P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Larson encouraged by getting “more uncomfortable” at Phoenix test
The 2021 NASCAR Cup champion, Kyle Larson, made his IndyCar debut at May’s blue ribbon race with Arrow McLaren, in partnership with Hendrick Motorsports. He completed 172 laps at Phoenix Raceway during a test session that was moved up a day due to the threat of rain. Larson felt the test went smoothly, running for about three to four hours and getting comfortable on the track. On his final run of the day, he had a moment where he almost spun out but managed to catch it. Despite the difference in speed, Larson found that the characteristics of the IndyCar were similar to a Cup car, just with quicker moments and sharper margins. He felt like he got close to the limit but believed there was more speed left to uncover. Without any other drivers participating, Larson had to rely on previous data from 2018 to gauge his performance, making the experience feel like old-school style testing. In comparison to his previous outing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Larson found the smaller track at Phoenix to be more uncomfortable, with quicker actions and balance adjustments needed.
