After a fantastic 2021 season, Kyle Larson was not so good by his own standards in the 2022 season.
The Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 driver took the Cup Series by storm, winning 10 races including his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. However, the following season didn’t bring as much success even though Larson won a respectable 3 races.
Furthermore, he went out of the playoffs in the Round of 12. With the season behind and the new season approaching, Larson is ready to get off to a fresh start by stamping his authority in the series from the beginning.
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Prior to the practice sessions for the Busch Light Clash at the LA Memorial Coliseum, Larson spoke to the media and outlined his goals for the 2023 season.
“I think it’s always important to start the year off strong,” Larson said. “There’s been years where I’ve struggled the first year, and kind of like you’re digging yourself out of a hole from the very beginning.
“Although it’s a long season, it’s definitely important to get off to a good start and shape the scope of your season and how you prepare for each race, and how you call each race. The goal is to win every race, but early in the year, you want to finish to get off on the right foot.”
Even though only two drivers won more races than Larson in the 2022 season, championship winner Joey Logano and Chase Elliott, given the standards Larson set for himself in the 2021 season, the last season seems a bit disappointing for the No. 5 team.
More disappointing was the early playoffs exit. Nonetheless, given his talent and determination, it won’t be too long before we see Larson celebrating in the victory lane.