Kyle Larson’s 2024 NASCAR season was a rollercoaster of brilliance and heartbreak. Dominating six races, including a jaw-dropping performance at Bristol, where he led 462 of 500 laps, Larson showed he’s still one of the sport’s best. But despite all his success, the season ended without a championship, leaving a sense of unfinished business.

Yet for all the drama on the track, Larson reminded us there’s more to life than trophies. Months after his big win at Las Vegas, a heartfelt letter written by his 10-year-old son, Owen, surfaced, capturing a moment that would mean more to Larson than any championship ever could.

A race to remember for Kyle Larson

Kyle Larson’s first win of the 2024 season came at Las Vegas in early March, during the third race of the year. It was a pivotal moment—not just for Larson, who needed a strong finish after a rough start to the season, but for his family.

Owen Larson, sitting in the motorhome as his dad built a commanding lead, described the tension and excitement in a letter that NASCAR fans have since cherished: “I was sitting in the motorhome at Las Vegas Motor Speedway feeling nervous. My legs were shaking because my dad had a big lead in the race. With just two laps to go, I started to get my shoes on because I wanted to meet my dad in Victory Lane.” When the white flag waved, Owen could barely contain his excitement.

“The white Flag flew out and my dad drove through the last corner and won. I immediately ran out of the Motorhome to get to my dad. I jogged through the pits and then I Sprinted to the front Strtech. In my head, I was thinking wait for me dad. I finally got to the finish line.” And the celebration? Pure unbridled elation. “I was out of breath I felt excited and I got on top of the car with my dad. I started waving my arms Up and down to get the crowd going wild. I will always remember this moment.”

🚨 WHOLESOME CONTENT ALERT. 🚨

Owen Larson wrote a letter about celebrating with his dad after Kyle won at Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/NQBtLyi9yw

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) December 27, 2024

That win at Las Vegas was special not only because of Owen’s reaction but also for the display of a racing masterclass. Coming off disappointing finishes at Daytona and Atlanta, Kyle Larson was determined to make a statement. In the Pennzoil 400, Larson outpaced a hard-charging Tyler Reddick in the final laps, securing his 24th career Cup Series victory by a slim margin of 0.441 seconds. It wasn’t easy—Reddick pushed him to the limit, but Larson held firm, showcasing the kind of control and composure that’s made him a fan favorite.

It also marked Larson’s third win at Las Vegas, a track that holds a special place in his career. His first victory there came in 2021, during his comeback season with Hendrick Motorsports, and he added another in the 2023 playoffs. But this time, it wasn’t just about crossing the finish line first. The real celebration was on the front stretch, where Owen climbed into the car with his dad, waving to the crowd and soaking in the moment.

A season of highs and lows

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While the Las Vegas win was a highlight, Larson’s 2024 season was far from smooth sailing. Sure, he won six races—more than most drivers could dream of—but consistency proved elusive. Take Bristol, for instance, where Larson delivered a near-flawless performance, leading an astonishing 462 laps. It was the kind of domination that reminded everyone why he is a former champion.

Yet, when it mattered most—during the playoffs—things fell apart. Larson’s season ended in the Round of 8, just shy of the Championship 4. Despite leading a series-high 1,700 laps, he couldn’t convert that dominance into a shot at the title. Reflecting on the season, Larson remained positive. “It was a great year,” he told NASCAR.com. “I was super happy with the performance of our race team all year long. We had a ton of speed from Race 1 to Race 38. … Obviously, you want to make the final four and have a shot at the championship, but I also understand the format and know how crazy it can be.”

For Larson, the focus now shifts to building on the team’s strengths and returning even stronger in 2025. Amidst all the highs and lows of the season, Owen’s letter serves as a reminder of what truly matters. As much as Larson is defined by his skill and success on the track, moments like these show he’s also a dad who’s blessed and cherishes the little things. As Larson looks ahead to the next season, one thing’s for sure: whatever happens on the track, he’s already winning where it counts the most.