Track Analysis: What Makes the Bristol Motor Speedway a Great Hunting Ground for Kyle Larson?

This weekend, the Bristol Motor Speedway will decide the drivers advancing into the round of 12. Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick head into this race with no pressure, because they have secured their Top 12 spots already. So, the other 14 drivers have to really work hard to snatch the remaining 10 championship berths, and four will be forced to walk away disappointed.

With a race win at Darlington and a fourth-place finish at Kansas, the momentum is with Larson. What makes things even better for him is that Bristol is a track when he performs well. As a matter of fact, the Hendrick Motorsports driver has recorded one win and several Top 10 finishes at the venue. This was not only in his days with Hendrick Motorsports but also with the now-defunct Chip Ganassi Racing.

What makes Kyle Larson so good at the Bristol Motor Speedway?

The 2021 Cup Series champion somehow seems to like this short track. From his debut season in 2014 onwards, he has been a consistent finisher at the Bristol Motor Speedway. The track itself is only half a mile long and has a banking that ranges between 24° and 30° degrees. Previously, the track authorities boasted of a 36° degree banking but the speedway has since been resurfaced and had a lower banking.

It is also interesting to note that this race track has two pit roads on opposite sides. Additionally, the venue itself appears to resemble a stadium. Coming to the racing action, a lap around the circuit in green flag conditions lasts around 15 seconds. Earlier in the year, the speedway was converted into a dirt track for the Food City Dirt race. Now, all the dirt has been cleared away in time for the upcoming weekend’s race.

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Who else is a favorite to driver to victory lane, other than Kyle Larson?

With Bristol being the final round before the Round of 12, there is a lot of pressure. However, Larson and Tyler Reddick need not be concerned about that. Their victories at Darlington and Kansas, respectively, have secured their positions. Maybe at Bristol, they could try and help their respective teammates, William Byron and Bubba Wallace, reach the Round of 12.

On the other end of the spectrum, the other 14 drivers will be raring to go and snatch their Playoff berths. Aside from Kyle Larson, Chris Buescher and Christopher Bell are also strong favorites. This is because Buescher won the Bass Pro Shops Night race last year, and Bell won the Food City Dirt race earlier this year.

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