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via Imago

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You’ll find the usual suspects on top if you check the list of all-time NASCAR Cup Series winners. Richard “The King” Petty leads with 200 wins, an untouchable record. David Pearson, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson all have their spots in history. But one name is climbing the ranks at an impressive pace—Kyle Larson.

At just 32 years old, Larson has already notched 30 Cup Series victories. His driving talent is undeniable, his ability to dominate different racing disciplines almost unheard of. Yet, for every great driver, challenges inevitably arise. Can Larson continue his trajectory toward NASCAR immortality? Some believe it’s inevitable, while others see obstacles ahead. The debate is heating up, and insiders are weighing in.

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The debate over Kyle Larson’s road to doubling his current wins

Kyle Larson’s talent is undeniable. But will he double his current 30-win total before retirement? Brad Gillie believes it’s possible, saying, “He’s only 32 years old. He’s got plenty of time.” Larson has averaged nearly 4 wins per season till the end of the 2024 season since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2021. If he maintains that pace, 60 wins are well within reach. Talk about dominance!

However, Doug Rice isn’t convinced. He waved the black flag, cautioning, “There’s a bad year in there somewhere.” Even dominant drivers face slumps. Larson’s 2023 season saw just 4 wins, down from 10 in 2021. Rule changes, bad luck, injuries, or inconsistency could derail his trajectory. Every legendary driver has faced obstacles, and Larson is no exception.

Kelly Crandall sided with optimism, emphasizing Larson’s age and projected win rate: “Ten more years, 3 wins a season… I think it’s  doable.” Kyle Larson has finished top five in points in three of the last four seasons. He could easily hit the 60-win mark before retirement if he keeps performing at an elite level.

 

What’s your perspective on:

Is Kyle Larson the next NASCAR legend, or will obstacles halt his winning streak?

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NASCAR drivers are known for longevity, often competing well into their 40s. Kevin Harvick retired in 2023 at age 47 after a 23-year Cup career. In his final year, he managed 3 consecutive top 10s and almost won at Phoenix. Denny Hamlin, still racing in 2025, turned 44 last year. However, he hasn’t managed to win a Cup Series Championship yet! With modern training and technology, a decade more for Larson isn’t far-fetched.

But Kyle Petty had a different take. He argued, “50 is going to be the new 200 or the new 100.” NASCAR’s modern era is more challenging, with more parity and fewer dominant seasons. Since 2010, only two drivers, Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch, have surpassed 60 wins. The path isn’t as easy as it once was.

While the debate rages on, one thing is foolproof. Larson’s career is far from over. Whether he reaches NASCAR immortality or falls short, his journey is one to watch. But before he reaches the finish line, what obstacles could slow his pursuit of greatness?

Kyle Larson’s early 2025 season – A mix of triumph and near-misses

Kyle Larson’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign has showcased his resilience and skill. In the initial races, he consistently secured top-10 finishes, demonstrating strong form. This consistency set the stage for a significant achievement at Homestead-Miami Speedway.​

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At Homestead, Larson clinched his first victory of the season, marking his 30th career Cup Series win. Starting from 14th position, he led 19 of the 267 laps. In the final stages, he overtook teammate Alex Bowman with six laps remaining, showcasing strategic driving. ​Reflecting on the Homestead win, Larson expressed its significance. He described it as one of the coolest in his Cup career, especially given past challenges at the track.

This victory was part of an ambitious triple-header attempt. Larson won the Truck Series race on Friday and narrowly missed the Xfinity Series win on Saturday. Despite the near-miss, his weekend highlighted his versatility across NASCAR’s top series. He will get a shot at it next at Bristol.

Looking ahead, Larson aims to maintain his momentum at upcoming races. Martinsville Speedway is next on the schedule. Known for its challenging short track, it will test Larson’s adaptability. Following that, the series moves to Darlington Raceway, renowned for its “Throwback Weekend,” where Larson will look to add another victory to his 2025 campaign.

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As the season progressed, Larson’s early performances set a strong foundation. Can he maintain this momentum and secure additional victories in the 2025 season, and be on track to double his wins by the end of his career?

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Is Kyle Larson the next NASCAR legend, or will obstacles halt his winning streak?

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