During an episode of the Field Day series hosted by YouTuber That Guy Garf, Kyle Larson shared his thoughts on NASCAR’s greatest driver. When asked who he considered the equivalent of LeBron James in the sport, Larson named himself alongside Denny Hamlin. However, on the topic of the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) in NASCAR, the Hendrick Motorsports driver singled out Jimmie Johnson for his exceptional achievements.

Larsen highlighted Johnson’s remarkable feat of winning seven championships in the modern NASCAR era, including an unprecedented run of five consecutive titles. He emphasized the increasing difficulty of competing as the sport evolves, explaining how tighter competition and improved cars make Johnson’s record even more impressive.

“I think the greatest of all time would be Jimmy Johnson. I mean seven-time champion in the modern era of NASCAR, I think you know, I just think like it just gets tougher and tougher to win races and win championships with formats and cars getting better and closer and drivers getting better. So for what he did, winning five in a row and then another two like in the modern era is incredible.” —Kyle Larson

Jimmie Johnson’s Historic Career and Current Role

Jimmie Johnson, inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2024, remains one of the sport’s most iconic figures. He is the only driver to secure five consecutive titles from 2006 through 2010 and holds the record for most premier series championships, tied with legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. Beyond his driving legacy, Johnson has moved into the ownership sphere as a co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, continuing to influence NASCAR from outside the cockpit.

Comparison Between Kyle Larson and Jimmie Johnson

Kyle Larson’s talents have drawn comparisons to Jimmie Johnson’s prime years, a view expressed by former NASCAR crew chief Steve Letarte. After Larson’s victory at the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas marked his third win of the season, Letarte spoke about the similarities he noticed between the two drivers during NASCAR’s Inside the Race segment.

“For me, his personality (Larson) reminds me a little of Jimmie in his prime. I was fortunate enough, crew chief in the building and saw Jimmie. I’ll admit from race 1 to championship seven to today, when I call Jimmie Johnson on the phone it’s the same guy. The conversation may change a little bit, but he is the same humble, aw shucks, even as a team owner, I just feel like he is as authentic as he can be. And I get a little bit of that out of Kyle Larson,” —Steve Letarte

Despite some personality differences, Letarte pointed out the genuine and honest nature shared by both drivers, which adds to their appeal on and off the track.

Kyle Larson Reflects on the ‘Greatest Driver in the World’ Label

In a pre-race interview ahead of the Viva Mexico 250, broadcast on Amazon Prime, Kyle Larson addressed the hype surrounding his status as one of the world’s top drivers. While Larson appreciates comparisons to greats such as Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, AJ Foyt, and Mario Andretti, he remains grounded about his career trajectory.

Larson admitted he does not fully embrace the ‘greatest driver’ title yet, considering he is still early in his career and has many goals yet to achieve. His comments reflected a strong motivation to prove himself further on the track.

“But I’m still, I’m only 32 and I’ve got a lot of racing left to do, and hope I can accomplish a lot more to really feel like I’m deserving of that credit, but I do appreciate it and it just makes me kind of have more drive to try and live up to that hype, I guess.” —Kyle Larson

Currently, Larson ranks second in the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 569 points and leads the playoff standings with 23 points, underscoring his current form and championship contention.

Significance of Recognizing Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy

Kyle Larson’s endorsement of Jimmie Johnson as the NASCAR GOAT reinforces the legendary driver’s status within the sport’s history. Johnson’s feat of winning multiple championships amidst a highly competitive and evolving environment sets a benchmark for future generations. Larson’s own rising career and recent successes reflect the ongoing evolution of NASCAR talent, while his respect for Johnson bridges the sport’s past and present.

As Larson continues to pursue his goals, his acknowledgment of Johnson’s achievements may inspire him and others to reach new heights, preserving the legacy of excellence Johnson has established. Meanwhile, Johnson’s role as a team owner ensures his influence will endure, shaping the next chapter of NASCAR competition.