Kyle Larson’s agonizing race at Darlington Raceway last Sunday brought up an interesting discussion on the mental aspect of racing. Dale Earnhardt Jr. did a deep dive into it, not just giving a driver’s perspective, but also providing insights on how a bad race and the team’s actions during it affect the overall morale.
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Larson’s day at ‘The Lady in Black’ started with a spin after he hit the inside wall on the front straightaway of the track during the fourth lap. The crash wrecked his racecar. The damage was such that he was not able to drive his car and make it to the pit road on his own.
However, the #5 Hendrick Motorsports crew opted to repair the car and sent him out 160 laps behind the leaders. But Larson, who was merely running a procession at that point, crashed once again. His second crash, however, altered the outcome of the race.
A caution was brought out, and Ryan Blaney, who was in the lead, was pushed to fight during the overtime restart. Denny Hamlin took the first spot and won the race.
On Dale Jr. Download, Junior discussed why the #5 crew at HMS did not decide to call it a day after the first crash. The extensive and long repairs needed meant Larson was out of contention. So why did they even bother to re-enter the race more than 150 laps behind the field?
“The teams would do anything in the world they could to avoid walking out of there feeling like they didn’t try their hardest,” said Dale Jr, giving an insight into the mindset of race teams.
“They weren’t going to leave that racetrack thinking, ‘Yeah, we just kind of gave up’. When the DVP [Damaged Vehicle Policy] came in, that was my concern. You’re going to normalize giving up,” he added.
Junior further talked about how not leaving the racetrack with a DNF was a mental exercise more than anything else. Teams usually do not look at financial savings/gains while taking this call.
“The mental aspect of it was what never sat well with me because it would normalize guys just sort of saying, ‘Alright, we’re done. Let’s just go home,’ and the driver’s home before the checkered flag falls,” added Dale Jr.
Unfortunately, though, Larson and the #5 HMS crew’s efforts did go in vain. They could not get back to the lead lap during what, frankly, was a horrific weekend for the team.
However, heading into Bristol this Sunday, the crew would have the positive affirmation that they tried their level best. And that is one feeling Dale Jr. believes will keep the morale of the team up after a disappointing outing.
