Kyle Larson, one of NASCAR’s top drivers, is witnessing the next generation of his family take to the racing world, with his daughter Audrey showing particular promise. Despite actively focusing on his own career, Larson is increasingly proud of Audrey’s progress in go-karting as she embraces the sport with enthusiasm and fearless determination. Alongside her older brother Owen, Audrey’s growing passion for racing is making waves in their household and drawing comparisons to other racing families, including Kevin Harvick’s daughter Piper.
Larson maintains a hands-off parenting style when it comes to racing, allowing his children to navigate the sport on their own terms.
“I’m not involved. I don’t know anything about mechanics. So that helps keep me off of the cars or kart,”
he explained. This approach lets him observe their development from the sidelines, admiring Audrey’s boldness and spirited attitude on the track.
Kyle Larson Shares Insights on Audrey’s Performance and Personality
During an appearance on The Teardown podcast, Larson spoke candidly about Audrey’s recent go-kart race experiences, including a crash that she handled with remarkable positivity.
“Well, she flipped last night. Wasn’t her fault, there was a little stack up, and she went to avoid it. Kind of had to ramp up the wall and tumbled a little bit. She said it was fun, she was smiling all about it. She’s the same thing, still aggressive,”
Larson recounted.
He emphasized that despite setbacks, Audrey continues to improve and that a victory is certainly forthcoming. When it comes to seeking advice from her accomplished father, Audrey differs from her brother Owen, who is less inclined to ask for guidance. Larson described Audrey’s vibrant nature, saying,
“If you’ve ever hung around her you’d be like, ‘Oh my gosh! She’s got some attitude.’ Last week…I had to leave throughout the night to go get on a flight…I texted my mom, ‘Hey, you need to tell her to stay low on the starts, on the front stretch.’ And she (Audrey) said, ‘I know what I’m doing.’ Then she made a mistake on the feature and I’m like, ‘So I thought you knew what you were doing.’ She’s like, ‘Whatever, yeah, I know I know I messed up.’”
This mixture of sass and accountability hints at Audrey’s strong confidence and competitiveness, traits that Larson believes are crucial for success in racing. He attributes much of Audrey’s spirited demeanor to her family background, explaining,
“Well, if you’ve met Kaitlyn, she’s very sassy and outspoken. Quietly outspoken but sassy, and my sister is very much like Audrey. Although my parents say Audrey’s way, like times 10 compared to what she was, growing up. My sister’s very proud to say that they’re twins.”
Family Influence and the Source of Audrey’s Boldness
Kyle Larson’s comments shed light on the strong personalities within his family and how they influence Audrey. While her mother Kaitlyn carries a similar spirited nature, Audrey’s aunt shares a particularly close resemblance in attitude, earning the affectionate “twins” comparison. Larson highlighted that Audrey’s sassiness is even more intensified, a factor that could serve as a powerful asset in her racing career, as confidence and mental toughness often determine a racer’s ability to win under intense pressure.
Audrey’s assertiveness and willingness to take responsibility for her mistakes indicate a maturity beyond her years. Such traits not only embody a competitive edge but also suggest a resilience that will help her navigate the high-stakes environment of competitive racing.
Larson Family’s Supportive and Balanced Approach to Children’s Sports
Kyle Larson describes the family’s approach to racing as natural rather than forced.
“I wouldn’t say we pushed it on our kids at all, for racing. It’s so natural to Kaitlyn and I that we knew it was just going to happen,”
he said. Audrey’s versatility extends beyond racing, with her keen interest in other sports, including an upcoming start in ice hockey, which Larson views positively.
“She’s super athletic, she wants to do it all. So she races, she’s going to start ice hockey in a couple of weeks. She’s tough, she wants to hit people. I’m pumped about that…She wants to do everything, we don’t force racing on them. Even if they both or any of the kids said, ‘You know, I’m done racing,’ I’d be totally fine with that as well.”
This perspective reveals the Larsons’ strong commitment to nurturing their children’s passions without applying undue pressure. Whether Audrey remains in racing or pursues other interests, her parents prioritize her happiness and natural development, fostering an environment in which her competitive spirit can thrive freely.
Kyle Larson Reflects on Managing His Own Racing Challenges
Kyle Larson’s own career reflects diverse racing experience, from NASCAR Cup cars to dirt Late Models and sprint cars. Since 2024, Larson has attempted challenging double-header events such as the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. However, during his second attempt at this demanding double, he sensed the toll it took on his performance.
“Judging by how I ran since Indy, I’d agree with it. Definitely, we took a dip in performance on the Cup side. Even my sprint car stuff there for a few weeks was off a little bit,”
Larson admitted.
While acknowledging the “Indy hangover,” Larson remains focused on his current objectives, with his playoff position secured by three wins. His primary priority now is the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series postseason, starting at Darlington, where he aims to rebound and maintain his championship hopes.
Audrey Larson’s Growing Influence and Future Prospects in Racing
Audrey Larson’s journey reflects the traits that often define successful competitors in motorsports: fiery determination, mental toughness, and self-confidence balanced by accountability. Her spirited personality adds new dimensions to her racing style, aligning with her family’s legacy while creating her own identity. With Kyle Larson’s thoughtful stance on encouragement rather than pressure, Audrey’s path in racing appears promising and authentic.
As she continues to develop her skills and explore various sports, Audrey embodies a new generation ready to make its mark in the high-stakes environment of competitive racing. Her sassiness, far from a mere personality quirk, is emerging as a strategic strength that could elevate her future career alongside the achievements of her father and older brother.
