When Kyle Larson and future boss Jeff Gordon raced hard at now abandoned racetrack

Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon were once involved in a memorable on-track battle during a NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway in 2014. This encounter is often remembered for Larson’s emerging talent as a rookie and Gordon’s experience as a champion.

The aggressive battle between the two came during the first race of the playoffs, called MyAFibStory.com 400, on September 14, 2014, at Chicagoland. The track is now abandoned but was a staple in NASCAR’s all-three national series from 2001-2019.

Kyle Larson was a young sensation in 2014 who was competing in his first full-time Cup season in the #42 Chevrolet for Chip Ganassi Racing. While Jeff Gordon was a four-time NASCAR Cup champion and one of NASCAR’s legends at that time.

Coming to the hard-charging battle between Larson and Gordon, they were competing for the second-place position with four laps remaining in the race.

Larson, who just started his NASCAR career, showed no hesitation in racing aggressively against Gordon, including a remarkable pass on the outside lane. Gordon, who was nearing the end of his career, used his experience to maintain a strong position and defend against Larson’s challenges.

The two engaged in a thrilling side-by-side duel before Gordon ultimately passed Larson for the lead. Gordon finished the race in second place, while Larson ended up finishing P3, one of his strongest performances of the 2014 season. Brad Keselowski went on to win Chicagoland’s playoff race.

This encounter between Larson and Gordon at Chicagoland remains a memorable moment for fans, representing a passing of the torch from one older generation to the younger.

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Kyle Larson is carrying forward legacy of Jeff Gordon at Hendrick Motorsports

Jeff Gordon retired from NASCAR as a full-time driver in 2015 and then moved into the leadership role at Hendrick Motorsports. He is now an influential figure and a vice chairman of Rick Hendrick-led HMS.

Kyle Larson has since become one of NASCAR’s top drivers, winning numerous races. After spending seven seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing, he joined HMS in 2021, the same year he won his maiden Cup Series championship, courtesy of his 10 wins.

Kyle Larson’s career at HMS has been marked by success and a continuation of the legacy left by his boss Gordon. As a driver for one of NASCAR's most successful teams, the Elk Grove, California-native has embraced the challenge of building on Gordon’s achievements while establishing his own identity within NASCAR.