2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson has confirmed a shift in his racing schedule, revealing he will compete in the Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend. Known for pushing boundaries, Larson will take on this new challenge alongside his usual role driving the No. 5 Chevrolet in the Cup Series, now adding the No. 17 Chevrolet in the Xfinity Series to his lineup.
This move, announced by Hendrick Motorsports, highlights Larson’s continued expansion in NASCAR, as he aims to balance competing in multiple top-flight events over the weekend while demonstrating his versatility on the track.
Larson’s Experience and Performance in Xfinity Series
Larson has participated in the Xfinity Series three times this season, where he has claimed two victories and achieved three top-five finishes—two of those wins driving the No. 17 car he will pilot at Indianapolis. Overall, Larson’s career in the Xfinity Series encompasses 120 starts, 17 victories, and 86 finishes inside the top ten, underscoring his strong record in this competitive series.
Kyle Larson Expresses Enthusiasm for Racing with Emerging Talent
Ahead of the weekend’s events, Larson shared his thoughts on returning to the Xfinity Series in a statement from Hendrick Motorsports. Reflecting on the appeal of the series, he said,
“[The Xfinity Series] still produces exciting racing, and I love to get in there and race with those younger guys,”
underscoring his appreciation for the competitive environment and emerging drivers. He added that he hopes to inspire up-and-coming racers by showing them what is required to succeed at the Cup Series level.
He continued, expressing gratitude for the opportunity,
“I look forward to getting back out there again this weekend, thanks to Rick Hendrick and HendrickCars.com – New & Used Car Dealers in Charlotte, Charleston & Across the U.S. for adding this race to the schedule and asking me to be a part of it.”
Larson’s support from Hendrick Motorsports remains strong as he expands his racing commitments.
Significance of the Indianapolis Venue for Larson
Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds a special place in Larson’s racing career, having won the Brickyard 400 there last year. He expressed a strong desire for success in the upcoming Xfinity race, stating,
“Indianapolis Motor Speedway is full of prestige and it was cool to win the Brickyard 400 there last year and I would love to have a good run with the Xfinity Series team this weekend and hopefully cap it off with a win on Sunday.”
The race weekend thus represents both a new challenge and a chance to add to his achievements at one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks.
Looking Ahead: Impact of Larson’s Dual Racing Roles
Kyle Larson’s decision to compete simultaneously in both the Cup and Xfinity Series at Indianapolis reflects his ambition and adaptability as a driver. This dual role allows him to demonstrate his skill across different racing tiers, while also engaging with a broader range of NASCAR fans. The experience gained from racing with younger drivers in the Xfinity Series will likely contribute to his development and competitive edge in the Cup Series.
As Larson aims to capitalize on this opportunity, his performance at Indianapolis could influence future decisions around his racing schedule and participation across multiple series, highlighting his resilience and passion for the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?
A. Larson may not defeat Verstappen in F1, but he is more adaptable than anyone else. According to Bianchi, Larson excels due to his well-rounded experience. He wins in many different kinds of cars.
Q. What caused Kyle Larson to crash?
A. A day after the incident, Bob Pockrass from FOX Sports shared Kyle Larson’s statement on social media platform X. Larson explained that the crash happened because the axle broke.
Q. Who did Kyle Larson marry?
A. CONCORD, N.C. – Kyle Larson and his wife, Katelyn, celebrated the arrival of their third baby, Cooper Donald Larson, on December 31st. On Monday, the driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 shared the happy news online. Cooper is now the youngest of their children, joining Owen, who is 8 years old, and Audrey, who is 4.
Q. What disease does Kyle Larson’s daughter have?
A. Their daughter, Audrey Layne Larson, was born on May 7, 2018. At 18 months, she was diagnosed with alopecia, an autoimmune disease that leads to hair loss. The Larson family now actively supports alopecia awareness and helps others dealing with the same condition.