Kyle Larson, the current Cup Series champion from Hendrick Motorsports, is known not only for his success on the track but also as a father to young racers. His eldest son Owen and daughter Audrey have already started competing in lower racing divisions, and there is a strong possibility that his youngest son, Cooper, will follow in their footsteps. However, Larson has expressed concerns about adding another driver to the family due to the substantial costs involved in youth racing.
During a media session at the Bowman Gray clash, Larson emphasized the financial strain that supporting two children in racing has already placed on him. While he hopes Cooper might avoid the sport, he recognizes that stopping him entirely may not be feasible if the boy is determined to race.
Well, racing is an expensive sport, and I’ve got two doing it currently. I’ve spent a lot of money here lately because we’re starting our own micro team for them. So, in a perfect world, I would love for Cooper not to race, but I know that’s probably impossible, so I don’t know.
Kyle Larson said during Bowman Gray clash media session.
Larson is pragmatic about the challenges ahead. He believes Cooper might be the most costly of all his children due to his expected aggressive driving style, which could lead to more equipment damage. This adds another layer of difficulty in financially supporting yet another young racer.
So, we’ll see. I think he’ll be the most expensive, probably, because I’m sure he’ll be tearing up the most equipment. So, we’ll see if we can keep him out of it.
Kyle Larson added.
Challenges Larson Faces in Coaching His Children
Aside from the financial hurdles, Kyle Larson has shared candid thoughts about his role as a coach for his kids. He admits his detailed instructions may not always benefit them during races, sometimes causing overthinking rather than allowing them to react naturally on the track. Larson believes his kids tend to perform better when he limits his in-race communication.
I just I feel like my kids do better when I don’t talk to them…. I think I get a little too detailed and you know, 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 the track.
Kyle Larson said.
This insight came into sharper focus during the Tulsa shootout event, where Larson’s son Owen had a notably poor performance while Kyle was actively coaching him. Realizing the impact of his approach, Larson decided to let Chad Bow and the racing team handle the coaching since Owen appeared more receptive to their guidance.
So…I realized that the Tulsa shootout, you know…Owen did get to run a few divisions that once I showed up to town, like the first race I got to watch him, you know, 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 Bow and the team coach him up because he seems to listen to them or relate to what they’re saying better than me.’
Kyle Larson added.
These remarks highlight the reality that being an elite driver does not automatically translate to being an effective coach. The role of a supportive crew and coach is crucial for a young driver’s progress, illustrating the team-based nature of success in competitive racing.
The Outlook for the Larson Family’s Racing Future
The Larson family’s involvement in racing is substantial, with Owen and Audrey already making strides in the sport. Kyle Larson’s efforts to invest in a micro team for his children reflect his commitment to nurturing their careers despite the significant financial burden. Yet, his hesitation to encourage Cooper to race underscores the challenges many racing families face balancing passion and practical realities.
With the sport’s expenses and the unpredictable nature of nurturing young talent, how Cooper’s path will unfold remains uncertain. Larson’s reflections reveal the tension parents encounter in letting their children pursue demanding, costly sports at a young age. Watching how the next generation of Larsons impacts stock car racing will undoubtedly be a storyline of interest in the coming years.
