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KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – OCTOBER 18: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Credit One Bank Chevrolet, climbs into his car during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)

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KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – OCTOBER 18: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Credit One Bank Chevrolet, climbs into his car during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
Kyle Larson has undergone quite a lot in the past year or so. From facing a suspension from NASCAR to once again making a return in the 2021 Cup Series season, he has had a roller-coaster ride.
The 28-year-old received a lot of flak and criticism back then. But over time, he has slowly built his reputation once again, going to short and dirt tracks and winning races in style. That culminated with him getting an opportunity to drive for premier team Hendrick Motorsports in the 2021 Cup Series season.
So as the season officially begins this Sunday, Larson will set out to drive races with certain objectives affixed in his mind. Now ahead of the campaign opener, he has named one driver who he positively looks forward to going up against.
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We’re each in really good equipment, said Kyle Larson
Larson stated, “Everything is fine with Bubba and I, and I’m excited to get on track with him.”
In the wake of the incident that eventually led to Larson’s suspension, Wallace had reportedly spoken to the Hendrick Motorsports driver. He had said at the time that Larson had sincerely apologized, and so by the looks of it, it’s all water under the bridge for the pair.

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LONG POND, PA – JUNE 04: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Cessna/NTT Data Group Chevrolet, leads a pack of cars during the NASCAR XFINITY Series Pocono Green 250 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/NASCAR via Getty Images)
“We’re each in really good equipment and I’m sure we’ll be battling each other a lot. I think the two of us look forward to leading NASCAR in this transformation,” concluded Larson.
Larson will now get behind the wheel of Hendrick Motorsports’ No.5 car in the 2021 Cup Series season. Meanwhile, Wallace pilots NBA legend Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing’s solo car entry, the No.23 Toyota Camry.
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Larson will start 13th in the Daytona 500 with Wallace ahead in 6th
Following stints in their new cars during the practice and qualifying sessions, Larson and Wallace found places in Duels 1 and 2, respectively. The latter had even clocked the fastest speed in the first practice session building up to the ‘Great American Race’.

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SONOMA, CA – JUNE 21: Bubba Wallace (43), driver of the World Wide Technology Chevrolet during Fridays Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice for the Toyota/Save Mart 350, at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, CA (Photo by Samuel Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Larson performed decently in his Duel and finished sixth in the race. Wallace, meanwhile, could have easily won his race ahead of Austin Dillon, but secured second, meaning he will now start in 6th.
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Therefore, both drivers would be looking to get off to the perfect starts for their new teams. But safe to say, any racing battles between Larson and Wallace would certainly be quite thrilling to witness.
MORE – WATCH: Austin Dillon Sneaks Past Bubba Wallace in Thrilling Finish in NASCAR Daytona Duel
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