P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Rick Hendrick: "NASCAR is getting what it wants" with Next Gen car
Mr. Hendrick’s Hendrick Motorsports organization is in a strong position this year with two of his drivers, Kyle Larson and William Byron, making up half of the Championship 4 competing for the 2023 title at Phoenix Raceway. This is not surprising as both drivers had consistent performances throughout the season, with Byron earning six wins and Larson earning four, including victories in the playoffs. Joining them in the championship fight are Ryan Blaney and Christopher Bell, who were not initially considered favorites but secured clutch victories in the playoffs. This mix of drivers in the Championship 4 demonstrates the equalizing effect of the new car, which restricts teams from engineering their own parts, allowing for a wider field of competitors. Hendrick believes that the advantage in the sport now lies in pit crews, race strategy, and restarts, rather than car performance. This has led to a smaller and more refined separation between teams and increased opportunities for drivers to achieve victories and contend for the championship.
Forrás: motorsport
