Jack Hewitt Fires Back at claims that Kyle Larson Really is the Greatest dirt racer
Dirt racing legend Jack Hewitt isn’t one to hold back. When whispers (or shouts) about Kyle Larson being the greatest dirt racer ever start making the rounds, Hewitt isn’t having it. The two-time USAC Silver Crown champion and Eldora Speedway icon recently fired back at the idea that Larson has surpassed him, emphasizing that comparing racers across eras is a fool’s game—especially when modern advantages tilt the scales.
“Look, I respect Kyle. The kid can drive. But don’t sit there and tell me he’s better than me or the guys I raced against. We had to manhandle these cars. We didn’t have the technology and setups these kids do now. We raced on feel and instinct.” —Jack Hewitt
But does Hewitt have a point? Or is Larson truly on another level?
Old School vs. New School: A Battle of Eras
Comparing Hewitt’s era to Larson’s modern reign isn’t as simple as looking at wins. It’s a deeper discussion of technology, car evolution, competition levels, and raw driver ability.
1. The Technology Gap
- Hewitt’s Era (1970s-1990s):
- No power steering in many sprint cars.
- Rigid chassis and rougher suspensions meant you wrestled the car every lap.
- Limited access to high-end data or race engineers—you set up your own car based on feel.
- Tires were not as advanced, meaning a driver’s skill mattered more than dialing in setups.
- Larson’s Era (2010s-Present):
- Power steering and improved handling allow for finer, more precise movements.
- Telemetry and data analysis help optimize setups down to the finest detail.
- Better track prep and tire compounds make it easier to maintain consistency.
- Car advancements let drivers push harder for longer, reducing physical toll.
📢 Hewitt’s Take:
“These guys have it easier. Power steering? You kidding me? We ran Eldora and Haubstadt bouncing around, fighting the wheel every lap. We built our own setups. Now, they’ve got engineers and computers telling them what to do.”
2. The Competition Factor
- Hewitt faced raw, fearless warriors of dirt racing—Steve Kinser, Sammy Swindell, Doug Wolfgang. These were men who didn’t have multi-million-dollar sponsors backing them. They raced to eat, and it showed.
- Larson competes against drivers who are part of elite teams, with top-tier funding, better resources, and scientific approaches to racing. However, the field is arguably deeper today because talent scouting is more refined.
📢 Hewitt’s Take:
“When I raced, we didn’t have development programs and sponsors paying our way up. You made it on pure talent and grit. You had to work on your own cars, or you didn’t race. Today? These guys have everything handed to them if they’re good enough.”
3. Versatility: Does Larson Have the Edge?
One of the biggest points in Larson’s favor is his ability to win in any type of car.
- Wins in sprint cars, midgets, dirt late models, and NASCAR.
- Eldora Dirt Late Model Dream winner—something Hewitt never attempted.
- Dominates in open-wheel AND stock car racing.
But Hewitt isn’t impressed.
📢 Hewitt’s Take:
“You put me in a late model with today’s technology, I’d figure it out too. Hell, we didn’t even get to try half the stuff Larson does today because the opportunities weren’t there. Doesn’t mean I couldn’t have won in ‘em.”
Final Verdict: Can You Compare?
At the end of the day, racing is about context.
- Hewitt was a warrior of his time, battling without the luxury of technology, engineering teams, or even modern safety measures.
- Larson is a generational talent, able to jump into anything and win, but he benefits from advancements that Hewitt never had access to.
Hewitt may not agree, but both deserve their place in dirt racing history—even if the old-school legend thinks the new-school star has had it just a little too easy.
🚀 What do you think? Is Kyle Larson the dirt GOAT, or does Hewitt’s argument hold weight?
Leave a Reply