Revving up a new tradition in NASCAR town! In the world of NASCAR, traditions are as unique as the tracks themselves. From quirky trophies like giant clocks and lobsters to the exuberant celebrations of drivers, there’s never a dull moment in victory lane.
Speaking of distinctive celebrations, one driver who’s been making waves is Ross Chastain, known for his watermelon-smashing antics. But this time, the spotlight shifts to none other than the beloved wife of Kyle Larson, who’s turned victory celebrations into an art form all on her own. She has made it a charming custom to mark her husband’s victories in a truly special and distinctive manner.
The wife of Kyle Larson, Katelyn Larson, adds a unique twist to victory celebrations
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Kyle Larson, the racing sensation known for clinching countless victories, boasts not just the checkered flags but also an extraordinary post-race tradition that captures the hearts of fans nationwide. While many eyes are usually on the race track when he wins, it’s his wife, Katelyn, who takes center stage after each victory, showcasing some impressive skills that could rival the antics of college frat boys.
Katelyn’s celebratory feat? She flawlessly shotguns a beer, typically a Busch Light, right in Victory Lane to commemorate her husband’s triumph. This captivating spectacle was initially captured by NBC in 2021 when Kyle Larson secured the NASCAR Cup Championship Series title, and it has since evolved into a cherished tradition for Katelyn Larson.
The origins of this distinctive tradition trace back to a friendly challenge between Katelyn and a couple of other NASCAR stars. As Katelyn revealed to USA Insider’s Stephanie Gomulka, it all began during a family vacation a couple of years ago when Clint Boyer dared Dale Earnhardt Jr to shotgun a beer. Katelyn, in the spirit of celebration, adopted this unique tradition in Victory Lane whenever her husband secured a victory. In 2022, Katelyn’s pregnancy with the couple’s third child temporarily put this tradition on hold, but its enduring appeal remains undiminished.
However, don’t let Katelyn’s apparent ease and enjoyment of her beer-chugging skills fool you. For those uninitiated, the art of swiftly downing a can of “liquid gold” in under eight seconds is a skill that requires practice and precision. Guzzling beer in such a dramatic fashion is no spontaneous feat but rather a talent honed over time, much like Tom Brady’s beer-sipping finesse—a revered skill in the world of sporting events. Fortunately, Katelyn has had plenty of practice thanks to Kyle Larson’s remarkable 23 Cup race wins.
In Kyle Larson’s own words, “The fans, I mean, they would cheer louder for her than me. Now, every race that I go to, every dirt race especially, I have multiple fans coming with me, like, ‘Where’s Katelyn? I’m gonna shotgun a beer with her later.” Such is the sweet victory story of Mr. and Mrs. Larson. And if you thought they were the only ones with unique celebrations, prepare to delve deeper into the world of distinctive victory rituals.
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Unconventional victory celebrations of the drivers who dared to be different
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In NASCAR, victory celebrations have taken on myriad forms over the years, each reflecting the unique spirit of the winning driver. While the timeless burnout celebration remains a crowd-pleaser, some of the pre-victory lane antics truly set some drivers apart from the rest. Some of them are:
Back in 1988, the late Alan Kulwicki sought to give something back to the fans when he clinched his first Sprint Cup race (then Winston Cup). In an unconventional twist, he took a leisurely drive around the track, against the usual race direction, just so he could personally wave to the fans. In honor of Alan’s Polish heritage, many drivers still perform this endearing gesture known as “The Polish Victory Lap.”
Carl Edwards, a man known for his exuberance, used to celebrate victories with the spectators in the stands after performing a gravity-defying backflip off the door of his race car.
Kyle Busch opts for a touch of theatrical flair. He stands poised, with one foot on the car’s window and the other on the hood, taking a dramatic bow to acknowledge his triumph.
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Meanwhile, his brother, Kurt Busch, has carved his own niche with a repertoire of offbeat celebrations. On one memorable occasion, he parked his car on the grassy front stretch, gracefully exited, and reclined in the grass, playfully mimicking a snow angel, minus the snow. In another whimsical instance, he turned the tables by embarking on a reverse drive around the track.
Tony Stewart, known for his fiery passion, used to channel his enthusiasm by climbing the fence with his pit crew to revel in victory. Regrettably, he revealed that he’s “gotten too big” for such acrobatics nowadays.
However, amidst these unconventional celebrations, one of the most poignant moments in NASCAR history belongs to Dale Earnhardt Jr. In 2001, a year marked by the loss of his father in the Daytona 500, Dale Jr. clinched victory in the July race at the same track. It was an emotional triumph that moved fans to tears. Dale parked his car on the grass in front of the grandstands, and his teammate, Michael Waltrip, pulled up alongside him, creating a touching tableau of camaraderie.
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Now, if you were to crown the most unique celebration, who do you think deserves the honor? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below, and let the debate begin!
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