Kyle Larson: LA Coliseum Clash Proof Drivers Are Not ‘Smarter’ Than NASCAR

In the buildup to the first NASCAR race of 2022, the Cup drivers spoke about the LA Coliseum. Admittedly, there have been a lot of doubts and worries about the track. However, it seems that actually experiencing the track itself has allayed most fears from the side of the drivers. The likes of Kevin Harvick and defending champion Kyle Larson have been the most vocal supporters.

Larson said, “I think it’s awesome; everything about it. Staging outside, driving through the tunnel, getting out there – it all kind of has that grassroots feel to it a little bit. I feel like NASCAR did an amazing job with the race track and, so far, I don’t really have any comments of concern. I feel like, a lot of the time, us drivers think we’re way smarter than NASCAR. And that we could have done a better job than them with whatever they were doing. Hats off to NASCAR and what they’ve done to build a race track here. I look forward to the rest of the weekend. I know it’s going to be a great event.”

Where will Kyle Larson start the first heat race?

With qualifying done and dusted, the Hendrick Motorsports driver ended up 8th fastest on the track. This places him in 2nd place for the fourth heat race behind  Joey Logano. Meanwhile, Kyle Busch grabbed the overall pole position and pole for the first heat race. The other pole men are Tyler Reddick, Justin Haley, and Logano in heats #2, #3, and #4.

Over here, Larson’s primary focus will be on either gunning for the win or maintaining his position. This is because the Top 4 drivers at the end of each 25-lap heat race will advance. Meanwhile, the rest of the pack have two more chances of making it to the main event. For that to happen, they have to finish in the Top 3 in either of the two events.

READ MORE: How Kyle Larson’s 2021 NASCAR Heroics Put Him at a Massive Disadvantage for the LA Coliseum Clash