Kyle Larson, having recently captured his second NASCAR Cup championship and the first Next-Gen title for Hendrick Motorsports, now sets his sights on another prestigious race: the Daytona Rolex 24. With a decorated career that includes multiple notable wins, Larson is motivated to return to the endurance classic, aiming for a chance to race alongside the best once more.
Building on a Historic Season in NASCAR
The 2025 NASCAR Cup season marked a significant milestone for Kyle Larson, who achieved three wins and 15 top-five finishes, closing out the year as the series champion with an average finish of 13th place. Racing for Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet, Larson not only brought home his second career Cup championship but also secured the first title of NASCAR’s Next-Gen era for his team. This recent success is a testament to his dominance and consistency in stock car racing.
Now in the latter years of his racing career, Larson is focusing on ticking items off his bucket list. Following his recent attempts at the Indy 500-Coke 600 double, which did not yield the desired results, the star driver is preparing for another challenge: a potential return to the Daytona Rolex 24, one of endurance racing’s most renowned events.
Reflecting on His Previous Daytona Triumph
Larson’s history at the Daytona Rolex 24 is already impressive. In 2015, he claimed victory at this premier IMSA event while driving for Chip Ganassi Racing. That triumph came with legendary co-drivers: Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan from IndyCar, and Jamie McMurray, a fellow NASCAR talent. During a recent appearance on the ‘Dinner with Racers’ podcast, Larson reflected on his experiences at the event and expressed enthusiasm about returning to the endurance race.
“I think at this stage in my career, yeah, I’d do it again. I had fun those three years I did it. I didn’t want to keep doing it every year.”
Kyle Larson said via Dinner with Racers podcast (Via motorsport.com).
After participating in the race three times earlier in his career, Larson revealed that the timing now feels right for another attempt.
Family as Motivation for a Return
One of the primary motivations behind Larson’s desire to return is his wish for his children to witness him compete—and hopefully win—at Daytona. When he earned his Rolex 24 victory in 2015, his son Owen Larson was just a newborn, and his daughter had not yet been born. Larson now hopes his family can experience the thrill of such an accomplishment by his side.
“To have my kids be a part of it would be cool…Yeah, that, too. So yeah, I would probably do it again…I want to be in the best car…I definitely want to do it again in the future.”
Kyle Larson added.
Larson is insistent that he would only make a comeback if provided with a top-tier car, ensuring he has a legitimate chance at victory. For the star driver, a high-quality team and equipment are non-negotiable elements if he is to chase another Daytona title.
A Demanding Offseason Schedule
Despite his desire to compete at Daytona again, Larson’s calendar remains packed. He admits the NASCAR offseason provides little respite, as he is constantly traveling and racing in various events. These include competitions in Australia, the Chili Bowl, and West Coast Midget races, as well as active involvement in his High Limit Racing series and other dirt and sprint racing outings.
“The offseasons have only gotten busier. There’s more races and stuff. I go to Australia now, Chili Bowl, and West Coast Midget races. It’s just a lot and I, kind of, want time off.”
Kyle Larson said.
Larson’s busy racing schedule reflects his passion for the sport, but it also underscores the challenges of preparing for a demanding endurance race like Daytona. Unlike previous years, balancing family, commitments, and physical preparation will be a key factor if he makes his return.
Overcoming Years Away From Sportscar Racing
Preparing for the Daytona Rolex 24 will not be straightforward. Larson has not driven a sportscar competitively at Daytona in several years, meaning a significant adjustment period will be required to return to winning form. The racing veteran knows he must put in extra effort to reacclimate to the unique demands of the event and the IMSA format.
“But it’s been so long since I ran it that you almost get to the point where you forget a little bit about it, right? And I just remember having a blast doing that race, so I just want to go there and relive it.”
Kyle Larson added.
For a seasoned racer like Larson, overcoming the gap since his last endurance outing will require dedicated preparation. Yet, his proven versatility across multiple racing disciplines and his history of success make him one of the most likely drivers to excel if he secures the right team and resources.
The Road Ahead for Kyle Larson
Should Larson return to the Daytona Rolex 24, he would join a select group of drivers who compete—and win—across both NASCAR and international endurance racing. With his eye on the best equipment and co-drivers, fans and competitors alike will closely watch how he prepares for another shot at Daytona glory. The racing community anticipates that, if the conditions are right, Larson could once again be a dominant and inspirational presence at one of motorsport’s most challenging events.
As his career continues to reach new heights both in NASCAR and beyond, Kyle Larson’s pursuit of new challenges is sure to keep the motorsport world intrigued.
