via Getty
BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 18: While waiting on TV, Kyle Larson watches the video display screen from Victory Circle after he won the 61st Annual running of the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race on September 18, 2021 at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
via Getty
BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 18: While waiting on TV, Kyle Larson watches the video display screen from Victory Circle after he won the 61st Annual running of the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race on September 18, 2021 at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
When Kyle Larson took the chequered flag on Sunday to take his 10th win of the season and the Cup Series title, praise flew in from all directions for the champion. Former professionals, title rivals, pundits, everyone was lauding the Hendrick Driver.
But words from one particular person would’ve meant more than most for Kyle Larson, which was from his childhood hero Tony Stewart.
Congratulations to the best race car driver I’ve ever seen. @KyleLarsonRacin
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) November 8, 2021
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As one can imagine, these are very strong words coming from Hall of Famer Tony Stewart. But it seems like not everyone on Twitter bought the massively experienced and successful driver’s personal opinion.
Sir… you have seen a plethora of drivers race, youve been around for two 7 time NASCAR champions and one 7 time F1 champion and you pick the guy that got a championship because his car is a cut above the rest? Education is essential Mr. Stewart.
— YouTube Auto Community (@YouTubeAutoCom) November 8, 2021
No disrespect for Mr. Larson, but I disagree. You have seen @MarioAndretti drive, haven't you?
— Allen 🐟 (@arlasko) November 8, 2021
The best you ever seen?
Come on Tony Stewart @KyleLarsonRacin definitely deserves this championship but to be the best you gotta get to 7— Carman Carmack (@CarmackCarman) November 8, 2021
Tony Stewart watched AJ and Mario race and said this. pic.twitter.com/n1pq3HxPbe
— David Land™❌ (@DLand91) November 8, 2021
Bold, but it’s 50/50 for Tony Stewart’s tweet on Kyle Larson
For those who criticized or disagreed with Tony Stewart’s personal opinion on the champion, there were those who tried to interpret his tweet not as a claim but as a comment or compliment on Larson’s abilities and potential.
He’s not talking accomplishments, even though Larson has a ton of them. Tony’s been saying for years that the driver with the most talent/skill is Larson.
— 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘦 (@Lane_Raq) November 8, 2021
Some of you have tunnel vision. Mr. Stewart is looking at Larson’s whole body of work.
— Cdham (@cdham24) November 8, 2021
A lot of you are just watching Nascar. He races a lot more than that. He is the best and maybe the best EVER. His raw talent isn't even within reach for many and he is doing it all at the same time. pic.twitter.com/4dwqLZILPS
— Frog (@Frog01373260) November 8, 2021
That’s quite a compliment coming from another true racer like you!
— OpinionatedLauraCoffeeAddict (@PieperLee) November 8, 2021
The dominant season and racing career of Larson
To say that the Hendrick driver was better than the rest of the grid would be a massive understatement. Larson dominated the 2021 season.
His 10th win of the season was the first time a driver managed to do so in a single season since Jimmie Johnson in 2007.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 13, 2021; Fort Worth, TX, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) shoots his six shooter guns as he celebrates winning the NASCAR All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Apart from Cup Series, Larson has also made his name in dirt track racing, winning the crown jewel of Chili Bowl in 2020 and again in 2021. He also won his seventh consecutive race at Knoxville Raceway in August 2020, setting a series record.
Kyle Larson was named the 410 Sprint Driver Of The Year in 2020.
The Hendrick Driver also emerged victorious in 24 Hours Of Daytona race 24 in 2015.
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Clearly, Larson’s racing talent and skills aren’t a question. The Cup champion has shown time after time again, that he is arguably the best racing talent in the American motorsports landscape today.
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And as for numbers and statistics in comparison to legendary drivers, Larson, still, only 29, has a long time to induct his name into the record books.
Also Read: Kyle Larson Reveals the Surprising Feeling Behind His Growth as a NASCAR Driver
