History of Kyle Larson in Timeline

Kyle Larson is a prominent American professional racing driver. He currently races full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet ZL1. He also participates part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving for Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Spire Motorsports, and the NTT IndyCar Series for Arrow McLaren. Larson's career spans multiple racing series, showcasing his versatility and skill across different types of racing vehicles.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1984: First Win for No. 5 Car at Martinsville Since 1984

In 2023, Kyle Larson's win at Martinsville marked the first win for the No. 5 car at that track since 1984.

1987: Dale Earnhardt wins three straight races twice in one season

In 1987, Dale Earnhardt achieved the remarkable feat of winning three straight races twice in the same season, solidifying his legacy in NASCAR.

July 31, 1992: Kyle Larson's Birth

On July 31, 1992, Kyle Miyata Larson, a future American professional racing driver, was born.

2006: Kasey Kahne sweeps Charlotte races

In 2006, Kasey Kahne swept both Charlotte races, marking a notable achievement in NASCAR.

2007: Jimmie Johnson's Championship Season

In 2007, Jimmie Johnson had a remarkable season, marked by achieving 10 wins and securing the championship in the same season.

2010: Set Sprint Car Track Record at Ocean Speedway

In 2010, Kyle Larson set the sprint car track record at Ocean Speedway, demonstrating his early talent in sprint car racing.

2011: Won 4-Crown Nationals and Named Rookie of the Year

In 2011, Kyle Larson won the 4-Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway, winning in three types of USAC cars in one night, and was named the Silver Crown Rookie of the Year.

February 2012: Won First Stock Car Race at New Smyrna Speedway

In February 2012, Kyle Larson won his first race in a full-bodied stock car, the Pete Orr Memorial Orange Blossom 100, at New Smyrna Speedway, followed by another win at the same speedway during the World Series of Asphalt a week later.

June 28, 2012: Made Camping World Truck Series Debut

On June 28, 2012, Kyle Larson made his Camping World Truck Series debut at Kentucky Speedway in the No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado for Turner Motorsports, finishing 10th.

2012: K. Larson

In 2012, K. Larson was noted.

2012: Competed Full-Time in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East

In 2012, Kyle Larson competed full-time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East with Rev Racing, securing his first career win in the series at Gresham Motorsports Park on June 9 and finishing 13th in his ARCA Racing Series debut at Michigan International Speedway later in June. He scored his second K&N Pro Series East win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

2012: Won Six USAC National Midget Races

In 2012, Kyle Larson won six USAC National Midget races, including the Turkey Night Grand Prix, showcasing his prowess in midget car racing.

2012: Won NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship

In 2012, Kyle Larson won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship with 2 wins and 12 top-tens in 14 races and was named the K&N Pro Series East Rookie of the Year.

February 2013: Joined NASCAR Nationwide Series Full-Time

In February 2013, Kyle Larson joined the NASCAR Nationwide Series full-time, driving the No. 32 Chevrolet for Turner Scott Motorsports and was involved in a violent crash at Daytona, injuring spectators, but he was unharmed; he finished second in the season finale at Homestead and won the Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year award.

April 14, 2013: Won First Truck Series Race at Rockingham Speedway

On April 14, 2013, Kyle Larson won his first Truck Series race at Rockingham Speedway, holding off Joey Logano, and celebrated by performing donuts without his steering wheel, prompting safety concerns from NASCAR.

August 27, 2013: Reported to Drive for Chip Ganassi Racing

On August 27, 2013, The Charlotte Observer reported that Kyle Larson would drive the No. 42 car for Chip Ganassi Racing starting in the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.

2013: Named NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year

In 2013, Kyle Larson was named the NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year, marking an early career achievement.

January 4, 2014: Entry into 24 Hours of Daytona

On January 4, 2014, Chip Ganassi Racing announced that Kyle Larson would participate in the 24 Hours of Daytona in the No. 02 car, teaming up with Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, and Marino Franchitti. Despite a stalled car and a speeding penalty, he finished his stint with a fifth-place result.

June 7, 2014: Scored First ARCA Win at Pocono Raceway

On June 7, 2014, Kyle Larson scored his first ARCA win at Pocono Raceway, further diversifying his racing achievements.

June 13, 2014: Expecting First Child

On June 13, 2014, Larson announced that he and his girlfriend were expecting their first child.

December 22, 2014: Birth of Owen Miyata Larson

On December 22, 2014, Owen Miyata Larson was born to Kyle Larson and his girlfriend.

2014: B. Rhodes

In 2014, B. Rhodes was noted.

2014: Joined NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

In 2014, Kyle Larson officially joined the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with Chip Ganassi Racing.

