Kyle Larson had one of the most successful seasons in dirt racing, in the World of Outlaws season. With 42 wins in 84 starts, Larson dominated in the dirt series, after his suspension from NASCAR. Now, he is back in NASCAR and that too with Hendrick Motorsports. However, Larson is set to continue his stint in dirt racing in 2021 as well, along with NASCAR commitments.
Larson expressed the desire to continue racing on dirt tracks. At the same time, he admitted his priorities lie in NASCAR and is ready to give his full focus at Hendrick Motorsports.
“I think everybody knows that dirt racing is important to me and continuing to do that is important to me,” Larson said during a media interaction.
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Hendrick Motorsports allowed Larson to continue racing on the dirt tracks. However, owner Rick Hendrick and Larson himself made it clear that his first preference will be towards NASCAR duties, in the event of a clash of timing between the two.
How will Kyle Larson manage NASCAR and dirt racing?
“I’ll still be able to race dirt stuff next season. But if there’s meetings or anything going on revolved around my NASCAR commitments, then that’s what comes first. I’m thankful that they’re letting me still run dirt stuff next year,” Larson continued.
The 28-year-old does not mind the extra work and exhaustion that could come with racing at both places. Instead, he believes the extra racing time will help him stay sharp for the Cup Series races. Like this year, even the 2021 season has a majority of one-day shows, without practice and qualifying.
This allows Larson to spend that extra time on the dirt tracks. “I’ll have plenty of opportunities to get my fun in and stay sharp, and continue to become a better race car driver,” the new driver of the No. 5 car added.
What the team feels about Larson’s schedule
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Hendrick echoed Larson’s thoughts and said he feels the dirt races help Larson stay sharp because he loves racing there. That, in turn, helps Hendrick’s cause as well. At the same time, NASCAR duties come first.
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Kyle Larson on his return to NASCAR – as driver of the Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 – next season. pic.twitter.com/GVwtUGF9Qb
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) October 28, 2020
“I don’t want to see him get hurt, but this is his love. I think it actually makes him sharper… We get in a championship run and being 100 percent committed to his job here. As long as he can do that and race in the dirt too, it’s okay,” Hendrick expressed.
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Larson’s addition at Hendrick makes him the oldest driver at Hendrick next year, despite being just 28. All said and done, he is one of the top race car drivers around and the focus will soon shift to what he can do on the race track in his comeback year.
Read more – “Know What’s Expected of Me” – Kyle Larson on his Deal with Hendrick Motorsports for 2021 NASCAR Season