"People across the board are just amazed" - NASCAR experts argue how Kyle Larson is hyping up the sport's perception in the world

Kyle Larson is a renowned name not only in the NASCAR fraternity but in other motorsports disciplines as well. The versatile Hendrick Motorsports driver has 25 Cup Series wins and has showcased his dominance at other arenas such as the Chili Bowl and World of Outlaws, among others.

The 2021 Cup Series champion recently displayed his prowess in IndyCar racing as well, qualifying fifth for the upcoming Indy 500. Despite succumbing to engine hiccups during the first qualifying round, the #17 Arrow McLaren driver reclaimed himself in the next stint, advancing into the Top 12 Shootout and the Firestone Fast Six.

Then, when Larson flew from Indianapolis Motor Speedway to North Wilkesboro Speedway for the All-Star Race, he was welcomed enthusiastically by fans. Such hype for a NASCAR driver was apparently an uncommon happening. Motorsports pundits Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck highlighted how the 31-year-old is taking the popularity of the high-octane sport to new heights.

The duo discussed (via Dirty Mo Media on X):

"What's been the impression over there about what he [Kyle Larson] has been doing?" Jeff Gluck asked the Athletic reporter Jordan Bianchi.

"Remarkable. I mean people across the board are just amazed that he's been able to do this," Bianchi replied. "Not that they're surprised because they all know how incredibly talented he is. But I think one is that he's getting this opportunity [Indy-Charlotte double] finally and two, he's really showing the world like how good he is."

Jordan Bianchi continued:

"There's a perception that NASCAR drivers often feel they get slighted worldwide in terms of their ability and 'All you do is turn left.' You hear that a lot."

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NASCAR fans went head over heels after spotting Kyle Larson's helicopter approaching the NWS

Kyle Larson displayed his racing prowess on the 2.5-mile oval, finishing fifth in the Fast Six round. This means the Californian was short on time to cover the 530 miles from the IMS to the North Wilkesboro Speedway. Nonetheless, the Hendrick Motorsports driver flew to Wilkes County Airport and from there boarded a Bell 429 chopper for the final destination.

Inside the helicopter were Larson, his wife Katelyn and HMS vice chairman Jeff Gordon, along with the pilots and crew members. As soon as the ride neared its landing spot, on the helipad just outside the infield, huge cheers from the grandstand echoed through the 0.625-mile circuit.

Moreover, the chopper was quite far when the cheering started which speaks to the notion presented by Gluck and Bianchi about the impact that Kyle Larson has left on the sport.

Here's a video of the loud welcome by the fans (via Dustin Long on X):

Larson couldn't participate in the All-Star Open and retired legend Kevin Harvick tamed the #5 Chevy instead, placing the HMS driver's car in 12th place. Two laps after the final restart on Lap 159, while frontrunners Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin battled for the top spot, Larson jumped from fifth to third place, becoming another contender for the $1 million paycheck.

After a tough battle, Logano bagged his maiden win this season, while the #5 Chevrolet Camaro finished in fourth place. However, since it wasn't a points race, Kyle Larson maintains his supremacy as the leaderboard topper.