Dale Earnhardt Jr Reveals Secret Clutch Technique That Made Kyle Larson Give Up the Idea of Racing in V8 Supercars

Kyle Larson’s reputation as the most versatile driver of his generation often precedes him. With countless victories across various motorsports divisions, a Cup Series championship, and several titles in national dirt racing events, the 5’6” tall driver casts a long shadow. Even the 3x Cup champion Tony Stewart?arguably the most versatile American driver of all time?has often spoken highly about Larson’s adaptability. All this took the back seat, however, when Larson witnessed the dazzling display from Shane van Gisbergen on his Cup Series debut in Chicago.

Much to Larson‘s surprise, van Gisbergen captured his attention with a unique technique that impressed and humbled him. Later, on the latest episode of his podcast about the Chicago street race, Dale Earnhardt Jr revealed why Kyle Larson dismissed the idea of racing in V8 Supercars after witnessing an awe-inspiring clutch technique showcased by Shane van Gisbergen at the Chicago Street Circuit.

Dale Earnhardt Jr uncovers Van Gisbergen’s secret technique

During a recent episode of The Dale Jr. Download podcast, Junior spoke about his broadcasting experience in Chicago. He discussed the details of his conversation with Australian driver Paul Morris during the race. Morris had previously created a YouTube video highlighting using the clutch pedal to manipulate the car’s balance and maximize performance.

Reiterating the advantage this technique offered van Gisbergen, Junior told his co-host Mike Davis, ?Heal and toe method, right with the brake pedals. You know, they use the clutch for more than just shifting gears. It’s really, really incredible. And so knowing that he was the only guy out there doing it, it’s like having a sixth sense where it’s an advantage, you know, and he’s the only one with that advantage. And when Kyle Larson heard that’s what he was doing. Kyle Larson said, ‘Man! if that’s what you got to do to drive V8 Supercar fast, I’ll never go.’?

In light of this knowledge, Larson apparently refuses to pursue a career in V8 Supercars; the skill level required is clearly a bridge too far. His announcement surprised fans and experts, as many assumed his versatility and talent would succeed on any racing platform.

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Larson’s reaction begs the question: What exactly did he witness as he battled SVG during the race that left him sure he would not race a supercar in the future?

Kyle Larson’s astonishment at van Gisbergen’s feet work?

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As the street race progressed, Larson moved further up the standings. He found himself in second place by the end of Stage 2?poised to take his third win of the season. However, a decision by NASCAR to shorten the race to 75 laps caused an unexpected upheaval. Various drivers had recently pitted and could make it to the end of the race without needing another stop, setting the stage for a wild finale.

Larson’s #5 car exited the pits in 12th position to begin the final stage. As he fought back to the front, he soon noticed van Gisbergen, who had started in 18th. To his amazement, the New Zealander had climbed up to 10th, just behind Larson.

While an interview with FrontStretch, Larson revealed an intriguing conversation that he had with van Gisbergen. “He’s like, ‘Yeah, my car doesn’t feel very fast in the straightaway.’

I’m like, ‘Well, I don’t know if you know this, but you hit the brake pedal every time you upshift.’? Like he takes his foot off the clutch shifts and taps the brake. I don’t ? I just don’t like it.” the Hendrick Motorsports driver stated.

“I don’t know if it’s just like your brain tick thing or something, but I’m sure it doesn’t really affect it. But it’s just it was wild watching his feet work. And there’s no way, there’s absolutely no way if that’s how you have to drive a Supercar, like if I was ever run one, there’s no way I could do it. So okay, mark supercars probably off the list of cars you may see me race because I don’t have that tool in my toolbox,” he later added.

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Having seen the skill required to execute van Gisbergen’s technique firsthand, Larson was highly impressed. However, he admitted that it was not something he could comfortably adapt himself to, jokingly saying that it likely crossed “supercars” off his list.