On its 50th anniversary in 1998, NASCAR gifted its viewers with a list of 50 greatest drivers of all time. When NASCAR announced the decision to add 25 more drivers to commemorate its 75th-anniversary celebrations this year, it was hardly a surprise. The only question was who would join veterans like Dale Earnhardt and Bill Elliott from the newer generation of race car drivers?

Some additions were a no-brainer. For example, the driver of Hendrick Motorsports‘#5 Chevrolet as he is the winner of the 2021 Cup Championship.

His unparalleled control over his car, his sporting character, and his perseverance in overcoming challenges are widely recognized. However, when Kyle ‘Wheel Man’ Larson found out about this, he didn’t even believe it.

Kyle Larson didn’t think he deserved to be included in the 75 Greatest Drivers of All Time

The ‘Wheel Man’ has 21 cup race wins to show for himself with three recent wins this year at Richmond, Martinsville Speedway, and NASCAR’s All-Star Race. The win at NOCO 400 ensured his playoff qualification for the seventh time. His 2021 Championship awarded him the ESPN’s Best Driver Award at the ESPYS 2022. It is shocking that despite these remarkable achievements, Kyle Larson wasn’t sure if he was creditable enough to be a part of such a prestigious list.

“Being a part of Top 75 drivers is really cool. It was honestly when I was selected as one of the guys, I didn’t really think at the time that I was, you know, deserving of it because I didn’t feel like I have accomplished enough.”

However, he convinced himself otherwise after going down the list. He was aware that his achievements were at par with some other racers who have also been bequeathed with this honor. “But then when I looked at on paper, it’s like the man I have, you know, accomplished a decent amount compared to some of the guys that are on the list. So it’s cool to be a part of it.”

Larson further recounted his experience of meeting other racers from the list, like Jeff Gordan And Richard Petty. The organizers invited them to attend the 75th-anniversary celebration at Darlington Raceway. “You know they had the kinda celebration thing at Darlington earlier this year. Goodness! To be in a room with amazing race car drivers was pretty awesome, so that was great.”

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When asked about his Championship prospects, Larson was confident about his response.

Kyle Larson is Hopeful he will make it to the Championship’4 Race

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Kyle Larson won his 2021 Championship at the Phoenix Raceway. This year, back in March, he finished in the Top 5 at the United Rentals Work United 500. He has a special relationship with the track and he was vocal about it.

“Phoenix Raceway is a track that means a lot to me you know being a West Coast guy, I feel like I have a lot of fans out here. You put a lot of emphasis on the Phenix because it’s a championship race, so um we won it a couple of years ago. Was close to winning the race earlier this year.”

Finally, Larson discussed his team’s playoff prospects. He believes they need to focus on execution to reach the Phoenix Raceway once again.

“I know if we can make the final four we have a good shot. So just got to execute these next nine weeks good and hopefully, we’re in the final four.”

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Larson currently holds the 6th position in the Playoff Standings. He will be competing against the strongest contenders of this year, such as the #24 Chevrolet of his teammate William Byron. With this memorable addition to Larson’s glories, will he be able to repeat his 2021 performance and grab the championship?