Kyle Larson is open to NASCAR incorporating podium ceremonies for the top three finishers, similar to the one planned for Sunday’s Cup race in Mexico City. However, Larson, who drives the No. 5 for Hendrick Motorsports, believes such celebrations should be reserved for select events rather than applied across all tracks.
As NASCAR prepares for its first points-paying international Cup Series race this century, the event will follow global motorsport traditions. Larson stated this addition is welcome but should not become a standard feature at every race venue.
Maybe just your crown jewel events would be a good start. But I’m not sure,
Larson said during media availability on Saturday.
I come from dirt racing where the top three have to stop on the frontstretch every night and do your interview, which we do interviews on pit road (in NASCAR) and stuff, so that’s not way different.
Balancing Tradition with Fan Engagement
Larson acknowledged that although celebrating on the podium after a difficult race can be challenging for drivers, fans value seeing the top three stand together for photos and recognition. He highlighted that other racing series, especially Formula One, enhance podium moments by including national anthems and celebrating more than just the winner.
Despite the appeal of such ceremonies, Larson emphasized that NASCAR should keep its own character in these moments.
I just think that’s a nice added touch. So, yeah, I think there’s ways to look at it and make it kind of feel like our own; we’re not completely copying other forms of motorsports,
he added.
Recognizing More Drivers Post-Race
Ross Chastain, another Cup Series driver, noted that while it might be difficult logistically to have three drivers on a single platform or the frontstretch after every race, the efforts to honor more than just the winner are important.
Larson agreed with this view.
Second and third should be celebrated a little bit more than it is. Not only for yourself and your team, but your partners and whatnot. I think there’s ways that NASCAR can look at making it have their own kind of touch and feel,
he said.
Past NASCAR Trials with Podium Ceremonies
NASCAR has experimented with post-race podiums before, including during the three years the preseason Clash took place at the Los Angeles Coliseum. These ceremonies offered a glimpse into how NASCAR might incorporate podium moments in the future.
I thought the L.A. Clash thing was awesome, too,
Larson said.
So, yeah, we’ve done it before. I think we can do it at other places.
As NASCAR explores how to adopt and adapt podium traditions from other forms of motorsport, the key challenge is to innovate while still maintaining its unique heritage and fan experience.
