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Kyle Larson doubles Down on NASCAR, Dismisses Full-Time IndyCar Pursuit
Despite flirtations with open-wheel racing and a grueling double-duty season, two-time NASCAR cup Series champion Kyle Larson has emphatically reaffirmed his commitment to stock car racing. The 33-year-old driver, known for his relentless schedule, has made it clear that his future remains firmly rooted in NASCAR, even as he continues to pursue his passion for dirt track racing.
Larson’s dedication to NASCAR was underscored following speculation about his long-term plans, particularly after a demanding season that saw him compete in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. “Nobody races as much as me, so I think there’s something to be said to that…” Larson stated prior to his ambitious double-duty run, a sentiment that appears to have solidified his focus.
Speaking on the Rubbin is Racing podcast, Larson delivered a decisive statement. “I don’t know where else I would go.Like, I couldn’t go anywhere full-time.So, and I don’t want to,” he explained. While acknowledging his continued interest in sprint car racing – “I’ve been I think you know I’ve ran sprint cars” – he emphasized that his ambitions outside of NASCAR are centered around major sprint car events,not a full-time switch. He conceded to having “dabble[d] in the Indy 500 and and whatnot,” but reiterated,”I have no desire to run full-time in anything other than NASCAR.”
Larson’s commitment is evident in his packed schedule. He juggles the demands of the NASCAR cup Series, including managing his High Limit Racing sprint car series, with frequent appearances on dirt tracks across the country, from Tulare to Jacksonville.This relentless pursuit of racing, he believes, actually enhances his performance. “To me, it’s the closest style to sprint car race… the intensity, the aggression, the fast pace style… I just love that track,” Larson said of Bristol Motor Speedway, where he recently executed a masterful tripleheader.
The Hendrick Motorsports driver has learned from past experiences,specifically his attempt at “The Double” – competing in both the Indy 500 and Coca-cola 600 in the same day. He acknowledged the logistical challenges, stating, “The Double is a tough undertaking. The window of time is just too tight.” While a future Indy 500 appearance isn’t entirely off the table, larson stressed that it wouldn’t come at the expense of his full focus on the NASCAR Cup Series.
Larson’s passion for NASCAR is undeniable. “Yeah. Like I honestly, everybody always assumes that I don’t like racing a NASCAR. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t love it,” he affirmed. “So, um, yeah, I have no plans of stopping full-time NASCAR racing for a long time.”
Even as the offseason begins, Larson remains firmly engaged in racing. He will return to dirt-track competition next week at Placerville Speedway for the Hangtown 100, a track where he began his racing career as a teenager.Larson described the event as “really special to me,” emphasizing his long-standing connection to the track and his commitment to its continued growth.
With a typical schedule encompassing 38 NASCAR Cup Series races, additional starts in lower divisions, and over 20 dirt events annually, Larson’s dedication is unparalleled.He is part of a growing trend of versatile drivers succeeding across multiple disciplines, a phenomenon that manufacturers like Toyota and Chevrolet are actively fostering. As Larson prepares to “fire off his jets” next week, one thing is certain: the Elk Grove native is fully committed to his NASCAR career, while continuing to indulge his passion for dirt track racing.
