Kyle Larson is an American professional stock car racing driver. He was born on July 31, 1992 in Elk Grove, California. He is a full-time driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, for Hendrick Motorsports driving the No5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL11. Also, he participates part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series driving for the same team. His early career in USAC earned him the nickname "Yougmoney". Larson's first race was at the 2013 Bank of America 500 at Charlotte and his first win was at the 2016 Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan. Larson was named one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. In 2024, Larson set a NASCAR record at Kansas for the closest finish in the NASCAR Cup series history.
Kyle Larson High School
Kyle Larson attended Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove, California. While his classmates focused on the high school activities, Larson was already making a name for himself on the racing circuit. Balancing the demands of a racing career with academics wasn't easy. However, with the support of his mother, Janet Larson, herself a teacher, Larson excelled in both areas. Larson developed a passion for racing at a young age and his father Mike Larson purchased a used go-kart for racing. Larson started racing outlaw karts at the age of seven and by his teenage years, he was competing in the United States Auto Club, sprint cars, and Silver Crown cars with the backing of Toyota, competing for Keith Kunz. Larson's success in dirt racing during the high school years is undeniable. He has won prestigious events like the King's Royal, Knoxville Nationsla, and the Chilli Bowl Nationals.
When did Kyle Larson get into NASCAR?
Kyle Larson started his NASCAR career in 2012, by debuting in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series now called the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Kentucky Speedway. In 2013 he participated in a few races in the NASCAR Nationwide Series now called the NASCAR Xfinity Series and even made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Charlotte Motor Speedway but not as a full-time driver. In 2014, he signed a full-time ride with Chip Ganassi Racing making it the official entry into the top tier of NASCAR and winning the Rookie year of the season.
Also read: How many wins does Kyle Larson have?
Was Kyle Larson suspended from NASCAR?
Larson's career hasn't been without controversies. In 2020 he was suspended by NASCAR for using a racial slur during an online stream. He took his time for reflection and growth and eventually returned to the sport in 2021 with more focus and determination. He dominated the 2021 season, and also secured his first Cup Series championship, making it a remarkable comeback story.
FAQs on Kyle Larson's high school
Kyle Larson was born on July 1992 in Elk Grove California, USA.
Kyle Larson was signed by Earnhardt Ganassi Racing for the team drivers development program in the year 2012 for Indy Car Racing.
Kyle Larson drives the No.5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the Hendrick Motorsports.
As of July 2024, Kyle Larson has 26 wins, 174 TopTens and 21 Poles.