Kyle Larson certainly has some delightful memories at the Rockingham Speedway. The Hendrick Motorsports ace racer won his first-ever National Series race in the Trucks event at the venue. The win was significant, as it was the first among the many that came afterward. This reason led fans to have special expectations when the racing schedule for the upcoming season was announced.
The Rockingham Speedway is set to host its first Xfinity race since 2004 and the first Truck Series race since 2014. While the races were to be held on Easter weekend, several appearances from the Cup Series were anticipated, including one from Kyle Larson, who has a special relationship with the historic venue. But Larson had other plans. He made a shocking revelation. Do his priorities lie somewhere else? This is the question that fans have been asking ever since his Easter weekend plans broke out.
Kyle Larson clarifies his Easter Priorities
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Kyle Larson has been all about racing so far. During this season, apart from the NASCAR Cup Series, Kyle Larson participated in several races across different formats. In the Xfinity Series, he won the Focussed Health 250 at Circuit of The Americas. He also secured a top-5 finish in the Bristol Dirt Race. Even outside NASCAR, he participated in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Racing, Knoxville Nationals, and 2024 Indianapolis 500 in the IndyCar racing. This shows Kyle Larson’s commitment to the sport and his resolve to make himself better.
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But his words towards the Xfinity and Truckman Series races at the Rockingham Speedway appeared totally out of character. When asked whether he would participate in any of the races, the 32-year-old said, “Easter? No. I love the race, but not that much.” The statement surprised everyone. People could not understand the call of a week off from a racer who carries unquestionable dedication towards racing. However, Larson didn’t forget that the venue, affectionately known as ‘The Rock’, holds a very special place in his heart.
Additionally, NASCAR’s policy of reclaiming and preserving historic venues seems to have impressed the No. 5. Praising the organization’s initiative and holding important races in venues with historic precedence, he further added, “It’s outstanding that we’re going back to venues and kind of restoring venues like Rockingham, North Wilkesboro, all that.” Apart from Rockingham, the historic Bowman Gray Stadium will host the prestigious Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum, also known as The Clash.
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Apart from the historic venues in the United States, another venue with a deep connection with racing will feature in the upcoming season. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico is set to host a NASCAR race on June 15 next year. This will be the first time since 1958 that the Cup Series will have its first points-paying race outside the United States. The race will mark a new era in NASCAR racing. Through the historic venue in Mexico, NASCAR attempts to reach international audiences.
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Kyle Larson eyeing Rockingham—Is this the revival NASCAR fans have been waiting for?
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While Kyle Larson may not be available at the Rockingham Speedway on Easter weekend, the organizers expect several other racers, including some reputed names from the Cup Series, to participate in the historic event.
NASCAR stars expected to race at Easter Weekend
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Amongst popular NASCAR Cup Series racers, Ryan Blaney is expected to participate in the Xfinity race at Rockingham Speedway. The North Carolinian will receive a lot of local support for the race. Promoting the revival of a historic racetrack, which is also in his home state, would only make sense for Team Penske’s No. 12. However, his commitments to the Cup Series can be an issue. Blaney’s last feature in the Xfinity series was in the year 2019.
Another homegrown Cup Series racer who can participate in the race is William Byron. The No. 24 for Hendrick Motorsports is more likely to participate in the race. He took part in the Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 at Pocono Raceway in July this year and has been a regular feature in the Xfinity Series. Other NASCAR talents from North Carolina who will most certainly feature in the race are Sam Mayer, Josh Berry, and Ty Majeski.
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Kyle Larson eyeing Rockingham—Is this the revival NASCAR fans have been waiting for?