Kyle Larson: 'Our notebook' is key to qualifying success in 2024

Kyle Larson has been one of the best drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024. With three wins to his credit, he's considered a title favorite.

On Saturday, Larson bested Ty Gibbs for the pole in qualifying, marking the fifth time over the first 20 races of 2024 that he has started first.

When asked what the secret to his qualifying success has been in 2024, Larson gave a simple answer.

"Probably the notebook," Larson said. "We're three years into the Next-Gen car, you'd hope to get better every time. We've been able to execute five poles so far. That's special. Hopefully, we can keep that up, and keep our speed up for the races as well."

Almost as impressive as the frequency of Larson's pole runs is the variety of tracks at which he's qualified well. While three of Larson's five poles have come at the short tracks of Richmond, Martinsville and Iowa, the three tracks vary in length and banking, providing a new challenge for the driver of the No. 5 car every weekend.

Larson's other two poles have come at the intermediate of Texas and the Street Course of Chicago, two very different tracks in their own right.

The unfortunate news for Larson is that he's 0-4 in races he's started first in this season, with his best finish in a race he started on the pole being a runner-up effort at Martinsville.

In 2023, Larson finished fourth in Chicago. This year, he's looking to be three spots better — and he'll have the best seat in the house when the green flag flies.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.