Steve Letarte has had a successful career in the world of NASCAR as a former crew chief at Hendrick Motorsports. With 15 Cup Series triumphs under his belt, Letarte knows a thing or two about high-stakes racing. His experience and expertise have been crucial in guiding some of the top drivers in the sport to victory.
One of Letarte’s most notable achievements was his time with Jeff Gordon in 2007. He helped Gordon secure six wins that season, showcasing his ability to spot setups that would give the team an edge on the track. Later on, Letarte continued to make a name for himself by aiding Dale Earnhardt Jr. in his first Daytona 500 victory in 2014. It’s safe to say that Letarte has been a key player in the success of some of the sport’s biggest names.
Recently, Letarte issued a wake-up call to the entire NASCAR garage over the biggest weakness at Watkins Glen International. The road course has always been a challenging track for drivers, with its twists and turns, elevation changes, and unpredictable weather. However, Letarte believes that the biggest weakness at this track lies not in its layout, but in the mindset of the drivers.
In an interview, Letarte expressed his concerns about the current state of NASCAR and how it affects the drivers’ approach to road courses like Watkins Glen. He stated, “I think the biggest weakness at Watkins Glen is that we, as a sport, have gotten away from the fundamentals of road course racing. We’ve become so focused on aero and horsepower that we forget the basics of racing on a road course.”
Letarte’s statement rings true when looking at the results from past races at Watkins Glen. In recent years, the top finishers have been drivers who excel at road course racing, such as Chase Elliott, Martin Truex Jr., and Kyle Busch. These drivers have a background in other racing disciplines, where they have honed their skills on road courses. Letarte believes that the rest of the drivers in the NASCAR garage need to catch up and focus on the fundamentals of road course racing.
One of the key aspects that Letarte highlights is the importance of braking. Unlike oval tracks, road courses require drivers to brake frequently and precisely to navigate through the turns. With the advancement of technology in the sport, braking has become more automated, with the car’s computer system controlling the brakes. This has led to drivers relying too heavily on their car’s capabilities and not focusing enough on their own braking skills.
Letarte also points out that the current generation of drivers has grown up on oval tracks, where horsepower and aero are the main factors for success. This has created a mindset where they believe that a fast car is all they need to win, and they don’t have to worry about the intricacies of road course racing. Letarte believes that this mentality needs to change if drivers want to succeed at Watkins Glen and other road courses.
Letarte’s wake-up call has resonated with many in the NASCAR community, with drivers and crew chiefs taking note of his comments. The former crew chief has called for a shift in focus towards the fundamentals of road course racing, such as braking, shifting, and tire management. He believes that this will not only benefit the drivers but also make for more exciting races for fans.
With Watkins Glen coming up on the NASCAR schedule, Letarte’s words serve as a reminder for drivers to step up their game and focus on the basics. Letarte’s extensive experience and success in the sport make him a credible source for such advice, and it would be wise for the drivers to take note.
In conclusion, Steve Letarte’s wake-up call to the entire NASCAR garage over the biggest weakness at Watkins Glen has sparked a much-needed discussion about the fundamentals of road course racing. Letarte’s expertise and success in the sport give weight to his words, and it’s clear that his intentions are to improve the sport and make it more competitive. As the drivers gear up for the upcoming race at Watkins Glen, it will be interesting to see if Letarte’s message has been heard loud and clear.
