Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series driver, has enjoyed both personal and professional success in racing, but as his children Owen and Audrey begin their own racing journeys, he’s experiencing a new kind of anxiety. The rising presence of Kyle Larson kids racing in national spotlight brings him pride, yet his deepest worry centers not on physical dangers, but the emotional impact racing can have on his children.
Fresh off his Pennzoil 400 victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Larson took time to reflect on his family’s growing involvement in motorsports. The Larson siblings performed well at the Tulsa Shootout in Oklahoma, quickly following in their father’s footsteps. Owen and Audrey showcased their burgeoning talent, turning what started as a family affair into a closely watched competition within the junior racing world.
The Emotional Toll of Racing for Larson as a Father
Speaking with Clinton Boyles on FloRacing, Kyle Larson addressed the realities of watching his kids begin their own careers so early. When asked about his feelings as a parent watching Owen and Audrey race, Larson explained that he doesn’t worry much about the sport’s dangers, given his background and experience. Instead, he voiced a far more personal concern: the heartbreak of seeing his kids face disappointment on the track.
“So what’s it been like having both your kids now, started racing, I mean, started off pretty young. Is there any nerves as a father there, or do you feel pretty calm about it all?”
— Clinton Boyles, FloRacing.
“I just don’t want them to like, when they’re running up front, you know, like I don’t want them to get passed late, fall back and miss the transfer,”
said Larson.
“I know how dejected and they’re gonna be and sad. And you don’t ever want to see your kid being dejected or sad.”
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver.
Drawing on his personal experiences of winning and losing, Larson noted that the emotional rollercoaster of races is as intense for him as for his young drivers. While he has learned to process disappointment from his career, watching Owen and Audrey deal with it is something else entirely.
Celebrating the Successes and Sharing in the Joy
Larson also talked about the thrill he experiences when his kids do well, comparing the excitement he feels to his own racing victories. The pride in witnessing their accomplishments—and the competitive spirit they share—runs deep for Larson.
“I had like, the nerves, butterflies, excited feeling like emotions of myself winning a main event, so it’s just really cool seeing them do, I mean, better than I thought they would’ve this week too,”
said Larson.
The chance to share personal passions with family brings a unique satisfaction. As his kids grow into the racing world he loves, Larson draws energy from their progress and enthusiasm for the sport. He summed up the experience simply, “It’s been awesome,” emphasizing the special bond he feels on and off the track.
Larson Siblings Rise at the Tulsa Shootout
For the Larson family, the Tulsa Shootout in Oklahoma is becoming more than a competition—it’s quickly turning into an annual tradition and proving ground for young racers like Owen and Audrey. Owen, now 11, had a demanding week, racing in the Restricted, Stock Nonwing, and Winged A-Class categories. His skill stood out when he clinched a heat win in the Winged A-Class, demonstrating his strong racing instincts and drive.
Audrey, just seven, competed in the Junior Sprint division. She didn’t just participate—she dominated, capturing a heat race win and further staking her own claim in the competitive landscape. Her approach to racing mirrors that of her father in spirit and commitment.
“I think she’s just really competitive. On the racing side of it, she’s probably more similar to me than Owen would be. Owen, personality-wise, is more similar to me. Audrey is very fiery and has lots of personality and attitude. I’m not like that, but yeah, the competitive mindset is probably more similar with me.”
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver.
Larson emphasized that Audrey’s tenacity and competitive streak are reflections of the family legacy, while Owen shares more of his temperament. Regardless, both siblings are proving that racing runs deep in the family, each motivated by their father’s own career and the strong sense of identity it brings.
A Look at the Family Dynamics and Their Racing Aspirations
The atmosphere at the Tulsa Shootout was rich with family spirit, not just for the Larsons, but with other racing families participating as well. Kyle Busch and his son Brexton continue to appear at the event, adding to the energy and competitive nature of the Shootout. Owen and Audrey are aiming to claim at least one coveted Golden Driller Trophy—a milestone for any aspiring young driver.
Kyle Busch, a familiar face at the event, is competing in all the top-tier classes—Winged Outlaw, Non-Wing Outlaw, Winged A-Class, and Stock Non-Wing—while Brexton expands his experience by adding Restricted A-Class to his schedule this year. After taking the Golden Driller Trophy in the Junior Sprint last year, Brexton, like the Larsons, has become a promising name among racing’s youngest stars.
The growing involvement of these prominent racing families has added a new dimension to the Tulsa Shootout, inspiring a new generation and giving fans a glimpse into the future of motorsports talent. The collective aspiration is to bring home trophies and further decades-long racing dynasties.
The Lasting Impact of Racing Across Generations
Kyle Larson’s openness about his concerns and hopes for his children shines a light on the unique challenges motorsports families face. While Owen and Audrey may have genetics and environment on their side, the path is still marked by emotional highs and lows, competition, and personal growth. Through the highs of victory and the lows of disappointment, the family’s resilience and unity become just as important as race-day results.
As the Tulsa Shootout concludes, all eyes are on young drivers like the Larson and Busch siblings to see if they will capture the Golden Driller Trophy. Regardless of the outcome, the experience shapes them and their families, teaching lessons in determination, sportsmanship, and support. For Kyle Larson, the experience of being both father and mentor is, in his own words, “awesome,” as he guides Owen and Audrey through the realities and rewards of racing.
The journey of Kyle Larson kids racing is just beginning, but with family, legacy, and passion intertwined, the impact will continue to be felt both inside and outside the racing world for years to come.
