Kyle Larson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kyle Larson
Larson at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2025
Born	Kyle Miyata Larson (1992-07-31) July 31, 1992 (age 32) Elk Grove, California, U.S.
Achievements	2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season Champion 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Champion 2019, 2021, 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race Winner 2021 Coca-Cola 600 Winner 2022 Daytona 500 Pole Winner 2023 Southern 500 Winner 2024 Brickyard 400 Winner 2015 Rolex 24 at Daytona Overall Winner 2012, 2016, 2019, 2023 Turkey Night Grand Prix Winner 2019, 2023 Hangtown 100 Winner 2020, 2022, 2023 Brad Doty Classic Winner 2020 Hoosier Hundred Winner 2020, 2021, 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals Winner 2021 Prairie Dirt Classic Winner 2021 37th Kings Royal Winner 2021 BC39 Winner 2021, 2023, 2024 Knoxville Nationals Winner 2022 Hillbilly 100 Winner
Awards	2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Rookie of the Year 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year 2022 ESPY Awards Best Driver Named as one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers (2023) 2024 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year
NASCAR Cup Series career
386 races run over 13 years
Car no., team	No. 5 (Hendrick Motorsports)
2024 position	6th
Best finish	1st (2021)
First race	2013 Bank of America 500 (Charlotte)
Last race	2020 FanShield 500 (Phoenix)
First win	2016 Pure Michigan 400 (Michigan)
Last win	2025 AdventHealth 400 (Kansas)
Wins Top tens Poles 32 194 22
NASCAR Xfinity Series career
119 races run over 10 years
Car no., team	No. 17 (Hendrick Motorsports) No. 88 (JR Motorsports)
2024 position	79th
Best finish	8th (2013)
First race	2013 DRIVE4COPD 300 (Daytona)
Last race	2025 Andy's Frozen Custard 300 (Texas)
First win	2014 Treatmyclot.com 300 (Fontana)
Last win	2025 Andy's Frozen Custard 300 (Texas)
Wins Top tens Poles 17 85 8
NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series career
17 races run over 8 years
Truck no., team	No. 07 (Spire Motorsports)
2023 position	86th
Best finish	35th (2012)
First race	2012 UNOH 225 (Kentucky)
Last race	2025 Weather Guard Truck Race (Bristol)
First win	2013 North Carolina Education Lottery 200 (Rockingham)
Last win	2025 Baptist Health 200 (Homestead)
Wins Top tens Poles 4 13 2
IndyCar Series career
2 races run over 2 years
Team(s)	No. 17 (Arrow McLaren)
Best finish	36th (2024)
First race	2024 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
Last race	2025 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
Wins Podiums Poles 0 0 0
Statistics current as of July 6, 2025.

Kyle Miyata Larson (born July 31, 1992) is an American professional racing driver. He is known for competing in the NASCAR Cup Series, where he drives the No. 5 Chevrolet ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports. He also races part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Before and during his stock car racing career, Kyle has been very successful in dirt track racing. He has won many big events like the Kings Royal, Knoxville Nationals, and the Chili Bowl Nationals. In 2015, he also won the 24 Hours of Daytona with CGR. In 2023, Kyle Larson was named one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers, a special honor for top racers.

Kyle Larson's Racing Journey

Starting Out in Racing

Kyle Larson racing a USAC midget car in 2012

Kyle Larson was born in Elk Grove, California, on July 31, 1992. He went to his first race when he was just a week old! He started racing outlaw karts in Northern California at age seven. As a teenager, he moved on to open-wheel cars like United States Auto Club (USAC) midgets, Silver Crown, and sprint cars.

He raced for teams like Keith Kunz Motorsports and Hoffman Racing, with support from Toyota. A USAC official gave him the nickname "Yung Money" because of his amazing talent. Kyle also raced World of Outlaws sprint cars. He was one of the youngest drivers to win a sprint car race at Placerville Speedway.

In 2011, Kyle achieved something special at Eldora Speedway. He won in all three types of USAC cars in one night, becoming only the second driver ever to do this. He also won two Silver Crown races that year and was named the 2011 Rookie of the Year. Kyle still holds the sprint car track record at Ocean Speedway from 2010. In 2012, he won six USAC National Midget races, including the Turkey Night Grand Prix. Even after starting his stock car career, Kyle continued to race open-wheel cars during the week and even traveled to New Zealand in the off-season to compete.

