Kyle Petty observes many similarities between Kyle Larson and Jimmie Johnson. In the world of NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports has always been the go-to destination for top racers. Throughout the years, they have fielded cars for a variety of talented drivers, ranging from tech-savvy individuals to pure race car enthusiasts. An example of this dynamic is seen in the partnership between Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon. Gordon was deeply involved in the technical aspects of the cars, while Johnson was known for his prowess as a race car driver.
According to former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, a similar partnership exists at HMS currently. Petty believes that Kyle Larson, the 2021 Cup champion, possesses the same qualities as Johnson. Petty also suggests that 2024 Daytona 500 winner William Byron could be the successor to Gordon as the franchise player of the team. Petty argues that if HMS wants to build their team around someone, it should be Byron rather than Larson. While Larson will undoubtedly win races for the team, Petty believes that Byron would leave a greater impact on the company if he were to leave the team.
Petty’s viewpoint holds merit, as Byron is a more suitable candidate to serve as the foundation for the team. He embodies the qualities of a corporate driver that HMS desires. However, this does not mean that a team cannot be built around Larson as well. Larson brings a wealth of experience from various racing championships, which can provide valuable insights and ideas to help the team perform better.
In conclusion, Kyle Petty’s comparison between Kyle Larson and Jimmie Johnson highlights the similarities between the two drivers. While William Byron may be the better choice to build the team around, Larson’s expertise and experience should not be overlooked. Both drivers have unique qualities that can contribute to the success of Hendrick Motorsports.