Published 03/16/2023, 9:03 AM EDT
LAS VEGAS – JANUARY 29: Tony Stewart, driver of the #20 Home Depot Chevrolet, in the garage during NASCAR testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway January 29, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Kyle Larson has been a hot topic in the NASCAR community since his incredible comeback to the sport last year. The Hendrick Motorsports driver is known for his exceptional driving skills and his passion for racing on dirt tracks.
Larson recently revealed that he aligns better with Tony Stewart, his fellow dirt racer, than with Jeff Gordon, his childhood idol. “Growing up, I was a huge Jeff Gordon fan, huge Tony Stewart fan. I would say I’m more similar to Tony” said Larson during a conversation with Corey Lajoey.
Tony Stewart returns the admiration back to Kyle Larson
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It so happens the respect is mutual. In a recent appearance on “Bubba the Love Sponge Show,” Tony Stewart reflected on his own racing career and talked about Larson’s potential. When asked about the possibility of Larson being his protégé, Stewart had nothing but praise for the young driver. Stewart referred to Larson as one of those kids who can drive anything without having to think about it.
He stated, “The thing about Kyle Larson is he’s one of those kids that you literally you take him out of the box, you put him in a car and you just tap him on the head and you go… go have fun and he just can drive anything and he doesn’t have to think about it.”
Tony added, “He’ll just get in and do it. He doesn’t have to think about it”
Coming from a legend like Tony Stewart, the statement is indeed high praise for Larson, whose approach to racing has always been impressive.
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Larson too has opened up about Stewart being his idol
Larson has openly admitted to having been inspired by Stewart’s busy racing schedule and his love for dirt racing. In the earlier interview with Corey LaJoie, Larson revealed that he tries to emulate Stewart’s approach to racing.
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Larson stated, “When I build out a schedule, I’m like, ‘What would Tony do in his prime?’ Like, he would have wanted to race full season in Cup and go race all the dirt stuff that he does. And not only dirt but other types of cars. So yeah, I feel like I try to be like, what he was in his prime.”
USA Today via Reuters Feb 15, 2023; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) during qualifying at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Larson suggests that when building out a schedule, it is important to consider what Stewart would have done during his prime. According to him, Stewart would have likely preferred to participate in the entire Cup season as well as various races such as dirt tracks and other types of vehicles. Hence, he tries to emulate Tony’s approach during his peak years.
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Larson’s approach to racing is an exciting prospect for NASCAR. As Larson continues to make his mark in the sport, his dedication to dirt racing and his ability to excel in different types of cars will undoubtedly make him a fan favorite. And with Tony Stewart’s approval, Larson is certainly a legend in the making.