Stock Car Adventures

NASCAR K&N Pro Series and ARCA Races

Kyle Larson's 2012 K&N Pro Series East Championship car

Kyle Larson was interested in IndyCar racing, but in 2012, he signed with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing (EGR) for their driver development program. In February 2012, he won his first stock car race at New Smyrna Speedway. A week later, he won again at the same track.

In 2012, Kyle raced full-time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East with Rev Racing. He got his first win in this series on June 9 at Gresham Motorsports Park. He won again at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. On June 15, he made his ARCA Racing Series debut at Michigan International Speedway, finishing 13th.

On November 3, Kyle won the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship. He had 2 wins and 12 top-ten finishes in 14 races. He also earned the K&N Pro Series East Rookie of the Year award. In 2014, Kyle won his first ARCA race at Pocono Raceway.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Kyle Larson's race-winning No. 30 truck at Rockingham in 2013

Kyle Larson made his Camping World Truck Series debut on June 28, 2012, at Kentucky Speedway. He drove the No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado for Turner Motorsports and finished 10th.

On April 14, 2013, Kyle won his first Truck Series race at Rockingham Speedway, holding off Joey Logano. After the win, he famously did "donuts" without his steering wheel! NASCAR asked him to keep it attached for safety reasons.

In 2016, Kyle drove the No. 24 truck for GMS Racing at Martinsville Speedway, finishing 4th. He also won at Eldora Speedway on July 20.

In 2023, Kyle drove the No. 7 truck for Spire Motorsports at North Wilkesboro and won the race. In 2025, Kyle competed in two races for Spire Motorsports in the No. 07 truck. He won at Homestead after recovering from a late-race spin.

NASCAR Xfinity Series

Kyle Larson during his Nationwide Series rookie season in 2013

Kyle Larson's Nationwide Series car at Road America in 2013

In February 2013, Kyle Larson announced he would race full-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (now Xfinity Series). He drove the No. 32 Chevrolet for Turner Scott Motorsports. In the first race of the season at Daytona, Kyle was in a big crash on the last lap. His car went airborne and hit the catch fence. He was not hurt, but some fans were injured by debris. Kyle finished 13th. He won the Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year award, becoming the first Asian-American and first Drive for Diversity participant to win this award in NASCAR.

In 2014, Kyle returned to the Nationwide Series part-time in the No. 42 car. On March 22, he won his first Nationwide Series race at Auto Club Speedway. He celebrated again by doing burnouts without his steering wheel. He said the last few laps were the longest of his life. Two months later, Kyle won at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

In 2015, Kyle continued to race part-time in the No. 42 car for HScott Motorsports. He won the season finale at Homestead, which was the first win for HScott Motorsports. In 2016, he won two more races at Pocono and Texas.

Kyle Larson racing at Dover in 2017

In 2022, Kyle drove the No. 17 car for HMS at Road America and finished 2nd. On August 20, he won at Watkins Glen. In 2023, Kyle won at Darlington with a last-lap pass. In 2024, he won at Circuit of the Americas by passing two other drivers on the final lap.

In 2025, Kyle won at Bristol. On May 3, he filled in for another driver at Texas and scored his second Xfinity Series win of the season.

NASCAR Cup Series

Starting with Phoenix Racing

On August 27, 2013, it was announced that Kyle Larson would drive the No. 42 car for Chip Ganassi Racing starting in 2014. To get ready, he made his Sprint Cup Series debut on October 1 in the No. 51 car for Phoenix Racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway. His engine failed, and he finished 37th. In his second Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway, he finished 42nd after another engine problem.

Racing with Chip Ganassi Racing

2014: Rookie Season

Kyle Larson's Cup Series car at Sonoma Raceway in 2014

At the 2014 Daytona 500, Kyle had some trouble and finished 38th. He earned his first top-10 finish at Bristol Motor Speedway. A week later, he finished 2nd at Auto Club Speedway, his best Cup Series finish at the time. At Richmond Raceway, he earned the pole position because qualifying was rained out. He finished 16th after an early spin.

