“What’s the Point?” – Kyle Larson Baffled at the Need for a Big Screen at the Chili Bowl

At most sporting events, there is usually a giant TV screen that broadcasts the event for the fans. While it may help fans who are not able to see the action properly, some of the athletes don’t care for it much. Kyle Larson evidently falls into this category, especially when it concerns the Chili Bowl.

He said, “I think everybody knows my views on big screens and like, what’s the point, right. Like, is anybody in this building watching the big screen during the green flag runs besides us? So why are we showing racing? I mean during the intermissions and breaks? Yeah. Throw your sponsors up there, throw your cool videos up. Once it goes green, just leave the Chill Bowl logo on there. Again, what’s the point? It doesn’t help the racing that’s for sure.”

Kyle Larson is not the only one who feels this way

There are actually several racers who echo his sentiments up and down the paddock. In fact, fellow multiple Chili Bowl champion Christopher Bell declared that it has turned Midget racing into more defensive racing. In essence, the screen practically acts as a spotter for the race leader.

This issue first cropped up at the Knoxville Sprint Car Nationals. Larson won that race, but many drivers were not fond of the live video boards on both ends of the track. According to 2020 USAC National Midget Champion Chris Windom, he watched himself and Larson go into Turn 1 on the final lap.

Interestingly, 2-time Chili Bowl winner Rico Abreu confessed that he has often tried his hardest not to abuse it. In his words, relying on it too much could prove costly. Fellow racer Kevin Thomas Jr noted that it has the ability to either help or hinder the drivers.

What’s your take on this issue? Do you think Larson has a valid point?

READ MORE: WATCH: Kyle Larson Pulls Off a Daring Double Overtake at Chili Bowl