2014: Returned to Nationwide Series and Scored First Win

In 2014, Kyle Larson returned to the Nationwide Series, driving the No. 42 car part-time, and scored his first career Nationwide Series win at Auto Club Speedway on March 22, celebrating with burnouts without the steering wheel; he later secured his second Nationwide Series win of the season at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

2014: Started in the Daytona 500 and Scored First Top-10 Finish

In 2014, Kyle Larson started the Daytona 500, experiencing challenges including getting into the wall twice and being involved in a wreck; however, he scored his first top-10 finish at Bristol Motor Speedway and finished second at Auto Club Speedway, earning his career-best finish in the Cup Series.

2014: Named NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year

In 2014, Kyle Larson was named the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year, highlighting his quick adaptation to the top racing series.

2015: Victory in 24 Hours of Daytona

In 2015, Kyle Larson and his team won the 24 Hours of Daytona.

2015: Experienced DNF at Daytona 500 and Hospitalization

In 2015, Kyle Larson began the season with a DNF at the Daytona 500 and was hospitalized after fainting at an autograph session in Martinsville, with dehydration diagnosed as the cause; he finished the season 19th in points.

2015: Won Season Finale at Homestead

In 2015, Kyle Larson ran part-time in the No. 42 car for HScott Motorsports and won the season finale at Homestead, marking the first win for HScott Motorsports.

2016: Continued to Compete Part-Time, Wins at Pocono and Texas

In 2016, Kyle Larson continued to compete part-time for CGR, securing wins at Pocono and Texas, showcasing his ongoing success in the series.

2016: Finished 4th at Martinsville & Won at Eldora Speedway

In 2016, Kyle Larson drove the No. 24 truck for GMS Racing at Martinsville Speedway, finishing 4th and he won at Eldora Speedway.

2016: Return to 24 Hours of Daytona

In 2016, Kyle Larson returned for the 24 Hours of Daytona in the Ford EcoBoost Daytona Prototype for Chip Ganassi Racing with the same driver lineup as the 2015 winning car. However, the team faced issues with brake failures throughout the race.

2016: Finished 7th at Daytona 500 and Won Sprint Showdown

In 2016, Kyle Larson started the season with a 7th-place finish at the Daytona 500, marking his first top-ten and first non-DNF and won the Sprint Showdown to earn a spot into the All-Star Race.

November 8, 2017: Expecting Second Child

On November 8, 2017, Larson announced on social media that he and Katelyn were expecting their second child, due in May 2018.

December 22, 2017: Engagement to Katelyn Sweet

On December 22, 2017, Larson and Katelyn Sweet became engaged.

2017: Full Ownership of Larson Marks Racing

In 2017, Kyle Larson acquired full ownership of Larson Marks Racing, a World of Outlaws sprint car team, which was later renamed Kyle Larson Racing.

2017: Led Daytona 500 but Ran Out of Fuel and Won at Auto Club Speedway

In 2017, Kyle Larson led the Daytona 500 late but ran out of fuel on the final lap, finishing 12th; he later won his second career Cup Series win at Auto Club Speedway on March 26 after starting from the pole and won again at Michigan.

2017: Cameo Appearance in Logan Lucky

In 2017, Kyle Larson made a cameo appearance as a limo driver in the film Logan Lucky.

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May 2018: Birth of Audrey Layne Larson

In May 2018, Audrey Layne Larson was born to Kyle Larson and Katelyn Sweet.

September 26, 2018: Marriage to Katelyn Sweet

On September 26, 2018, Kyle Larson and Katelyn Sweet were married.

December 18, 2018: Lost Primary Sponsor DC Solar

On December 18, 2018, before the start of the 2019 season, Kyle Larson lost his primary sponsor DC Solar after their headquarters were raided by the FBI.

2018: Experienced Bad Luck at Talladega and Was Eliminated

In 2018, Kyle Larson experienced bad luck at the Talladega fall race, blowing a tire and spinning out, and was penalized for violating the damaged vehicle policy; he was eliminated in the Round of 12, finishing the season ninth in the points standings.

2018: Made Playoffs Despite Winless Season

In 2018, Kyle Larson made it to the playoffs despite being winless, maintaining consistency with five second-place finishes; at the Charlotte Roval, he was involved in a late wreck but advanced into the Round of 12.

2019: Kevin Meendering as Crew Chief for Jimmie Johnson

During the 2019 season, Kevin Meendering served as a crew chief for Jimmie Johnson, gaining experience that would later lead him to fill in for Cliff Daniels as Kyle Larson's crew chief in 2022.

2019: Finished 7th at Daytona 500 and Sparked Controversy

In 2019, Kyle Larson finished 7th at the Daytona 500 and later sparked controversy with comments on NBC Sports, jokingly implying Hendrick Motorsports "cheats"; he later apologized.

January 18, 2020: Chili Bowl Nationals Win

On January 18, 2020, Kyle Larson secured his first Chili Bowl Nationals victory, triumphing over three-time winner Christopher Bell.

