Kyle Larson, the current NASCAR Cup Series champion, spoke with the media via Zoom ahead of the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, addressing the unusual forecast of potentially the coldest race in NASCAR history. Larson considered how the cold might affect performance and conditions for drivers, crews, and fans alike, all while preparing mentally for the race’s delay to Monday.
Larson noted,
“Yeah, I don’t know if I’ve ever competed when it’s that cold. But thankfully for us, we’re inside of a stock car, which is basically like an oven, so that’ll help. I think, honestly, I think it’ll feel fine for us inside the car. I wouldn’t be surprised if you still break somewhat of a sweat in there, just because of all the temps from internally, and it’s not windy in there because we’re going so slow.”
He expressed empathy for those on the outside, saying,
“But yeah, I just feel for the the crews, the mechanics, the fans and NASCAR officials; everybody who’s there outside in the cold. But, you know, we love the sport, and we’ll compete in any conditions, I think. I just look forward to the challenge; just seeing kind of how the race plays out and seeing what teams can step up.”
Preparing for Race Delays and Making the Most of Unexpected Time
The postponement of the race from Sunday to Monday allowed Larson and his team to adapt their plans more effectively. He explained that knowing the delay early helped break the usual “hurry up and wait” routine often experienced in weather-affected events. Larson shared how he intended to enjoy the snowy weather with his family during the additional downtime before the race, saying,
“As soon as I’m done with this, I’m going to head over to my shop. We’ve got a good hill. We’ll probably build a jump; put the kids on some tubes and sleds, and go have some fun for the next couple days.”
Larson also emphasized that his team had already completed their pre-event preparation, including reviewing the race weekend schedule, practice, and qualifying strategies.
“So, I feel like we have a good plan. Now, we just have to wait until we get on track,”
he added.
Reflecting on Last Year’s Championship and Family Involvement
Larson reflected on the significance of winning the championship last season, particularly now that his children are old enough to comprehend the achievement. He recalled,
“Yeah, I think Owen had an okay understanding from the first one. But, you know, this one I think was cooler because I would imagine Audrey will remember this now for the rest of her life. Obviously I wasn’t in the motorhome watching the race because I was on the track, but my wife, Katelyn, she told me how emotional Owen had gotten. You know, he was a little bit teared up because I think he could grasp the magnitude of it, and also grasp how wild the finish was for us.”
Larson explained how Owen understood the surprising nature of their comeback win, sharing that his son
“was just as surprised and emotional as we all were on the team and behind the wheel.”
The memories made during the championship continue to be treasured by Larson and his family.
Balancing Coaching and Support for His Kids on the Track
Discussing his role in coaching his children during their races, Larson admitted it can be difficult to hold back advice without overwhelming them.
“Yeah, it’s tough, for sure. I think I’ve realized at this point that, which it makes it even tougher to just keep your mouth shut, but I feel like my kids do better when I don’t talk to them. You know, I think I get a little too detailed, and then I think they’re probably out there trying to do what I say and they’re thinking too much rather than reacting to what’s going on on the track.”
He recounted a specific example from the Tulsa Shootout:
“Once I showed up to town — like the first race I got to watch him, I’m like trying to coach him and all that, and that was the worst race he had all week. So, I was like — all right, I’m just going to stop talking and let Chad Boat and the team coach him up because he seems to listen to them, or relate to what they’re saying, better than me.”
Addressing the Prestige and Challenges of the Daytona 500
With the DAYTONA 500 approaching in a few weeks, Larson reflected on the race’s standing within the sport and among fans. He acknowledged,
“I mean, it’s always going to be prestigious and feel prestigious. You know, I’ve never won the race. I’ve never even finished top-five, so I don’t know what the feeling is like. I would imagine the feeling of winning is still going to be extremely massive, if it ever happens.”
Larson recognized criticism regarding the race’s unpredictability, noting that chaotic events can sometimes overshadow who truly earns the win.
“It is difficult to get really excited about the winner or who’s won when usually there’s a 20-car pile-up and the guy running towards the back squeaks through, and then misses another wreck later and wins. But that’s the race and that’s how it is.”
He highlighted veteran driver William Byron’s consecutive wins as proof that skill and strategy matter:
“William Byron winning two in a row is not a fluke, so the cream does rise. He’s won there in the old-style car and this car. So, yeah, Daytona and Talladega, sure, anybody can win, but still the teams positioning themselves the best and drivers making the best decisions do win.”
Regaining Momentum After a Slump
Larson addressed his performance momentum heading into the new season. Despite a period without wins before clinching the championship, he feels confident going forward.
“I don’t know… it’s completely different race cars and stuff, but we’ll see. I mean, we just got to get the season started. I feel good about things. I felt like we were trending in a good direction at the end of the year.”
He also reflected on the playoff races:
“Although we didn’t get some wins in the playoffs, we had a great opportunity to win two or three races in the playoffs, barring some cautions or whatever playing out differently.”
Larson is optimistic that the team will become even more competitive as they adapt to the new body style.
