In the world of motorsports, greatness recognizes greatness. And when a four-time Indy 500 winner like Helio Castroneves speaks well of a driver, it carries serious weight. Castroneves, deployed in racing under the Open Exemption Rule put forth by NASCAR looks forward to his competitors and does not step back from praising them for their skills.

Recently, Castroneves discussed Kyle Larson’s debut at the Indianapolis 500, pointing out a skill that separates him from most drivers—anticipation. He also took a moment to recognize his favorite NASCAR driver, further emphasizing Larson’s generational talent. With his versatility and instinct, Larson is proving he belongs among NASCAR’s elite drivers.

Castroneves calls Larson a ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime Driver’

Having raced wheel-to-wheel with Larson during the Indy 500, Helio Castroneves saw firsthand what makes him different. “I had a lot of opportunity to race against him, and I realized. Even for someone that never drove an open-wheel car, all of a sudden, the way he was anticipating. That, for me, stood out a lot.” According to Castroneves, racing instincts are a level beyond just handling a car. Where any good driver can react in the moment, the great ones—like Larson—are the ones that can get ahead of it before it happens. This ability to read a race and position himself strategically is what has made Larson a dominant force in NASCAR and a serious contender in any car he drives.

“We are in the middle of, and I think Tony Stewart put it the best, a once-in-a-lifetime generational driver in Kyle Larson.” Kevin Harvick, the NASCAR veteran and 2014 Cup Series champion, wasn’t being shy when he spoke about Larson. He compared the Hendrick Motorsports driver to Scott Dixon, one of IndyCar’s greatest before coming out with the bold statement.

Harvick’s words are not hollow flattery. Larson‘s versatility in the different disciplines of racing—NASCAR, dirt racing, and now IndyCar—has placed him in a league of his own. His trial of the Indy 500 in 2024 had been highly anticipated, and while it didn’t work out quite as he wanted, his drive caught lots of people’s attention, particularly Castroneves’. While the focus of the conversation was on Larson, Castroneves took a moment to acknowledge his own admiration for Harvick.

“You were one of my faves as well.” revealed Castroneves. It was shocking to hear that Harvick would not be full-time in 2023 for a driver, like Castroneves who has been racing well beyond the normal retirement age. Still, he assured the crowd that he thought of Harvick as one of his favorite NASCAR drivers.“I have to be honest, Kevin; you are the one that I always looked after because I know you pushed as far as you could in your career. I don’t know why you stopped, by the way. I thought you were going to keep it going!”

Although Larson could not seal his first Indy 500 in a win, respect from icons such as Castroneves and Harvick shows there is no ceiling for his talent in open-wheel racing. Given that Larson had the best race craft, perfect anticipation, and flexibility, it comes as no surprise that Tony Stewart and Harvick have already described the kid as “once-in-a-lifetime“.

Now, the big question remains: Will Larson take another shot at the Indy 500 and add his name to the list of all-time greats? If his first attempt was any indication, the racing world should be ready for something special.

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Kyle Larson Wants Carl Edwards for All-Star Race, But Former NASCAR Star Isn’t Sure

With Larson to try “The Double” again in 2025 and running the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, Hendrick Motorsports is looking for a replacement driver for All-Star Race practice at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Kevin Harvick did this duty last season. This time, Larson has another choice in mind.

Former NASCAR star Carl Edwards is one of the biggest stars in the sport, known for his aggressive driving and signature backflip celebrations. However, after retiring shockingly in 2016, fans continually speculate whether he will come out of retirement. Now, 2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson has finally asked him to fill in for him at the 2025 All-Star Race. But, Edwards isn’t so sure.

“I would love to have Carl Edwards do it. That’s my pick this year,” Larson told FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass. “I think that would make a huge splash in the sport. Carl, if you see this, please jump in the No. 5 car. We want you!”

Edwards, however, quickly shut down the idea—at least for now. “It’s an honor. I mean, he’s [Larson] one of the fastest guys ever to try one of these cars. But I don’t know if he’s messing with me. I’d likely crash a car if I were to get in one right now,” Edwards admitted.

With Edwards reluctant, Hendrick Motorsports might once again have to rely on Kevin Harvick, who has recent experience in the Next Gen car. While Edwards’ return would be huge news, Larson’s second attempt at The Double is the real test ahead. After the weather derailed his 2024 shot, which had him missing the Coke 600 start, NASCAR’s new rules make 2025 even tougher. If rain or delays affect the Indy 500, Larson will have to make a tough choice: finish the race or leave early to keep his NASCAR title hopes alive.

The end of 2025 will be the expiry of his McLaren contract. It is probably his last chance for a shot at The Double. Can he do it this time?