Long Time Friend of Kyle Larson Talks About Their Growing Up Years

When Kyle Larson returned to his hometown, he received a hero’s welcome. Many locals knew that the Asian-American driver was truly special and talented. Long before his maiden Cup Series title, he had the honor of receiving the key to the city. Safe to say, he couldn’t walk down a street in Elk Grove without getting recognized.

However, there was one significant story about the blooming of a late friendship. When Nikki Castañeda first moved into the neighborhood, she did not know much about Larson. In 2013, following a bad accident during an Xfinity race at the Daytona International Speedway, she got a crash course.

Of course, the first encounters were a little awkward. However, once they moved past all that, they became fast friends. Before long, his influence rubbed off on her and her family. Their friendship was so strong that they sometimes received invites to NASCAR and/or dirt races.

What did she say about Kyle Larson?

Castañeda said, “So, I’ve seen Elk Grove transform tremendously, and I still like to say we’re a small town because a lot of people who have grown up here haven’t left here very much. They pretty much stay around. But I feel like we do take pride in that this is our hometown, and we honor and respect and hold up people who come from here and have made differences.”

Although Kyle Larson has made an impact all over the United States. he is still making a huge difference back home. According to Castañeda, the Hendrick Motorsports driver and his family have always contributed to charity. To be specific, he has been donating to an organization called DonorsChoose, which funds projects outside of teachers’ budgets.

All in all, Larson is doing his utmost to give back to the community that continues to revere him. Without a doubt, he is truly a deserving champion and well-beloved among his fans and community.

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