“So, yeah, just look forward to getting on the track and getting things going; getting back in the flow and just racing.”
Family Life and Supporting His Kids’ Racing Endeavors
Larson shared how his wife Katelyn has taken over managing their children’s racing activities while he races professionally, noting the initial challenges but eventual growth.
“She’s gotten the hang of it more. I think she thrives at the kids races now. I think it was a bit stressful in the beginning, especially when Cooper was younger. He’s still a handful for sure, but you can pack a lot less now. He can go play with friends, and she can focus more on Owen and Audrey.”
He described Katelyn’s involvement, saying she was
“selling the kids merchandise by the trailer, helping push them to staging and doing all that.”
Reflecting on his kids’ recent successes at events like the Tulsa Shootout, Larson expressed pride in their progress.
“Audrey, like she just started and won a heat race, so that was really cool. And then Owen, as well, he’s out there racing with adults, and adults who have won the shootout before, and beat them in a heat race. So, yeah, they had a really, really good week, and I was super proud of them.”
Encouraging Well-Rounded Activities Beyond Racing
Larson emphasized the importance of his children participating in activities outside racing to provide social interaction and varied experiences. He said,
“Well, I think it’s good for — any parent can parent their kids differently, but I think for us, it’s important to try to have our kids in as many activities as we can try to have them in, especially because they’re homeschooled, so they don’t get quite the exposure to other kids, probably.”
He highlighted hockey as a key interest for them:
“Audrey loves hockey. She loves racing. She loves being able to do all the things she does. We signed Owen up for hockey now too, so he gets to start that soon. The hockey part of it’s fun because it’s so different than what I do. I know nothing about hockey, so it’s fun to kind of go there and see them learning and seeing how talented the kids are out there, so I really enjoy it.”
Observations on NASCAR Leadership: Steve O’Donnell’s Role
When asked about NASCAR executive Steve O’Donnell, Larson praised his leadership style.
“Yeah, I mean, I think he’s a really good leader. I feel like he runs a good balance of being, you know, friends with everybody, but also can stand his ground, which I think is important for a leader. So, yeah, I respect him and I respect the role that he has.”
Larson acknowledged the challenges faced by NASCAR leadership:
“I know the job that they have as executives at NASCAR is extremely tough, so, like I said, I think he balances it all very well.”
The Concept of Creating a New Racing Series
Exploring the idea of establishing his own racing series, Larson revealed he has already launched a series for sprint cars with a full seasonal schedule.
“Well, I have started a series, and it’s about 60 races and we have a full season standing (laughs). But, I mean, that’s totally different… that’s sprint cars versus NASCAR. I would assume you’re talking about NASCAR, but we will race in whatever format.”
Plans for Expanding Micro Racing with Family Involvement
Larson detailed his efforts in supporting his children through his newly created micro racing team. Previously renting rides from Chad Boat’s well-established program, Larson decided to build his own team to increase his kids’ racing opportunities.
“I have my shop that I used to run my World of Outlaw team out of, and not that it was empty, but it wasn’t seeing a lot of use. So, I thought it’d be a fun project to start my own team.”
Larson added,
“We’ve got a truck and trailer, another trailer, a bunch of race cars, engines, all the parts, components, all of it, so we are fully invested in the micro racing. It’s honestly been a lot of fun though, and I look forward to kind of having our own little touch on things.”
Confidence Heading into Superspeedway Events at Daytona and Atlanta
Reflecting on his superspeedway performances from the previous year, Larson expressed cautious optimism for the upcoming season’s start at Daytona and Atlanta.
“Well, I would say, honestly, I always have confidence when we go to superspeedways because I feel like we do a good job. Just prior to last year, you know, I would just get caught up in wrecks and whatnot, and last year just worked out where the wrecks avoided me.”
He hopes for continued good fortune and improved finishes:
“I wouldn’t say I have any more confidence this year than I did last year. I just hope that we have the same sort of good fortune as we did last year… maybe it can be a few spots better to get a win.”
Appreciation for NASCAR’s Efforts to Hold the Race
Larson acknowledged the hard work of NASCAR officials who strive to run races despite adverse conditions, even for exhibition events like the Cook Out Clash.
“Yeah, I absolutely appreciate the effort, as always. I feel like a lot of times, you know, there’s many races where I’m like — man, there’s no chance we’re going to get out there and they’ll postpone it to Monday, Tuesday or whatever, but they find a way.”
He praised the behind-the-scenes teams for tasks such as drying the track and clearing the tech line, highlighting their dedication.
“I think they’ve got a long track record of a lot of effort, so I’m not surprised that we’re still in the same plan, even for an exhibition race.”
Embracing the Unexpected Challenges of This Race
On his outlook toward the unusual snow delay affecting the race, Larson admitted the novelty of the situation but remained positive and ready to adapt.
“Yeah, well for one, I don’t have experience, really, with a snow delay, especially one as heavy as it is, so I think that’ll be new. But as always, what are you going to do? You know, we all just have to ride it out and see. So, yeah, I think that’s obviously the approach.”
