"He's an incredible human" - Chevy development program trainer reveals Kyle Larson's lasting impression

Joshua Wise (aka Josh), Chevrolet's development program trainer, recently opened up about his coaching days with Kyle Larson. Wise, speaking about Larson in the recent Dirty Mo Media podcast with Dale Earnhardt Jr. revealed how the #5 driver left a long-lasting impression on him.

Wise is a former professional stock car racing and dirt track racing driver who taught race crafts to Larson during the latter's development days with Chevrolet. He was involved with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2017, where he trained drivers such as Brennan Poole, Jamie McMurray, Tyler Reddick, and Larson.

Larson began his NASCAR career with CGR in 2014. He started with driving the #42 Chevrolet and remained with the team till 2020.

"I mean it'd be hard not to say Kyle [Larson]," Wise said explaining his experience with Larson. "I think everyone needs, I think I need someone to help me develop. Right? I think we all need some qualified outside perspective. Kyle's been around the longest and he's been in a special place man and I mean you're it with his performance and I see it off track with him right?"

"Like he's an incredible human, incredible dad. He works hard quietly. Literally got a text after the race this weekend, 'you guys have changed my life,' I'm really fortunate that it's a regular thing that we hear this feedback of, 'man I feel better on track but like my life has changed forever."

Kyle Larson joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2021 on a multi-year deal, and as of 2024, he is still racing for Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon's team. Despite the switch, his association with Chevrolet remains to this day.

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Illustrious career of Kyle Larson at a glance

NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) (Source: Imagn)

Kyle Larson's career so far in NASCAR has been one to envy. The #5 driver has 27 Cup Series victories to his name, and 15 and three wins in Xfinity Series and Truck Series, respectively. Besides this, he is also the winner of 2019, 2021 and 2023 editions of the NASCAR All-Star races.

Larson also holds the crown-jewel race wins in NASCAR after winning the 2021 Coca-Cola 600, 2023 Southern 500, and 2024 Brickyard 400. In his illustrious career in the Cup Series, he qualified for the playoffs from 2016 to 2019, and then from 2021 to 2024.

Coming into 2024, Kyle Larson is leading the regular season standings with 779 points, after 24 races. Having qualified for the playoffs already with four wins to his name, the Hendrick Motorsports driver will look to reign supreme in the remaining races and take home his second NASCAR Cup Series title.