Tony Stewart Reveals How He Foresaw Young Kyle Larson’s Legendary Potential After His First Visit to Eldora

Every now and then every spot witnesses the rise of a phenom, a young talent that sets the track on fire with his racing prowess and pure hungry for victory. Well, NASCAR has got its once-in-a-generation talent in Kyle Larson. Ever since his transition to the oval, the Hendrick Motorsports driver has captivated fans and competitors alike with his superior knowledge of race dynamics and his ambitious mindset.

Recently, the next iteration of the popular FloRacing series DIRT: Running the Wall has gone on air. And guess what, it is the NASCAR great Tony Stewart, widely considered one of the pioneers of the sport, who revealed his thoughts about Larson, the first time he witnessed the then-young prospect solidifying his name on the track.

The Stewart-Haas Racing co-owner also shared how he foresaw the rise of Larson when he won his first 3-division series back in 2011 in Stewart‘s own backyard, Eldora Speedway.

Tony Stewart opens up on how he foresaw Kyle Larson’s rise to glory

Now, Stewart is a certified legend of the sport, the 3-time Cup champ who even conquered the coveted “double,” is no stranger to adversity. Currently trying out his luck in the NHRA drag strips, Stewart certainly knows a talented driver when he sees one.

Stewart talked about Larson’s early days in the Sprint and Midget racing, and his becoming the second driver to win in 3 separate divisions—the only driver to do so after the great dirt racer, Jack Hewitt. Despite competing full-time in the Cup Series, Larson has countless wins in Kings Royal, Knoxville Nationals, and Chili Bowl Nationals.

In the latest episode of DIRT, Stewart reveals how he envisioned Larson’s rise to the top after witnessing his 3-division triumph in his own backyard, Eldora Speedway. Despite being Larson’s first-ever event, the crowd or the track did not deter his determination.

Stewart said, “To watch a kid come in there that had never been there before and first time figuring out how to be fast, we’re seeing the beginning of somebody’s massively huge career starting here.” 

The 44-minute video gives the community an insight into the peculiar world of dirt racing with massive home crowds, camping on the track with their loved ones as they enjoy a cold one with a side of exhilarating racing. But what fascinated most viewers was the night that changed his career forever.

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Much like Larson himself, Stewart is also the type of guy with an obsession with racing across divisions. And the similarities don’t end there, while Stewart got to the NASCAR scene after a glorious Indy run, Larson on the other hand is looking to capitalize on his winning momentum in the Cup Series, hoping to reign victorious in IndyCar.

Make no mistake about it, the two are still very much in their primes as Stewart got his much-deserved win after he clinched the NHRA National event, as he took home the prestigious Wally Trophy. Whereas Larson has been dishing out top-notch performances in dirt racing despite being a full-time Cup driver.

The community also saw a grateful Larson, revealing the night that changed his career. After winning the 2011 4-Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway, winning in all three types of USAC cars in a single night, Larson did not end his winning streak there, he went on to win 2 Silver Crown races making him the Rookie of the year in 2011.

Larson also revealed how the night ended up being, the most perfect race of his career to date while sharing Stewart’s on-track gesture. Larson said, “Only one other driver had ever won you know all the divisions in one night, I’m not sure, I’d really met Tony Stewart to the point, even he comes up to me or tell somebody that he’s giving me a 10 thousand dollar bonus for winning all 3 which I think Jack Hewitt got the same thing.”

As Stewart’s inspiring gesture meant the world to Larson, we certainly have to catch the HMS driver in his #5 Chevy as NASCAR nation gears up for Illinois 300.

READ MORE: “I Don’t Give a Sh*t” – Incessant Tony Stewart Reveals Why He Doesn’t Care if ‘NASCAR is Mad’