Kyle Larson Insists NASCAR Drivers Are Less Aggressive in playoffs

The 16 drivers have already taken their spot in the NASCAR playoffs as Shane van Gisbergen makes the cut in his rookie season in the Cup Series. The drivers put forth their fiercest attitude and give it their all to clear the playoff rounds and ultimately win the championship.

All the drivers need to be understandably aggressive while racing on the track in the playoffs. However, HMS star Kyle Larson feels differently as he made a shocking claim about the drivers being less aggressive in the playoffs.

The regular season has many more drivers fighting for the win on the track as compared to during the playoffs. Although the drivers are fewer in the playoffs, the stakes are very high as a single poor race would make all the difference in their hunt for a Cup Series championship. Kyle Larson is no stranger to racing aggressively, as he has done it many times in the past.

Still, Kyle Larson didn’t hesitate to put forth his contrasting opinion on the status quo. Larson pointed out that during the cutoff races, competition ramps up a lot as the teams and drivers get desperate to make the cut and get into the playoffs. However, after achieving their spot, they need not be as aggressive as they were in the final few races of the regular season.

Regardless, Larson emphasized that the aggressive side of the drivers calmed down a bit, as they are all ultimately trying to finish the season after making it into the playoffs. While the HMS star accepted that the competition is still ‘ultra aggressive’, it gets dialed down by the drivers and teams.

Obviously, when you get to the cutoff races and stuff, it might ramp up a little bit or teams, you know, pit calls might get a little bit more desperate. But I feel like it kind of calms down because we’re trying to finish… It’s still ultra-aggressive. I mean, it’s Next Gen racing, but I do believe it dials back a little bit.

Kyle Larson said via Frontstretch.

Chase Elliott believes in the ‘go hard or go home’ mentality for the playoffs

Kyle Larson’s teammate, Chase Elliott, had some different thoughts compared to the former on the matter. Elliott put forth one of the most consistent seasons in his career and only suffered from one DNF out of all the races. After clearing in the playoffs nine out of the ten years of his career, the #17 driver is qualified to have a controversial but educated take.