Larry McReynolds, who has spent five decades behind the wheel of a NASCAR Cup Series pit crew, will serve as the pace‑car driver for the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway.
Larry’s Recent Health Challenge
During the 2023 Circuit of the Americas race, McReynolds sensed something was wrong in hotel room mornings and later was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy.
He reported that a steroid injection by noon relieved the symptoms, and the paralysis resolved within a week, returning to normal by the following week.
In a candid segment on SiriusXM’s On‑Track, McReynolds urged listeners to seek prompt treatment if they notice sudden facial weakness.
Long‑Standing Quaker State Relationship
McReynolds’ tie to Quaker State traces back to Kenny Bernstein’s sponsorship of King Racing in the 1980s.
He crew‑chaired the 1981–86 cars, securing his first three Cup wins while the brand was fielded.
Through the 2000s, he worked as a brand ambassador, engaging fans during race weekends before accepting the pace‑car role for the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky.
Pace‑Car Duties and Training
According to team officials, McReynolds will not change the green flag—maintaining clear communication with drivers.
The pace‑car speed is capped at 55 mph, but hard‑line will require a temporary reduction to 45 mph on pit road to match pit‑door procedures.
A walkthrough session scheduled prior to the race will prepare him for the critical safety lead role.
The Power of SiriusXM Radio
McReynolds credits his 10‑plus‑year tenure on SiriusXM as essential to staying current in an evolving sport.
He notes the pace of change in NASCAR surpasses that of other sports, where season‑to‑season updates dominate.
His platform also allows him to announce occasional crew‑chief callouts for Richard Childress Racing and 23XI, broadening his on‑track presence.
Responding to Legal Challenges
After Denny Hamlin’s lawsuit against NASCAR late last season, McReynolds remained critical of the proceedings, arguing that the trial distracted from on‑track issues.
He expressed relief when the case was settled out of court, preventing a jury with limited NASCAR knowledge from shaping the sport’s future.
McReynolds acknowledges the settlement helped field teams refocus on development and competition.
What Does the Next Decade Hold for NASCAR?
McReynolds admits uncertainty about long‑term trajectories but captures that 2022’s debut of a standard‑spec chassis surprised many.
He discusses the current 32 or 33 single‑source parts set, describing it as a departure from the past, where engineers could tinker freely.
Looking toward 2036, he predicts engine redesigns and further evolution, though he remains unsure if he will witness those changes first‑hand.
With a reputation for clear, consistent analysis, McReynolds’ presence in both pit lane and broadcast continues to keep insiders and fans alike ahead of racing’s next shift in speed.
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