$12M-worth Kyle Larson candidly shares why he feels closely connected to NASCAR figures Danica Patrick and Dale Jr. this year

Kyle Larson recently shared his thoughts on what it feels like to be Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Danica Patrick. With his increased fan following this 2024 season, the Hendrick Motorsports star reminisced about this year's experience from the fans and claimed that the popularity made him 'feel like Earnhardt Jr. and Danica Patrick.'

The 2021 Cup Series champion has not only taken the internet by storm with his dominant performances in several races but also for etching his name in NASCAR history. Earlier this season, the 32-year-old Larson attempted the Memorial Day Double - competing in the Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, followed by the Indy 500 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 24 hours.

However, due to uncontrollable weather conditions and a rain-delayed IndyCar Series race, Larson couldn't run a lap in the Cup Series.

Nevertheless, the $12M-worth Larson (according to Celebrity Net Worth) is set to compete again next year in The Double for Rick Hendrick's outfit in the Cup Series and Arrow McLaren in partnership with HMS in open-wheel racing.

Speaking with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on October 11, Larson candidly revealed why he related to two famous NASCAR personalities, Dale Jr. and Danica Patrick this year. It is worth mentioning that NASCAR legend Dale Jr. and former driver Patrick were awarded the Most Popular Driver award in the Cup Series and IndyCar Series, respectively.

"Yeah, looking forward to doing it again next year and looking forward to feeling that support again. The experience this year from the fan side — it was amazing. It was something like I've never experienced before, you know, just that much support," Larson said.

Furthermore, he added:

"And I felt like Dale [Earnhardt] Jr. or Danica [Patrick] or whoever you want to compare me to. It was just the sea of people around me was awesome. So it was cool and I look forward to having it again."

Not only Patrick and Dale Jr. but Larson's HMS teammate, Chase Elliott, has also claimed the Most Popular Driver award in the NASCAR Cup Series for the past six years.

As things stand, Larson is one of the top contenders this season to win the championship title. Moreover, his name might come on the cards for being the most popular Cup Series driver in the 2024 season.

---

"I do look forward this weekend,": Kyle Larson on getting back on track at ROVAL in Charlotte

Ahead of the last Round of 12 race, the Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson discussed his state of mind as he gears up for the road course race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

In a conversation with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, the Elk Grove native addressed his performances at the ROVAL and is looking for a positive result this weekend. He said:

"I haven't felt very comfortable in general at the Roval the last couple of years, since we brought in the next-gen cars. Wanted to just work through some things. It's good to get in there," Larson said [at 0:11].

Expressing hope for a 'clean' race for the weekend, he added:

"I do look forward this weekend, I hope to have a clean weekend, one where I don't crash. I feel like I've crashed at the Roval a lot in my career, and I've just always had some sort of stress on that weekend, so hoping to have a stress-free weekend." [0:56]

Currently, the Chevy driver has a 52-point cushion over the playoff cutline. Moreover, Larson has accumulated five triumphs and has led 1552 laps in his 30 starts this season.