As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Nashville Superspeedway, Hendrick Motorsports teammates Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott are gearing up for strong momentum as the sport heads into the second half of the regular season.
With both former champions bringing unique perspectives on the track’s characteristics and aero packages, the organization is focused on utilizing their notes to conquer the unique 1.33-mile asphalt.
Thanks for the submission!
Ahead of the practice and qualifying for the Cracker Barrel 400 race, Larson revealed that the Next Gen car’s characteristics at Nashville don’t perfectly align with his natural approach. The No. 5 driver said (via SpeedwayMedia):
“We’ve had speed at Nashville with the Next Gen car as an organization, and even though it hasn’t always matched my driving style, our team continues to make gains each time we come back. Track position is so important there, but we’ve shown the ability to work through the field and improve throughout the race. Hopefully we can unload strong this weekend, build off the momentum from last week, and put ourselves in contention all night long.”
Despite possessing plenty of raw pace on the concrete track, Kyle Larson admits that Nashville requires him to adapt behind the wheel.
On the other hand, Elliott admitted that he always looks forward to the Nashville trip, calling it a “great atmosphere” and pointing back to his previous victory. The No. 9 driver said:
“We’ve been trying to improve our performance with this short track aero package, and I think Nashville is a good opportunity for us to kind of see where we’re at. It’ll be interesting to see what the resin does throughout the race on Sunday. I’m looking forward to it though. Hopefully it will be a good weekend for us.”
The Music City also serves as a critical stepping stone for Chase Elliott’s team’s evolving intermediate and short-track program.
Kyle Larson sends a reality check about NASCAR Cup Series amid a painful winless stretch
After 13 starts for Hendrick Motorsports this 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, Kyle Larson has managed four top-fives and seven top 10s.
Larson once shared a perspective on the volatile nature of the premier division, using his own winless stretch to remind the garage and fans alike that success at the sport’s highest level is never guaranteed. The two-time NASCAR champion said:
“I would have loved to have won to this point, but we just haven’t been good enough and Yeah, I feel like at times we’re really close to getting win and then you know, we’re at times I feel like we’re far from getting a win. So it’s just kind of shows how tough the series is.”
We’ve made this sport, the Cup Series, look easy at times and I’ve never thought it was, so I’m glad that we can show you that it’s not easy, added Kyle Larson.”
However, Kyle Larson has won twice in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, at Las Vegas and Texas.
Edited by Sashwat Deo
