Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Larson explains difference in short-track package at Richmond

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Nick Geddes | Last updated 3/31/24

The Next Gen era hasn’t been kind to short-track racing, something NASCAR is hoping to fix moving forward.

The result is a new short-track package, just like the one used earlier this month at Phoenix Raceway. While the racing at Phoenix was marginally better than in previous years, the racing at Bristol Motor Speedway the week after was heavily praised by those in the sport.

This week’s race, an Easter showdown at Richmond Raceway, will feature more short-track racing. But the big difference is that the package used at Phoenix and Bristol won’t be used in Sunday’s Toyota Owner’s 400. Instead, it’ll be an intermediate package, which will also be the case at Dover Motor Speedway later this season.

Kyle Larson, a two-time winner at Richmond including last season’s spring race, is on the pole for Sunday’s race. Speaking with Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, Larson addressed the differences he’s noticed in the package being used at Richmond.

Kyle Larson will lead the field to green today from the pole. What did he feel in his car with the new short-track package at Richmond? He said he didn't feel much difference. NASCAR RaceDay at 5:30p ET and coverage moves to FOX at 6p ET with green at 7:15p ET. pic.twitter.com/XD5rlQI30j
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 31, 2024

“Honestly, I had kinda forgotten that we had a different package,” Larson said. “So, I’d have to think about it a little bit more. I don’t know, nothing really stood out to me — I passed [Joey] Logano, I think that was about it and I just kinda moved up and got out of his wake. So, I never really followed anybody necessarily in the same track. So, I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll learn more when we get to racing.”

Kyle Larson takes pole at Richmond

Larson is on the pole for the first time this season after recording a lap time of 22.438 seconds (120.332 mph) during Saturday’s qualifying session. Larson bested his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott, who came in at 22.440 seconds (120.321 mph).

“Definitely helps for sure,” Larson said, via NASCAR.com. “Having the No. 1 pit stall here means a lot. So happy to do that. Happy to be in Group A for sure, and then the sun coming out a little bit there helps. Chase got real close there, so I was a bit nervous. Awesome day for Hendrick Motorsports. … Good to be on the pole. We’ll see if it translates in tomorrow’s race.”

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: