Kyle Larson Bio
Early Life and Background
Kyle Miyata Larson was born on July 31, 1992, in Elk Grove, California. His early exposure to racing began just a week after his birth when he attended his first race with his parents. Larson started racing at the age of seven in outlaw karts in Northern California. As a teenager, he progressed to open-wheel cars, including midgets, sprint cars, and Silver Crown cars, competing for notable teams like Keith Kunz Motorsports and Hoffman Racing. His talent was recognized early on, earning him the nickname “Yung Money” during his time in the United States Auto Club (USAC).
Larson’s achievements in his formative years included winning the 2011 4-Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway, where he became only the second driver in history to win in all three types of USAC cars in a single night. He also secured the Rookie of the Year title in USAC that same year. In 2012, Larson continued to excel, winning six USAC National Midget races, including the prestigious Turkey Night Grand Prix.
Path to NASCAR
In 2012, Larson was signed by Earnhardt Ganassi Racing as part of their driver development program. He made his debut in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, where he quickly made a name for himself by winning his first race at Gresham Motorsports Park. Larson went on to win the K&N Pro Series East championship in 2012, finishing with two wins and twelve top-ten finishes in fourteen races. This success earned him the title of Rookie of the Year in the series.
Larson transitioned to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2012, making his debut at Kentucky Speedway. He secured his first Truck Series win at Rockingham Speedway in 2013. His journey continued with a full-time ride in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2013, where he won the Rookie of the Year award, becoming the first Asian-American to achieve this in one of NASCAR’s national touring series.
Kyle Larson Career
Early Career (2012-2014)
Larson’s early career saw him competing across various series, including the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, where he won the championship in 2012. He made a significant impact in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2013, finishing second in the season finale at Homestead and winning the Rookie of the Year award. In 2014, Larson debuted in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, where he quickly established himself as a formidable competitor, earning the Rookie of the Year title with impressive statistics that outperformed many notable drivers.
NASCAR Cup Series Breakthrough (2014-2020)
Larson made his Sprint Cup Series debut in 2014, finishing second at Auto Club Speedway and securing his first top-10 finish shortly thereafter. He achieved his first Cup Series victory at Michigan International Speedway in 2016, marking a significant milestone in his career. Larson continued to excel, winning multiple races and earning a reputation for his skill on both ovals and road courses.
In 2021, Larson had a historic season, winning ten races, including the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 and the NASCAR All-Star Race. He clinched the NASCAR Cup Series Championship, becoming the first driver since Jimmie Johnson in 2007 to achieve ten wins in a single season. Larson’s remarkable performance solidified his status as one of the top drivers in the sport.
Hendrick Motorsports Era (2021-Present)
In late 2020, Larson signed with Hendrick Motorsports to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, marking a new chapter in his career. He began the 2021 season with a strong performance, winning at Las Vegas shortly after the season opener. Larson continued to dominate throughout the season, ultimately winning the NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
In 2022, Larson continued to showcase his talent, winning races at Auto Club Speedway and Watkins Glen. He secured a multi-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports in September 2022, ensuring his place with the team through 2026. Larson’s ability to perform consistently at a high level has kept him in contention for championships.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Larson is known for his aggressive driving style and exceptional car control, particularly on dirt tracks and road courses. His ability to adapt to different racing conditions and his strategic approach during races have contributed to his success across various series.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Larson’s career is marked by numerous achievements, including being named the NASCAR Cup Series Champion in 2021 and 2025. He has also won prestigious races such as the Chili Bowl Nationals and the Knoxville Nationals multiple times, showcasing his versatility as a driver.
Kyle Larson Career Wins
Kyle Larson has achieved significant success across various NASCAR series, with a total of 32 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, 17 wins in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and 4 wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, among others.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
In the 2025 season, Larson secured his 30th career win at Homestead, placing him 30th on the all-time wins list in the Cup Series. He also won at Bristol and Kansas, showcasing his competitive edge throughout the season. Larson’s performance in the playoffs was notable as he made it to the Championship 4, ultimately finishing third in the season finale at Phoenix to secure his second NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
Larson’s achievements in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series include 17 wins, with his first victory coming in 2014 at Fontana. In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, he recorded 4 wins, with his first win at Rockingham in 2013. His early success in these series laid the foundation for his later accomplishments in the Cup Series.
Kyle Larson Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Kyle Larson is married to Katelyn Sweet, the sister of former World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series driver Brad Sweet. The couple has three children: Owen Miyata Larson, born in 2014; Audrey Layne Larson, born in 2018; and Cooper Donald Larson, born in 2022. Larson’s family background includes his mother, who is Japanese American, and whose parents spent time in a Japanese internment camp during World War II.
Personal Life
Larson maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his family and racing career. He has expressed a strong commitment to his family and often shares moments from his life as a father and husband on social media.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a remarkable year for Kyle Larson, culminating in his second NASCAR Cup Series championship. Larson began the season with a solid performance, finishing 20th at the Daytona 500. He quickly rebounded, scoring his first win of the season at Las Vegas and achieving a historic victory at Kansas, where he won by the closest margin in NASCAR history at 0.001 seconds. Despite facing challenges during the playoffs, Larson’s consistency and skill allowed him to advance to the Championship 4, where he ultimately secured his second title after a strong finish at Phoenix. His performance throughout the season has solidified his reputation as one of NASCAR’s elite drivers.
