“This year I am like 12%” – Defending NASCAR Champ Kyle Larson Makes a Painful Admission

It’s during the reunion discussions, that one realizes how much has changed. Like Kyle Larson and NASCAR’s evolution over the years. And when some of the best NASCAR drivers come together to share their experiences over the years, comparing the past with the present becomes inevitable.

In a recent episode of NASCAR Next Now: Class Reunion, the 2021 Cup Series champion discussed the changes that impacted his performance this year. The episode featured Kyle Larson, along with Bubba Wallace, Ryan Blaney, Daniel Suarez, Corey LaJoie, and Brandon McReynolds.

During the conversation, Fox Sports, Kayla Vinci asked Larson what his year after winning last year’s championship looked like. Further, she asked if it was what he had expected it to be. To this, Larson replied; “I mean, I didn’t expect to do what we did last year. Last year was unreal on many levels.”

Moreover, he shared the reason why he didn’t expect much from this year. He said; “And this year, being like a new race car and so many unknowns, I knew it wouldn’t (be the same). I mean, I obviously hope that it would be as good as last year but I knew that it would be tough to replicate a year like that.” 

With so many fellow drivers and off-track friends at the reunion, there was no chance Larson was getting away without a few jokes. Immediately after the Hendrick Motorsports driver’s answer, Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney expressed his own theory on why Larson was sad.

He explained; “When you go to winning like 60% of your races to like, you, know (shrugs) 25%, that’s gotta be tough. (Laughs)” All other drivers could not help but laugh at Blaney’s explanation. And adding on to Blaney’s remarks, Daniel Suarez told Larson; “We feel bad for you.”

After all, Kyle Larson was the only driver in the room who had a pretty successful Cup Series season this year. Having qualified for the Round of 12, Larson currently stands at the fourth position in the points table with over 3019 Cup Series points.

READ MORE: Kyle Larson Is Left With a Sheepish Grin on His Face as Bubba Wallace & Co. Bring Chase Elliott Feud Into Their Conversation at NASCAR ‘Reunion’

However, Larson elaborated upon Blaney’s explanation. And corrected the statistics he stated. Larson said; “I would say the last two years, winning percentage-wise, has been really good in all forms of racing. This year I am like 12%.”

Kyle Larson wins the 2022 ESPYS best driver award 

After winning the Cup Series last year, Kyle Larson has added another feather to his hat. The 2022 ESPYS awards presented by Capital One honored Larson with the ‘Best Driver’ award. This was particularly special as he beat fellow Motorsports athletes across various forms.

Beating Formula One’s Max Verstappen, NHRA’s Steve Torrence, and IndyCar’s Alex Palou, Kyle Larson’s victory marked the 19th time that a NASCAR driver took the award.

WATCH THIS STORY: Daniel Suarez’s NASCAR Win Completes the Class of 2012 – Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Bubba Wallace & Ryan Blaney

Last year, Larson clinched the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series, as well as the annual All-Star race. The #5 Hendrick Motorsports driver showcased his exceptional driving skills in almost all formats of racing he usually indulges in.