“That’d Be Very Difficult” – Kyle Larson Talks About the Improbability of Reaching the Greatness of Dale Earnhardt Sr and Jimmie Johnson

In a world of high-speed thrills and unexpected triumphs, many NASCAR drivers have etched their names in eternal glory. Among the legends, Dale Earnhardt Sr stands tall with seven championships, a feat managed only by Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson. But can anyone follow in their tire tracks? In a candid conversation with Bob Pockrass, the 2021 NASCAR champion, Kyle Larson, opened up about his pursuit of greatness and the odds stacked against him.

Reaching the pinnacle of seven or more championships is no mean feat. The intense competition, evolving technology, and the ever-unpredictable race outcomes create a steep climb for even the most talented drivers. But Kyle Larson, the current championship favorite, isn’t one to shy away from a challenge.

Kyle Larson talks about surpassing Dale Earnhardt Sr and Jimmie Johnson

Larson’s journey from California’s dirt tracks to the hallowed grounds of NASCAR’s top tier is the stuff of legends. But even with his natural talent and relentless drive, he understands the difficulty of chasing after the ghosts of racing’s past. He’s aware that the modern-day NASCAR format, which hinges on a single race in Phoenix, can turn the tide against any driver, no matter how deserving.

During a recent interview, Bob Pockrass asked Larson, “Winning a second championship, what would that do for your legacy? And for like the way you would even look at your career.”

“I don’t know, I never really thought I’d win one,” said Larson. “So, I haven’t really thought about winning two. I really don’t know, I don’t have an opinion on it. I am happy to have one, for sure I want more. But I don’t know how winning two changes anything at this point. Later on down the road for sure it does. But I don’t really have an opinion,” he went on to add modestly.

“So you are not one of those guys that are like I need a certain number of championships or a certain number of wins?” Bob asked promptly.

“If you win a second one, that is one step closer to 7 or 8. So I think that’s everybody’s goal to surpass them [Dale Earnhardt Sr and Jimmie Johnson]. But [in] this day and age, that would be very difficult. Yeah, I would love to get one step closer,” Larson concluded.

While some drivers may set lofty goals, envisioning themselves alongside the greats of the sport, Larson maintains a pragmatic outlook. And yet it is clear he would not stop fighting for more titles. However, he acknowledges that racing’s landscape has changed and the road to seven or eight championships could be one step too far for any driver.

Watch This Story – Kyle Larson: A Racing Prodigy’s Dream Journey

It’s no secret that Larson is a generational talent. But what makes him so good out on the track? Well, Jeff Gordon has just the insights for us.

Jeff Gordon explains what makes Kyle Larson different from everyone in NASCAR

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Jeff Gordon, a four-time Cup champion and a NASCAR icon in his own right, weighed in on what makes Larson an exceptional talent and a valuable asset to Hendrick Motorsports.

Gordon believes it’s all about bringing a mix of skills to the table that a team can trust. He said, “Anybody that’s bringing a high level of talent and aggressiveness and speed to match up with people that are building the cars, it’s about having confidence in one another.” Gordon remembered when he introduced the idea of signing Larson to crew chief, Cliff Daniels. “He lit up. He was excited about that,” said Gordon.

According to Gordon, only a few drivers can instill this excitement. He remarked, “So there’s certain drivers that bring that, not a lot of them. But the ones that do, instantly elevate up the team. But you gotta follow that up with a work-hard attitude and he’s doing both of those things so it’s a good combination.”

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As we look ahead to the future, we can’t help but wonder: will Larson one day join the elite club of seven-time champions? For now, he has a long way to go. More importantly, his only focus right now would be to double his Cup series tally at Phoenix this Sunday.