Kyle Larson: The life and career of a NASCAR champion and rising IndyCar star

In addition to being a NASCAR champion, Kyle Larson has competed in a variety of motorsports during his illustrious career.

Born in Elk Grove, California, on July 31, 1992, Larson started racing at the age of seven in dirt ovals, or outlaw karts.

With his father Mike being Caucasian and his mother Janet being Japanese American, Larson is Asian-American.

Instead of watching their son race in the pits, the two decide to watch him from the grandstands, allowing him to concentrate on the crucial aspect of racing: winning.

The American driver, who presently competes in the NASCAR Cup Series, recently participated in the Indianapolis 500, where he finished in 18th place and won rookie of the year.

A career as a driver in NASCAR
For a large portion of his teenage years, Larson raced in sprint cars and open wheel series, such as the Silver Crown.

Because of his open-wheel skill, the American expressed interest in IndyCar early on. However, he chose to compete in both ARCA and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East before the 2012 season began.

Corey LaJoie, his closest competitor, won five races that season, but he still managed to win the NASCAR title with two victories.

After winning his first NASCAR Cup Series race in 2013, Larson celebrated grandly by doing donuts without using his steering wheel.

In 2013, he also participated in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he won the Nationwide Rookie of the Year title and made his debut in the NASCAR Cup Series.

After a few years to catch up, he won his first Series Cup at Michigan in 2016 and made the playoffs for the first time in his career the following year.

His major break through occurred in 2021, having won ten races and the NASCAR Cup Series championship.

controversy surrounding racism with Kyle Larson
Chip Ganassi Racing placed Larson on indefinite leave without pay in April 2020 after he used an offensive racial slur at an iRacing event.

In addition, sensitivity training was mandated by NASCAR and he was given an indefinite suspension.

After taking responsibility for his actions and being fired by CGR, he applied for reinstatement with NASCAR and was accepted. His return date was January 1, 2021, the year he won the Cup Series.

The children and spouse of Kyle Larson
The sister of NASCAR driver Brad Sweet, Katelyn Sweet, is Kyle Larson’s wife.

Together, the two are parents to Owen, Audrey, and Cooper.