“Better Than [Dale Earnhardt] Jr”- Unbiased Fans Brutally Snubs ‘Junebug’ as Kyle Larson Rewrites History at Sonoma

Kyle Larson faced a lot of heat for his waiver from NASCAR. Everyone was divided on NASCAR’s decision, whether it be veterans of the sport, NASCAR fans, media, or even the drivers. Yet, in Sonoma, Larson silenced the naysayers with a display of raw talent and sheer determination.

Thrill, edge-of-the-seat action, and a grand climax are what fans love, and he served it to them. And not just this race, he has been consistently doing it. And whilst Chase Elliott is NASCAR’s most popular driver, by the cheers by fans, it doesn’t seem like he is very far off. Moreover, with his triumph at Sonoma, Larson etched his name alongside that of Dale Earnhardt Jr, a veteran in his own right. This is a testament to his impressive talent and expertise on the track.

Although one side of the fans is rooting and celebrating such a huge win, the others are speculating and spreading the news of how Larson might just have eclipsed the great Dale Earnhardt Jr. 

A remarkable milestone for Kyle Larson

Sonoma is no walk-in-the-park track. It’s a track that even Denny Hamlin is known to be wary of. But not Kyle Larson, because what he displayed in Sonoma was nothing less than perfection. Between the eight cautions, he kept his head-strong attitude and a steady mind and strategized the course of action in a way that guaranteed a meaningful result.

He delayed his first pit stop and pitted only in stage two, and then on lap 80–that gave him the edge. His victory in Sonoma brought his total wins to 26, equalling the legendary Dale Earnhardt Jr. Fans have started comparing the two, but it’s not really that simple. They both had different starts in their career. Notably, Dale Earnhardt Jr had a NASCAR legend as a father, so, in a way, he is NASCAR royalty!  

Kyle Larson started at go-karts and, right now, he stands on the same pedestal as Dale Jr. He worked hard, whether it was his time in the Xfinity Series, or with Chip Ganassi Racing. And ever since he joined Hendricks, he has been unstoppable. 

But Earnhardt Jr collected those wins over nearly two decades. And right now Larson is far from retirement. He did, however, mention that he would love to retire before 40 and start dirt racing again. And if you consider that too, he has almost 8 years left. Given his pace, he would rack up many more wins, undoubtedly. 

Who knows? He might just surpass Kevin Harvick‘s total of 60 wins too. Meanwhile, fans are divided and have flooded the socials discussing how Larson has already eclipsed Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Fans prefer the current HMS driver over their previous racing hero!

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NASCAR fans are known to be outspoken and fans didn’t hesitate at all to express themselves on Reddit after the HMS driver broke Dale Jr, aka, Junebug’s record. One fan said, “Larson was REALLY held back by Ganassi.” Kyle Larson’s life, in fact, might have taken a different turn if he hadn’t gotten out from Ganassi. And well, it worked out in his favor. His time in Chip Ganassi is often seen as his ‘time-wasted’ period.

With so much on the line, NASCAR drivers can’t afford to waste a single moment. Someone said, “If he only gets 50 it’s because he wasted so much of his prime in Ganassi cars and retires early. Cause he can easily still get 70 if he goes till 45.”

Everyone’s journey to NASCAR is different. And some drivers like Dale Earnhardt or Ty Gibbs, are always on the receiving end of bashing. Continuing this trend, a fan said, “Larson at his worst was better than (Dale Earnhardt) Jr at his best.” 

Kyle Larson truly does have years of racing ahead of him, and hence, he can touch 50 comfortably, and might even stretch it to 60! One fan said, “It’s not a popular opinion, but the right one. This comes from someone who likes both. Junior was mediocre for a good stretch in Hendrick equipment. I wouldn’t be shocked if Larson gets to 50 wins. He’s good enough to do it.” 

Larson may be a trailblazer on tracks, but once off,  he switches on a completely different personality. And while some people just love his collected and calm side, some just don’t get it. One fan said, “Wish his personality had a little more spice sometimes, but all it seems he wants to do is race.”  Spice–that he sure adds to his resume. And all he does is race that’s why he is where he is today.

Do you think Kyle Larson will touch a 50 or a 60-race win record? Let us know.