Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

If you didn't get a chance to see or hear the Winged Nation broadcast on Saturday morning, there were some interesting points made by the guest, Kyle Larson.

1.  When asked (by Steve) how he could possibly drive Knoxville while watching the big screen, Kyle said he thinks the big screens should be banned from all tracks as it gives the racers a "spotter."  Interesting take.  He said all other drivers watch it, which I'm sure they do.  But it was amazing to me that Kyle had enough time to process what he was seeing as he was coming out of turn 2 to decide if he wanted to slide corner 3, drive around the top, or take the bottom-----based off of where he thought the car behind him was running.  And, all he could do was guess if the big screen was even showing the lead cars because it was blurry so he had to go by colors.   ?????      Incredible to digest that information in less than 5 seconds.  

2.  We keep hearing the "Kyle has the equipment and money" debate when speaking of Kyle's accomplishments in a sprint car or late-model.  Kyle seemed to almost make fun of Paul Silva for liking money and having a very difficult time spending it.  He stopped short of calling him cheap, but let it be known that Paul did not change the left rear on his car during the break at K-ville when Donny's team did.  Now, I know a lot of cars don't change the left rear during that break, I thought it was just interesting to listen to him confirm what many have been stating on this, and other social media sites---------Kyle is not winning in the #57 because of finances. It's very clear Kyle respects Paul's equipment and budget when you hear him talk about it.  He can obviously setup a car, but he is not outspending anyone.  And let's be real, Paul's not "nailing" the setup every single time Kyle wins.  

Silva nor Rumley are running a big dollar operation they are both very intelligent guys and I Rumleys case he is a man ahead of his time when it comes to technology, and shocks.    

That sprint car and the super late model are 2 of the best prepared cars out there.  Neither of them lack for the top of the line best bolt on pcs you can buy. 

They just both come with a set up genius and a driver that is driven to win every time he pulls the belts tight.

Sprint car racing has came a long ways and everyone of the top cars has the best pieces that money can buy.Withthe tire and weight rule not many gray areas. A.R. tried something and paid the price. The motors are the best just costs around $1K average per night to keep them fresh and hope you dont ruin one. There were some top drivers that had motor builders that helped sponsor them.I cant think of anyone that  builds their own since Scott Gerkin and Karl Kinser left the sport and Steve ran name motors later.As a fan I see Kyle Larson carry more speed into the corners and will put a car in places that most drivers wont . Paul Silva and Ricky Werner have the two best drivers and lately Schatz has became a little more aggresive.The Ford and Chevy are close.At one tme Mopar made some extra power in time trials but they are no longer.You dont see K.L. out muscle top cars on straightaways.

Good post.  I especially like the last sentence.  He doesn't make his ground up down the straightaway----he makes it up being the last to "lift."  

I know this was a few years ago, but I remember an interview with Silva during or after one of the 360 Nationals that Stewart had won.  Silva indicated he liked coming to Knoxville so he could buy used tires and other parts from other racers during the Nationals week.  Probably not doing that now, but I doubt much has changed in his philosophy.  More expensive isn't always better.  He was a winner then and no reason he won't be a winner now.