Kyle Larson, a name synonymous with adaptability and precision in the world of motorsports, has revealed why he and fellow competitor Christopher Bell are often regarded as possessing the ‘smoothest hand’ in the NASCAR garage. This insight comes as Larson, a two-time Cup Series champion, reflects on how his diverse driving background has honed his unique style behind the wheel.
In the realm of racing, versatility is key, and Larson has demonstrated that in spades across various platforms, including NASCAR, dirt sprint cars, and midgets. Bell mirrors this trajectory, having started his career in karting and made his way through sprint cars and midgets before achieving prominence in NASCAR with Joe Gibbs Racing. Their shared experiences have forged a distinct driving approach that sets them apart from the competition.
During a revealing session on “The Driver’s Project Podcast,” Larson discussed the wealth of data available to NASCAR teams, highlighting how he and Bell distinguish themselves through their driving techniques. He stated, “We have all this data that we can look at. I can see every driver’s data, telemetry, whatever—the squiggly lines of throttle, brake, steering, RPM, speed, whatever. Bell and I, I would say, have the smoothest hands in the garage. And I would assume it’s from our background.”
What Larson points out is the stark contrast between their driving patterns and those of other drivers. While many competitors exhibit sharp and jagged inputs on their telemetry, Larson and Bell’s data flows smoothly, resembling a gentle hill rather than a rocky landscape. “Ours will just be nice and round like a round little hill, and everybody else will be like jagged,” he elaborated. “I don’t know why that is or if one’s better or not, but I just feel from our sliding, bouncing through holes, lots of shock travel, and tall sidewalls, we just learn a feel; we can kind of just get that down to a fine feel. I’m definitely glad I grew up racing the cars that I did.”
As both drivers gear up for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, Larson’s prowess was on full display as he clinched his second career championship, not through sheer dominance but by maximizing his performance in every race. Finishing third at the season finale in Phoenix Raceway solidified his title, showcasing a strategy rooted in consistency and clutch performances rather than outright victories. His impressive record boasted three wins, a pole position, and 15 top-5 finishes, culminating in an average finish of 13.1 throughout the season.
Bell, on the other hand, had a breakout season of his own, achieving the best average finish of 11.1 among all full-time drivers. Although he narrowly missed out on a Championship 4 appearance, his four-win season, alongside 13 top-5s and 22 top-10 finishes, underscored his undeniable skill and consistency. Bell’s stellar performance earned him a fifth-place finish in the final championship standings, marking a significant affirmation of his capabilities in the high-stakes world of Cup-level racing.
With both Larson and Bell poised for another thrilling season, fans can expect their smooth driving styles to continue captivating audiences and pushing the boundaries of performance in NASCAR. Their journey is not just about racing; it’s a testament to the art of finesse in a sport that often rewards brute speed.
