During the 2017 NASCAR season, Tony Stewart openly expressed his respect for Kyle Larson, despite Larson never racing for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). As Larson secured his second victory of the year at Michigan and climbed to the top of the points standings, fans wondered why SHR had not signed the promising talent. Stewart, who had retired two years earlier, made his feelings clear:
“I would love to have him. You need to ask him that question”
This statement sparked speculation, showing a strong professional admiration from one renowned racer toward a rising star.
Kyle Larson’s Emergence and Stewart’s Continued Support
At just 24 years old and in his fourth full-time Cup Series season with Chip Ganassi Racing, Larson was blossoming into one of NASCAR’s brightest talents. Tony Stewart, a three-time Cup champion and SHR co-owner, admired Larson’s adaptability across different racing formats. Stewart emphasized this by saying:
“He’s a friend of mine. And even if he doesn’t drive for me, I care and am happy for him.”
Stewart’s admiration went beyond mere praise, signaling SHR’s readiness to welcome Larson if the opportunity arose.
The Near Opportunity That Never Materialized
In 2020, Larson faced a major setback when he was indefinitely suspended by NASCAR after using a racial slur during an iRacing event, leading to his release from Chip Ganassi Racing. In response, Stewart made a concerted effort to bring Larson into SHR, aiming to position him in the No. 14 car as Clint Bowyer approached retirement.
However, this plan encountered a significant obstacle when Ford, SHR’s manufacturer partner, reportedly opposed the move due to potential public backlash. Unable to finalize Larson’s signing, SHR promoted Chase Briscoe to the No. 14 car instead. Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports, with a vacant seat following Jimmie Johnson’s departure, signed Larson.
Larson’s return in 2021 proved remarkable as he won ten races and captured his first Cup Series championship that year.
Stewart’s Defense of Larson’s Claim to Versatility
In 2024, Kyle Larson sparked debate after implying he was a more well-rounded driver than Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen. Larson, whose racing résumé includes sprint cars, midgets, dirt late models, IndyCar, and NASCAR, later clarified he was not claiming to be the greatest overall but highlighting his adaptability across disciplines.
When fans criticized Larson’s comments, Tony Stewart stepped in to defend his friend. Speaking to Kevin Harvick, Stewart commented:
“I know it’s a huge debate… Obviously I’m a huge Kyle Larson fan. Love what he does in a Sprint car. I watched him run his first dirt late model races, and he’s had success there now, going to Indy… I think Kyle Larson, you can take him and drop him in any race car, and he’s going to be up to speed pretty quick, and he’ll figure it out pretty quick… He’s a guy that’s a once-in-a-lifetime type guy. It seems like every generation has that one guy that stands out above the rest, and Kyle’s that guy.”
Stewart further highlighted Larson’s rare talent by comparing him to former F1 drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Kevin Magnussen, who also adapted quickly to dirt racing, but Stewart noted that Larson’s natural ease behind the wheel was exceptional.
A Lasting Bond Beyond Team Affiliations
Although Kyle Larson never competed for Stewart-Haas Racing, the mutual respect and connection between Larson and Tony Stewart have remained strong. Stewart’s open admiration and efforts to support Larson through challenges underline a bond that transcends team boundaries, celebrating talent and character above all else.
This ongoing relationship and Stewart’s vocal support emphasize Larson’s importance not only as a driver but as a generational figure in racing. With such advocacy from a legendary champion, Larson’s path continues to inspire fans and competitors alike, hinting at a lasting impact on motorsports.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?
A. Larson may not surpass Verstappen in Formula 1, but he shows more versatility than anyone else in racing. Bianchi points out that Larson stands out because he excels in many different kinds of cars, showcasing a diverse set of skills.
