Kyle Larson is preparing for a comeback to Daytona’s iconic Rolex 24 Hours endurance race. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion has participated in IMSA’s flagship season opener three times but hasn’t competed since 2016. During the 2015 race, Larson secured the overall win with Chip Ganassi Racing alongside teammates Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, and Jamie McMurray.
In a recent episode of the podcast Dinner with Racers, hosted by Ryan Eversley and Sean Heckman, Larson discussed his willingness to return to endurance racing if Chevrolet reaches out. “At this point in my career, I’d definitely like to race again,” said Larson, who drives the No. 5 car for Hendrick Motorsports in NASCAR. “The last few years have been enjoyable, though I never planned to race every year.”
Larson is well-suited for a demanding schedule, managing his NASCAR career while co-owning High Limit Racing, a sprint car series, with five-time World of Outlaws champion Brad Sweet. He also competes in occasional midget races and takes off-season racing trips abroad. “The off-season has become busier with all the racing,” Larson shared. “I’m currently traveling to races in Australia, the Chili Bowl, and West Coast Midget events. It can be a lot, so sometimes I just want a break. But it’s been so long since I raced in Daytona that I’ve almost forgotten how much fun it was—and I want to relive that.”
The 33-year-old Californian values sharing these racing moments with his family; his eldest son Owen was just a baby when Larson last triumphed at Daytona. “It would be amazing to get my kids involved,” he said. Larson has also raced in the Indianapolis 500 twice in the past two years.
With Disney World close by, Daytona offers a perfect opportunity for family trips, another plus according to Larson. “Yeah, I’ll probably race there again,” he said. However, Larson emphasized one requirement for his return: “I want to be behind the wheel of the best car.”
As enthusiasm around his potential return grows, Larson made his intentions clear: “I hope to race there again in the future.”
Fan Take: Kyle Larson’s potential return to the Rolex 24 at Daytona is exciting news for NASCAR fans, showcasing a crossover between NASCAR and endurance racing that highlights a driver’s versatility and passion. This could open up more opportunities for NASCAR stars to explore different racing disciplines, enriching the sport and bringing heightened attention to endurance events.
