Kyle Larson turned Saturday’s Xfinity Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway into a one-man show. While the rest of the field tried to keep pace, the pole-sitter looked untouchable, leading 277 of 300 laps en route to a dominant win in the SciAps 300.
It was his first victory of the Xfinity season in just two starts, his second career win at Bristol, and the 16th of his career. By the checkered flag, only 12 cars remained on the lead lap. After the race, some fans have reignited the old complaint that Cup drivers are “ruining” the Xfinity Series. But Mamba Smith, NASCAR’s ever-energetic “Chief Hype Officer,” isn’t buying it.
Mamba Smith Stands by Cup Drivers Racing Xfinity After Kyle Larson’s Win
Smith didn’t hold back his thoughts on Kyle Larson’s dominant victory in a lower-tier race this weekend, with an X post that set the online racing community abuzz. He wrote:
“Larson putting belt to a** right now is why I think Cup guys running in other series is a good thing,” Smith explained. “These young bucks getting humbled is a good thing. It’ll make the ones that want to be great work harder.”
While direct, Smith’s opinion struck a chord, particularly amid the ongoing discussion about Cup Series drivers participating in lower-tier Xfinity and Truck races. Critics argue this limits opportunities for developing drivers. Supporters like Smith believe it offers invaluable learning experiences against top competitors.
Larson, known for his willingness to race anything, anywhere, delivered a dominant performance that validates Smith’s view. The 2021 Cup Series champion’s dominance across various racing disciplines is remarkable. For young drivers aiming for the top, experiencing defeat at his hands might serve as a crucial reality check.
Smith’s comments drew a mixed response, with some fans backing his perspective while others pushed back with criticism.
“I agree that it’s a good thing…in moderation. the 5(?) races they can run is good. When they were running the full schedule, that was wayyy too much. How many guys even run all 5 races they can in NXS and trucks? I don’t think too many???” one fan wrote.
“Iron sharpens iron. They only get better when they race with cup guys. And it’s a big deal when they can win and beat em.”
Iron sharpens iron. They only get better when they race with cup guys. And it’s a big deal when they can win and beat em.
I’ve never liked MASCAR limiting how many times a cup guy can race in the lower series. I’m all for banning them in the playoffs, but otherwise let ‘em race
— Todd Lash (@tlash12) April 12, 2025
However, not all comments were so supportive.
“Commons Mamba type comment. No one is learning, the people who paid money to watch this just wasted their money. This garbage is what ruined an entire generation of rookies in the late 2000’s,” one of the disapproving comments read.
“I feel the win in you’re in format has killed the enjoyment of seeing cup drivers coming in. When it’s emphasis on winnings really mattering it sucks the fun of it. Now if I see cup drivers in the Xfinity or trucks, for the most part I won’t even bother watching Thats me though,” another X user complained.