Kyle Larson often juggled multiple responsibilities on and off track. The Hendrick Motorsports driver would compete in the next playoff race in Bristol this weekend. Despite that, he took precious time off to champion an important cause in Arizona.

The visit was particularly close to his heart as a parent concerned about his children’s well-being. For all the joys of fatherhood, the persistent worry about their health and safety was inevitable. He recently opened up about the bittersweet reason that brought him to Phoenix Children’s Hospital right before the race.

Champion Racer extracts life lessons from children’s hospitals during playoff season

The 2021 Cup Series champion turned his attention toward childhood cancer awareness month. In order to spread that vital message, Kyle Larson traveled to the Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. He, along with Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett, stepped up to raise funds for children agonized with the disease.

Father of Audrey Layne, Owen Miyata (8), and the newest addition, Cooper Donald, Larson, was aware of the pain families underwent when they saw their offspring suffer on account of cancer. That constant fear was an inescapable burden for each parent. But the children themselves retained their innocence and joy even amidst illness. Larson realized there was a lot he could learn and incorporate from these little ones.

Speaking at the fundraiser, Larson said, “You know, seeing sick children is just there’s nothing worse than that either. So you feel terrible for them. But what I will say is, anytime I’ve ever been around somebody who’s got terminal illness or anything, kids, they’re always so happy, like they’re just so happy to be here. That just really helps your mood and gives you perspective on like you know what I’m not having that cr*ppy of a day today. So there’s a lot to take away from events like this and you can learn a lot off of the children.”

Watch this story: Chase Elliott Makes a 4-Word Revelation on His Clash With Kyle Larson

However, Larson no longer saw it as a mere organizational duty, for the birth of his children entirely changed his viewpoint.

Kyle Larson’s parenthood experience increased involvement with children’s causes

Trending

Martin Truex Jr. Urges Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Come Back for a Final Battle Despite His Off-Track Commitments

Dale Earnhardt Jr Skeptical About His New Found Partnership With Amazon as He Reminisces His Days With NBC

NASCAR Fans Back Kyle Busch’s Son’s Desperate Plea Amidst Denny Hamlin’s ‘Bad Luck’ Reluctance

NASCAR Ready to Break Up With $32+ Billion Worth Premier Partner After 15 Years of Service

“I’m Gonna Claw Someone’s Face Off”- Dale Jr.’s Wife Amy Reveals His Failure to ‘Read the Room’ Triggering Massive Rage Fit

The children’s fundraiser materialized through a collaborative effort of NASCAR and Phoenix Raceway. A resident of Arizona, Kyle Larson also felt a personal responsibility toward the noble cause. Larson became a parent for the third time at the end of last year.

His 8-year-old son Owen and daughter Audrey welcomed their baby brother Cooper on December 31, 2022. The racer admitted to viewing the world differently after his children became a part of his life. That altered outlook on life solidified his desire to show up for these distressed families.

Larson expressed, “I think since having kids it gives you a different perspective on life in general. It gives you perspective on what children and families go through that we aren’t currently…So with me being you know a new resident out here, I think you know I was fitting for it. But then again too, I mean me being a father now, you know, like it makes me want to be a part of these events too.”

Read More: Here’s the Reason Why Kyle Larson Chose ‘Donald’ as His Newborn Son’s Middle Name

Fans of the #5 driver would be heartened to discover Larson’s benevolent persona outside his racing commitments. After all, he just provided them another reason to cheer their lungs out for him at the Bristol Motor Speedway.