Kyle Larson explains how the Daytona 500 has lost some of its luster

The Daytona 500 is, always has been and always will be NASCAR's most prestigious race, but the chaotic modern nature of the race has caused it to lose some of its luster. 

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson is yet to win the Great American Race, and while he still believes it to be a prestigious event, he understands why some question its prestige in its current form.

"It is difficult to get really excited about the winner or who's won when usually there's a 20-car pileup and the guy running towards the back squeaks through, misses another wreck later and wins," Larson said Saturday. "But that's the race. That's how it is." 

Ironically, Larson's description is similar to the fashion in which his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, William Byron, won the last two Daytona 500s. 

Kyle Larson: Cream still rises to the top in speedway racing

"I think William Byron winning two in a row isn't a fluke," Larson said. "The cream does rise. Daytona, Talladega - yeah, sure, anybody can win. But still, the teams that position themselves the best and (the) drivers making the best decisions do win.

"(Daytona) is still always going to be prestigious."

Byron can become the first driver to win the Daytona 500 in three consecutive years on Feb. 15, but Larson and the rest of the Cup Series field will also be after the coveted Harley J. Earl Trophy when the 68th running of the Great American Race commences.

Quotes provided by NASCAR Media.