Kyle won his first Cup Series pole position for the 2014 Gobowling.com 400, setting a track record. He finished 11th in that race. Kyle earned the Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year award with 8 top-five and 16 top-ten finishes.

2015 Season

Kyle Larson's No. 42 car at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2015

Kyle started 2015 with a crash at the Daytona 500. At Martinsville, he fainted during an autograph session and was hospitalized. He was replaced by Regan Smith. Doctors said he was dehydrated. He finished the season 19th in points.

2016 Season

Kyle Larson celebrating after scoring his first career Cup Series win at the 2016 Pure Michigan 400

Kyle started 2016 with a 7th-place finish at the Daytona 500. On May 21, he won the Sprint Showdown to get into the All-Star Race. In the All-Star Race, he led late but crashed and finished 16th.

On August 28, Kyle won his first-ever Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan. This win qualified him for the playoffs for the first time. He finished 18th at Chicagoland and 10th at New Hampshire. A 25th-place finish at Dover eliminated him from the playoffs.

2017 Season

Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott battling for the lead during the 2017 FireKeepers Casino 400

Kyle Larson waving the checkered flag in the air after winning the 2017 Federated Auto Parts 400

At the 2017 Daytona 500, Kyle was leading on the final lap but ran out of fuel, finishing 12th. After three 2nd-place finishes, he moved to 1st in points. On March 26, he won his 2nd career Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway from the pole. He won his 2nd race of the season at Michigan.

At Kentucky, Kyle started last but finished 2nd. On July 12, he lost his points lead due to a penalty for an improper rear brake cooling part. His crew chief was suspended. A week later, Kyle won the pole at Loudon but had to give it up due to an inspection failure. He finished 2nd after starting 39th.

Kyle won his 3rd straight Michigan race at the 2017 Pure Michigan 400. In the final regular season race at Richmond, he won his 4th race of the season. In the playoffs, he made it to the Round of 12. At Kansas, his engine failed, ending his championship hopes. He finished the season 8th in points.

2018 Season

Kyle Larson at Pocono Raceway in 2018

Kyle didn't win any races in 2018 but was very consistent. He had five 2nd-place finishes, eight top-fives, and 13 top-tens, making it to the playoffs. At the Charlotte Roval, he led 47 laps. He was involved in a crash but managed to limp his damaged car across the finish line in 25th place to advance to the next round.

He finished 3rd at the Kansas fall race but was eliminated from the Round of 12. He ended the season 9th in points.

2019 Season

Kyle Larson during the Fanzone at Daytona International Speedway on July 5, 2019

Before the 2019 season, Kyle lost his main sponsor. He started the season with a 7th-place finish at the Daytona 500. At Atlanta, he led over 100 laps but got a penalty and finished 12th. On the final lap at the Talladega spring race, Kyle was in a big accident where his car rolled over multiple times. He was not hurt.

On May 18, Kyle won the NASCAR All-Star Race. After a 2nd-place finish at Darlington, he made the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. On October 6, Kyle won at Dover, ending a 75-race winless streak and moving into the Round of 8. He finished the season 6th in points, his best career finish at that time.

2020 and a Break from Racing

Kyle started 2020 with a 10th-place finish at the Daytona 500. The season was paused after four races due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April 2020, Kyle was suspended by NASCAR and his team after using inappropriate language during an online racing event. He was told to complete sensitivity training. Many sponsors also stopped supporting him. His team, Chip Ganassi Racing, then let him go.

After several months, Kyle shared an essay online. He apologized for his words and explained that he had completed training and done more to learn about the African-American community. He hoped his experience would be a lesson for everyone. In October 2020, NASCAR allowed Kyle to return to racing starting January 1, 2021.

Joining Hendrick Motorsports

2021: Championship Year

Kyle Larson's race-winning car during the 2021 Toyota/Save Mart 350

On October 28, 2020, Hendrick Motorsports signed Kyle Larson to drive the No. 5 car starting in 2021. Hendrick Motorsports usually doesn't let their drivers race outside of NASCAR, but they made an exception for Kyle to continue dirt racing, as long as his main focus was the Cup Series.

Kyle started 2021 with a 10th-place finish at the Daytona 500. Three weeks later, he won his first race with Hendrick Motorsports at Las Vegas. On May 30, Kyle won the Coca-Cola 600. This win was also the 269th Cup victory for Hendrick Motorsports, making them the team with the most Cup wins in NASCAR history. A week later, Kyle won his first road course race at Sonoma. On June 13, he won the NASCAR All-Star Race for the second time. He also became the 8th driver to win both the Coca-Cola 600 and the All-Star race in the same season. At Nashville, Kyle won his third consecutive points-paying race.

At the Pocono doubleheader, Kyle was close to a fourth straight win but blew a tire on the final lap, finishing 9th. The next day, he finished 2nd. At Watkins Glen, Kyle won his fifth race of the season, a new career high. He then clinched the regular season championship.

In the playoffs, Kyle won his sixth race of the season at Bristol. At the Charlotte Roval, he won his seventh race, becoming the first driver to win three different road courses in one season. He also became the first driver since 2006 to win both Charlotte races.

In the Round of 8, Kyle won his eighth race at Texas to secure a spot in the Championship 4. A week later at Kansas, he won his ninth race.

In the season finale at Phoenix, Kyle started on pole and led 107 laps to win his tenth race of the season and his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. He was the first driver since Jimmie Johnson in 2007 to have 10 wins and a championship in the same season. Kyle finished his 2021 championship season with 10 wins, 18 stage wins, 20 top-fives, 26 top-tens, and led 2,581 laps.

2022 Season

Kyle Larson's No. 5 car at Sonoma Raceway in 2022

Kyle started 2022 on pole at the Daytona 500 but crashed and finished 32nd. The next week, he won at Auto Club Speedway. At Sonoma, his car lost a wheel. His crew chief was suspended for four races. On August 21, Kyle won his second race of the season at Watkins Glen. In the final regular season race at Daytona, his engine failed, and he finished 37th.

At Darlington, Kyle had engine issues and spun out. On September 16, Hendrick Motorsports announced Kyle had signed a contract extension through 2026. He was eliminated from the Round of 12 after finishing 35th at the Charlotte Roval.

At Las Vegas, Kyle was involved in a crash with another driver. A week later, he won his third race of the season at Homestead. He finished the season 7th in points.

2023 Season

Kyle Larson at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2023

Kyle started 2023 with a crash at the Daytona 500. His team received a penalty for an unapproved part at Phoenix, but the points penalty was later removed.

Kyle won his 20th career Cup Series race at Richmond. Two weeks later, he won at Martinsville, the first win for the No. 5 car at that track since 1984. On May 21, Kyle won his third career All-Star race, tying him with Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon. He is the only driver to win the All-Star race on three different tracks.

In the playoffs, Kyle won the Southern 500 to secure a spot in the Round of 12. He then won at Las Vegas to make the Championship 4. He finished the season 2nd in points.

2024 Season

Kyle Larson's race-winning car during the 2024 Toyota/Save Mart 350

Kyle started 2024 with an 11th-place finish at the Daytona 500. Two weeks later, he won his first race of the season at Las Vegas. At the Kansas spring race, Kyle won by just 0.001 seconds, the closest finish in NASCAR Cup Series history.

Kyle tried to race in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Rain delayed the Indy 500, causing him to miss the start of the Coca-Cola 600. He was replaced by Justin Allgaier for part of the race. Despite missing the start, Kyle was allowed to remain eligible for the playoffs.

At Sonoma, Kyle won his third race of the season, tying him with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Fred Lorenzen for 26 career wins. This win also made him the 10th driver in NASCAR Cup history to win five road course races. A month later, Kyle won the Brickyard 400. He picked up his fifth win of the season at the Bristol night race. Three weeks later, he scored his sixth win of the season at the Charlotte Roval. Kyle finished 3rd at Martinsville but did not advance to the Championship 4. He finished the season 6th in points.

2025 Season

Kyle started the 2025 season with a 20th-place finish at the Daytona 500. A month later, he won his 30th career race at Homestead, placing him 30th on the all-time wins list. Kyle scored his second win of the season at the Bristol spring race. At Kansas, Kyle won his third race of the season.

Open-Wheel Racing Career

Dirt Car Racing

Kyle Larson used to own a World of Outlaws sprint car team called Kyle Larson Racing. The team closed after the 2020 season. He now drives for his own team (midgets) and Paul Silva (winged sprint cars) on a limited schedule.

