Kyle Larson’s 2025 NASCAR season has been off to a rough start, and not all of the struggles can be attributed to his driving. His pit crew has also made costly mistakes, with the latest issue occurring at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at COTA.
During the race, Larson’s right front tire came off after a pit stop, rolling down the track and triggering a caution flag. The mishap significantly impacted his race, as the team had just serviced the car, primarily working on the opposite side of the loose wheel.
Former NASCAR driver and analyst Kevin Harvick weighed in on the situation during his Happy Hour podcast, pointing out that Kyle Busch has faced similar issues in the past. However, Harvick noted that Larson’s No. 5 team has had a history of pit road mistakes in recent years, with multiple costly errors affecting race outcomes. He emphasized that these incidents could lead to penalties, including suspensions, further complicating Larson’s season.
This isn’t the first time Larson has lost a tire mid-race. Last April at Texas Motor Speedway, his team experienced a similar issue during a long run, though the exact cause was unclear.
Harvick acknowledged the intense pressure pit crews face, with lightning-fast stops requiring precision. However, he pointed out that Larson’s crew has made more mistakes than most teams, and the pattern of pit road errors is becoming concerning.
Looking ahead, Larson’s results so far include a third-place finish at Atlanta, 20th at Daytona, and 32nd at COTA. To improve, Harvick suggested that while speed is important, avoiding major mistakes should be the priority. He noted that Larson’s team has developed a reputation for critical pit road errors, which could continue to be a major hurdle if not addressed.
