Kyle Larson From Doubts to NASCAR Cup Series Champion

In the high-octane world of stock car racing, talent and opportunity frequently collide. Some racers seem destined for greatness from birth, while others develop their passion over time. Kyle Larson, a prodigious talent, fits both descriptions.

His natural prowess behind the wheel was evident early on, convincing Chip Ganassi Racing to hand over the No. 42 car to a 21-year-old Larson in 2013. While racing legends like Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart praised the young driver, there were skeptics who questioned whether Larson was truly ready for the big leagues.

The decision to fast-track Larson into the NASCAR Cup Series was bold. Many young drivers spend multiple seasons in lower-tier series like the Xfinity Series or Truck Series, refining their skills before making the jump. However, Larson’s exceptional car control, lightning-quick reflexes, and aggressive yet calculated driving style made him a standout prospect.

Doubt from an Industry Veteran

One of the more notable critics was Jeff Gluck, a respected NASCAR insider who has covered the sport since 2004. Gluck, along with others, felt that Larson was being rushed into the Cup Series too soon.

At the time, Larson had only one full Xfinity Series season under his belt. While he hadn’t won a race, his nine top-5 finishes and 17 top-10 finishes in 33 races in 2013 were impressive. However, Gluck wasn’t convinced. He strongly believed the young driver needed at least one more year in the Xfinity Series before moving up.

Racing Legends Saw Something Special

While some remained skeptical, racing icons such as Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon saw something unique in Larson.

• Stewart believed that Larson was a better version of himself, someone with immense potential.
• Gordon, a four-time Cup Series champion, called Larson’s driving style “unreal,” convinced that he had what it took to compete at the highest level.
• Joey Logano, however, shared Gluck’s concerns, warning against rushing young talent before they were fully prepared.

This split in opinion created an interesting debate among NASCAR analysts, former drivers, and fans. Some believed that throwing a young driver into the deep end would allow them to develop faster, while others thought it could lead to an early burnout or loss of confidence.

Proving the Doubters Wrong: The Road to a Championship

Fast forward to 2021, and Kyle Larson silenced all critics in the most dramatic way possible—by winning the NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

His rookie season in the Cup Series was already impressive, featuring:
Eight top-5 finishes
17 top-10 finishes
 A display of raw talent and competitive grit

However, Larson’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. His 2020 suspension due to an insensitive comment momentarily derailed his career, but he made a remarkable comeback with Hendrick Motorsports in 2021.

His resurgence with HMS saw him win 10 races in 2021, dominate the playoffs, and capture his first Cup Series Championship—a dream realized despite all the doubts surrounding his early promotion to the top level of NASCAR.

The Achilles’ Heel: Larson’s Struggles on Superspeedways

Despite his undeniable talent, one area where Larson has struggled is superspeedway racing. Tracks like:
Daytona International Speedway
Talladega Superspeedway
Atlanta Motor Speedway (post-reconfiguration)

have historically given him trouble. Unlike his dominant performances at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Michigan, where he has multiple top-10 finishes and career wins, superspeedways remain a challenge for the HMS driver.

The high-speed, pack-racing nature of superspeedway events requires a different skill set—drafting precision, patience, and positioning. While Larson’s aggressive style thrives on intermediate tracks, it hasn’t translated well to these high-risk, unpredictable races where a single mistake can end a driver’s day in seconds.

His superspeedway struggles have also been noticeable in his Daytona 500 performances. NASCAR’s biggest race has been a tough battleground for Larson, as he has yet to secure a top-5 finish in the prestigious event.

Turning the Tide at Martinsville

In recent years, Larson has seen a dramatic improvement at Martinsville Speedway, a track where he initially struggled. His move to Hendrick Motorsports in 2021 has helped him refine his approach, resulting in two top-10 finishes in 11 races.

🔹 Jeff Gordon, now Vice Chairman of HMS, believes Larson’s superspeedway struggles are more mental than technical. Having won multiple Daytona 500s, Gordon has the expertise to help Larson overcome these hurdles.

Another area of improvement has been short tracks and road courses, where Larson has become a serious contender. His braking precision, car control, and ability to adapt to different racing lines have made him one of the most versatile drivers in the field.

The Ultimate Test: Can Larson Conquer Atlanta?

As Kyle Larson prepares for the next race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, one burning question remains:

Can he defy the odds and silence his doubters once more?

His last four finishes at Atlanta have been outside the top-30, a trend he desperately wants to reverse. With his immense talent, a championship pedigree, and Hendrick Motorsports’ support, Larson has all the tools to succeed.

However, Atlanta’s recent reconfiguration has made it behave more like a superspeedway, adding to Larson’s challenges. The pack racing style on this track has produced unpredictable results, making it harder for Larson to find his rhythm.

The Pressure to Perform in 2025

As the 2025 NASCAR season heats up, the pressure on Kyle Larson has never been higher. With young stars like Ty Gibbs and William Byron emerging as serious threats, Larson must prove that he can still dominate. His ability to adapt to changing track conditions, new car setups, and evolving competition will be crucial. Fans are eager to see if he can finally conquer superspeedways and add another Cup Series championship to his resume. Will he rise to the occasion, or will his struggles on high-speed tracks continue to haunt him?

What’s Next for Larson?

Beyond the immediate Atlanta challenge, Kyle Larson’s NASCAR legacy is still being written. With multiple wins, a Cup Series Championship, and the backing of one of the sport’s best teams, he has already established himself as one of the top drivers of his generation.

But will he go down in history as an all-time great? That may depend on whether he can conquer his weaknesses and become a true all-around driver—capable of winning anywhere, anytime.

For now, fans will be watching closely. Will Larson finally break through at Atlanta, or will this track continue to haunt him?