On January 18, 2020, Kyle won his first Chili Bowl Nationals. In May, he returned to the World of Outlaws at Knoxville Raceway. He set a new track record at Federated Auto Parts Raceway. He then won his first World of Outlaws race since his return.

In June 2020, Kyle joined the USAC series for Indiana Midget Week. He won all six races and the championship. He continued to win nine straight sprint car races. He also won the Pennsylvania Speedweek title with four wins. Kyle was named the 410 Sprint Car Driver of the Year for 2020.

In August 2020, Kyle made his debut in a dirt late model at Port Royal Speedway. He won in his second dirt late model start. He also won the USAC Silver Crown Series finale at Springfield Mile.

After rejoining NASCAR, Kyle was allowed to continue dirt racing as long as his Cup Series commitment was his main focus. On January 16, 2021, Kyle won his second straight Chili Bowl Nationals. He also won the first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series race of the season. Kyle won the BC39 race on the dirt track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He won the Knoxville Nationals three times (2021, 2023, and 2024), becoming a multi-time winner of the event.

On January 18, 2025, Kyle won his third Chili Bowl Nationals, leading the entire 40-lap race.

IndyCar Racing

On January 12, 2023, it was announced that Kyle Larson would try to qualify for the 2024 Indianapolis 500 with Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports. He aimed to be one of the few drivers to attempt "the double" (racing both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day). The Indy 500 was delayed by rain, causing him to miss the start of the Coca-Cola 600. He finished 18th in the Indy 500 and was named the 2024 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year.

On September 10, 2024, it was announced that Kyle would return to the 2025 Indianapolis 500. At Indianapolis, Kyle crashed on lap 91. He finished 27th but was later credited with 24th after other cars failed inspection.

Other Racing Adventures

On January 4, 2014, Kyle entered the 24 Hours of Daytona with Chip Ganassi Racing. He raced alongside famous drivers like Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan. In his first Rolex 24, his car had some issues, but he finished his part of the race well.

Kyle returned for the 2015 event with the same team and won the race! In 2016, he raced again in the 24 Hours of Daytona, but the team had brake problems during the race.

Kyle Larson in Media

Kyle Larson had a small role as a limo driver in the 2017 movie Logan Lucky.

Personal Life

Kyle Larson and his son Owen in 2015

Kyle Larson is from Elk Grove, California. His mother is Japanese American, and her parents were in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Kyle is married to Katelyn Sweet, who is the sister of former World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series driver and NASCAR driver Brad Sweet.

Kyle and Katelyn announced they were expecting their first child in June 2014. Their son, Owen Miyata Larson, was born on December 22, 2014. On November 8, 2017, they announced they were expecting a second child. Their daughter, Audrey Layne Larson, was born in 2018. Kyle and Katelyn got engaged on December 22, 2017, and were married on September 26, 2018. Their third child, Cooper Donald Larson, was born on December 31, 2022.

Racing Records

Career Summary

^* Season still in progress
¹ Ineligible for series points

Images for kids

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  Larson at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2025

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  Larson racing a USAC midget in 2012

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  Larson's 2012 K&N Pro Series East Championship car

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  Larson's race-winning No. 30 truck at Rockingham in 2013

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  Larson during his Nationwide Series rookie season in 2013

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  Larson's Nationwide Series car at Road America in 2013

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  Larson's Cup Series car at Sonoma Raceway in 2014

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  Larson's No. 42 car at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2015

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  Larson celebrating after scoring his first career Cup Series win at the 2016 Pure Michigan 400

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  Larson and Chase Elliott battle for the lead during the 2017 FireKeepers Casino 400

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  Larson waving the checkered flag in the air after winning the 2017 Federated Auto Parts 400

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  Larson at Pocono Raceway in 2018

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  Larson during the Fanzone at Daytona International Speedway on July 5, 2019

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  Larson's race-winning car during the 2021 Toyota/Save Mart 350

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  Larson's No. 5 car at Sonoma Raceway in 2022

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  Larson at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2023

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  Larson's race-winning car during the 2024 Toyota/Save Mart 350

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  Larson and his son Owen in 2015

See also

In Spanish: Kyle Larson para niños