“I don’t think anybody really talks about what is written in there”: Kyle Larson makes his feelings known about Jimmie Johnson’s “secretive” tradition

Kyle Larson opened up about NASCAR’s secret tradition that seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson started in 2010. As the fans might have guessed already, it’s the NASCAR champion’s journal.

Johnson started the tradition after earning five consecutive championship titles from 2006 to 2010. Winning a NASCAR Cup Series championship comes with several perks, including the coveted championship ring and Goodyear’s Gold Car trophy, but no prize is as secretive as Johnson’s journal.

“It’s definitely an amazing tradition,” Larson said (as quoted by The Sportsnaut). “I’m glad that Jimmie was able to start it. I’ve gotten to read the nice things that drivers have written to the next champion. It’s pretty cool. It is a pretty secretive book. I don’t think anybody really talks about what is written in there, but it’s just a lot of respect. It’s cool to read all that and have my piece in there.”

Larson got his hands on the victor’s book in 2021, his first year with Hendrick Motorsports. Today, the Elk Grove native drives the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro full-time for the North Carolina-based outfit.

Larson closed the 2024 season sixth on points with 15 top-5s, 18 top-10s, and a series-high six wins. He led a combined 1700 laps, recording 12 stage wins on the way.

As per reports, Larson will return behind the wheel of his HendrickCars.com Chevy in 2025, his first race being the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 2. Fans can watch him in action on FOX Sports or listen to radio updates on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Kyle Larson all set for Indy-NASCAR repeat in 2025

Kyle Larson during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. - Source: Imagn

Last year, Kyle Larson attempted to run the 1,100 miles of the crown jewel Coca-Cola 600 and the Indianapolis 500 combined but failed. To this day, five drivers, including Larson, have tried to attempt the feat and only Tony Stewart has been successful.

Nevertheless, Larson will do the Memorial Day weekend double again in 2025. Teaming up with fellow IndyCar regulars Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard, the NASCAR icon is expected to pilot the “Hendrick 1100” Arrow McLaren entry.

On that note, Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, said,

“Don’t give Kyle Larson a second shot at something that he already did well at. I mean, I think he’s going to knock it out of the park. He already did, but I know what a perfectionist he is and the few things that he learned or couple of things that didn’t go well, I know he wants that second chance to clean that up.”

Larson’s debut Indy 500 attempt was jeopardized by the rain as it delayed the start of the event by four hours. This made it impossible for him to fly back to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600 on time. While Larson managed to deliver a P18 at Indy, JR Motorsports driver Justin Allgaier filled in for him in the Coca-Cola 600 and finished 13th.