"It was my introduction to stock car racing": Kyle Larson looks back on NASCAR's diversity program amid it's "exponential" growth 

Kyle Larson recently reflected on NASCAR's Drive for Diversity(D4D) program, which he participated in during the early stages of his racing career. This initiative, designed to foster inclusivity within the sport, aims to provide training and opportunities for drivers and pit crew members from diverse backgrounds.

2021 Cup champion Kyle Larson pilots the #5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports, competing full-time in the Cup Series. Over his 12-year career, Kyle Larson has earned 27 Cup Series victories and 175 top-ten finishes. His latest triumph came at the iconic Brickyard 400, marking NASCAR's return to the historic Indianapolis Oval.

Ahead of the first playoff race at Atlanta, Larson, currently P1 on the standings table, was asked to share his views on NASCAR's diversity program and its impact on a driver's career. He said (via Frontstretch on X):

"I think it's it's great for sure. I think it's evolved a lot. Gosh it's been 12 years or so, 12 or 13 years since I've been in it, so yeah I think it's it's grown exponentially since then and now you see them you know, in the Truck Series and whatnot, and with great equipment, you know spread across everything that they do," Larson said [02:01].

"I don't really know like the behind-the-scenes of how it's evolved since I did it, but back when I was doing it was great for me because it was my introduction to stock car racing and really a bigger stage of media training, and trying to get me to work out back then, and stuff like that that[...] It's a great way for drivers who might not get an opportunity to get an opportunity to showcase what they got," he added.

Kyle Larson missed out on the regular season championship by a mere point as 23XI Racing's Tyler Reddick secured the title. However, the HMS Ace is currently P1 on the table and will be starting the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway from P6.

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Kyle Larson open to Rolex 24 return, confirms plans for Australia

Kyle Larson has a diverse and impressive resume in the motorsports world. This very season, the California native attempted the double, however, his plans were washed away by inclement weather. Besides racing in IndyCar, Larson secured the championship title in the ARCA Menards Series East in 2012. Moreover, the 32-year-old has an impressive career in dirt track racing.

In a recent interview with the Athletic's Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi, Larson shed light on his plans for the future, after he was asked what is the next big thing he wants to do.

"I feel like I've gotten a chance to race a lot of different things. Like I'm going to Australia this winter to run one weekend in Perth. That was something I wanted to do. It’s probably not meganews or anything but like I'm looking forward to that. It's been forever since I ran the Rolex 24-hour. But maybe down the road a few more years I'd like to try that again," Larson said