“I Think He’s Better Than Me”: Kyle Larson Earns Praises From the Most Successful Double-Duty NASCAR Driver

Tony Stewart, celebrated as the most successful double-duty NASCAR driver, has consistently championed Kyle Larson since his early Cup days. He supported Larson through a rough patch in 2020 when Larson was suspended for using a racial slur, advocating for his return to racing, and then even attempting to sign him in 2021. Stewart has always been a staunch supporter of the HMS star.

Recently, Tony Stewart shared some insightful comments once again, this time applauding Larson’s commitment as he tackles the challenge of double-duty racing with the utmost dedication.

Does Tony Stewart see a younger version of himself in Kyle Larson?

“Smoke,” aka Tony Stewart, is famous for his ability to master nearly anything and everything on wheels and his straightforward praise of genuine talent. And his admiration for another driver like him is no big deal. But time and again, rooting for the same driver is something rarely seen among veterans.

For instance, over time, his admiration for Kyle Larson, the current Hendrick Motorsports star, has clearly shown how highly he regards him. Back in 2021, despite Larson choosing HMS over Stewart-Haas Racing, Stewart was visibly impressed after Larson clinched the championship with a staggering nine victories (including the All-Star race) and 20 top-5 finishes in 36 races.

He even declared then, “Congratulations to the best race car driver I’ve ever seen.” And now, as Larson takes on the challenge of pulling off a successful double duty, Tony Stewart has reiterated his praise, suggesting that Larson might just be as good as anyone in racing history.

He shared, “I think he’s [Kyle Larson] got a little of that old school feel. It’s where drivers jumped around and ran this and ran that. And anytime he changes and drives something new, he figures it out pretty quick and his natural talent just shines through it. […] He can do things that, that you can’t take every IndyCar driver, you can’t take every NASCAR driver and have the results that you get with Kyle. He just, he’s one of those exceptional talents that probably once every generation, you have a guy like him that, that comes in and, and can do that, but he’s just, he’s just something special.”

When asked if he sees a bit of his younger self in Kyle Larson, the #5 driver, Stewart admitted, “Yeah! I mean, I think he’s, you know, I think he’s better than me in a lot of aspects. He reminds me of AJ Foyt and Mario Andretti a lot. I mean, he just, he just can do it all and, and makes it look easy, but it’s fun to watch when he drives something. It is fun to watch him drive a race car.“

Stewart also pointed out that Kyle’s presence is a big draw for events like the Indy 500, noting that his talent and charisma have a way of pulling in the crowds. And well, well, well!! That’s true enough, for Larson has been turning heads with his performances in practice at Indianapolis.

The #5 driver figures out the car and sports out quick during the Indy 500 practice 

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Indy 500 practice day started with a bang as defending Indy 500 champ Josef Newgarden clocked a blazing 233.868 mph. Hot on his heels was Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin, who nudged ahead with a speed of 233.932 mph.

But then, the NASCAR standout of 2021, Kyle Larson, made his mark by clocking the fastest lap up until 4 p.m. ET, hitting 234.271 mph in the #17 Hendrickcars.com Chevy for Arrow McLaren/Hendrick Motorsports. However, his record held only for a bit until Colton Herta edged him out with a lap of 234.974 mph in the #26 Honda, during the final hour of practice. Despite this, Larson, ever the competitor, was left wanting even more from his first “Fast Friday” run, edging out the seasoned Indy 500 drivers so close.

Meanwhile, Kevin Harvick took Larson’s car for a spin and impressively ran 90 laps. While he placed P25 on the speed chart, his performance didn’t go unnoticed. Crew chief Cliff Daniels was quick to commend Harvick’s stint, especially noting his adept handling of the option tires, which are designed to wear down with extended use. Clearly, even after stepping back, Harvick hasn’t quite lost his racing touch.