing effectively with the Goodyear Racing Eagle tires involves a complex driving technique and fine-tuning. Both he and his Hendrick Motorsports team are actively working to uncover the right approach ahead of the race.
It’s obviously easy to say, oh, well, just be smoother, don’t be so aggressive, and things like that. But there’s still a technique that goes along with it that your driver’s gotta try and figure out.
Preparing for the Upcoming Challenge at Watkins Glen
Larson’s previous triumphs at Watkins Glen came in 2021 and 2022, before the introduction of Goodyear’s softer road course tire compound, which debuted at COTA earlier this year. The updated tire aims to cause greater wear throughout the race, making tire management more crucial for drivers.
Despite the difficulties, Larson remains motivated and optimistic about tackling the New York road course once more. He expressed eagerness to face the challenge and hopes that adjustments made during practice sessions will help him find a setup better suited to his driving style.
So I look forward to the challenge this weekend and hopefully we can have a solid, solid day,
Larson said confidently.
But hopefully going back a walk through this weekend, going back a second time with a softer tire, we can have a package that kind of suits my style a little bit better and I can drive the car the right way and do a good job. So I know the team’s working really hard, and as well as I am trying to figure out what it takes to be good.
As the Hendrick Motorsports driver prepares for the race, his ability to adapt to the new Goodyear tire compound will be a critical factor in his performance at Watkins Glen International. This evolution in tire technology marks a notable shift in the dynamics of NASCAR road course racing, demanding greater precision and skill from drivers like Larson who aim to maintain their competitive edge.