February 28, 2020: Announced Return to GMS Racing

On February 28, 2020, Kyle Larson announced he would be re-joining GMS Racing to drive the No. 24 truck at Homestead-Miami Speedway to pursue a bounty offered by Kevin Harvick to full-time Cup drivers to beat Kyle Busch, but was later released following his suspension from NASCAR.

August 2020: Dirt Late Model Debut and Victory

In August 2020, Kyle Larson made his debut in a dirt late model at Port Royal Speedway in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and won in his second start.

October 2020: Continued Dirt Racing with HMS

In October 2020, following his reinstatement by NASCAR and signing with Hendrick Motorsports, Kyle Larson was permitted to continue dirt racing alongside the Cup Series.

October 28, 2020: Signing with Hendrick Motorsports

On October 28, 2020, Hendrick Motorsports announced that they signed Kyle Larson to a multi-year deal to drive the No. 5 car beginning in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season.

2020: 10th-place finish at Daytona 500

In 2020, Kyle Larson began the season with a 10th-place finish at the Daytona 500. The season was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Larson was seventh in the points standings.

2020: Suspension and Sponsorship Losses

In 2020, Kyle Larson faced significant career challenges after using a racial slur during an iRacing event. This led to his indefinite suspension by Chip Ganassi Racing and NASCAR, sensitivity training requirement, and the termination of sponsorships from major corporations like McDonald's, Credit One Bank, and Chevrolet.

2020: USAC and Sprint Car Success

In 2020, Kyle Larson joined the USAC series for the Indiana Midget Week and dominated by winning all six races. He also achieved nine consecutive sprint car feature wins, demonstrating his exceptional talent and versatility in racing.

2020: Pennsylvania Speedweek Title and Driver of the Year

In 2020, Kyle Larson won the Mitch Smith Memorial at Williams Grove Speedway and the final event at Port Royal Speedway. He secured the Pennsylvania Speedweek title with multiple wins and podiums and was named the 410 Sprint Car Driver of the Year.

2020: Team Closure

In 2020, Kyle Larson's World of Outlaws sprint car team, Kyle Larson Racing, closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other contributing factors.

January 1, 2021: Reinstatement to NASCAR

On January 1, 2021, Kyle Larson's competition privileges with NASCAR were officially reinstated, marking a significant step in his return to the Cup Series.

January 16, 2021: Second Chili Bowl Nationals Win

On January 16, 2021, Kyle Larson secured his second consecutive Chili Bowl Nationals victory, further establishing his success in the event.

March 17, 2021: Drove for Niece Motorsports at Bristol Dirt Race

On March 17, 2021, Kyle Larson drove the No. 44 truck for Niece Motorsports at the inaugural Bristol dirt race, finishing 35th.

2021: NASCAR Cup Series Championship

In 2021, Kyle Larson secured his first NASCAR Cup Series championship, marking a significant milestone in his career. He won his tenth race of the season in the finale at Phoenix, starting on the pole and leading 107 laps. He ended the season with 10 wins, 18 stage wins, 20 top-fives, 26 top-tens, 2,581 laps led, and an average finish of 9.1.

2021: First Win with HMS at Las Vegas

In 2021, Kyle Larson started his season with a 10th-place finish at the Daytona 500, and three weeks later, he achieved his first win with Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) at Las Vegas.

2021: Driving for Hendrick Motorsports

In 2021, Kyle Larson was set to begin driving the No. 5 car for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series, marking a new chapter in his racing career.

2022: Win at Auto Club Speedway and Suspension for Crew Chief

In 2022, Kyle Larson began the season by starting on the pole at the Daytona 500, later scoring his first win of the season at Auto Club Speedway. At Sonoma, his car lost a wheel, resulting in a four-race suspension for his crew chief, Cliff Daniels.

2022: Finished Second at Road America, Won at Watkins Glen

In 2022, Kyle Larson drove the No. 17 car for HMS at Road America, finishing second, and won at Watkins Glen on August 20, adding to his list of victories.

December 31, 2022: Birth of Cooper Donald Larson

On December 31, 2022, Larson and Katelyn’s third child Cooper Donald Larson was born.

January 12, 2023: Announcement of Indianapolis 500 Attempt

On January 12, 2023, it was announced that Kyle Larson would attempt to qualify for the 2024 Indianapolis 500 with Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports, aiming to become the fifth driver to attempt the double.

2023: Won at North Wilkesboro for Spire Motorsports

In 2023, Kyle Larson drove the No. 7 truck for Spire Motorsports at North Wilkesboro, where he won the race.

2023: 20th Career Cup Series Win at Richmond

In 2023, Kyle Larson secured his 20th career Cup Series win at Richmond. He also achieved his third career All-Star win, tying him with Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon.

2023: Named One of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers

In 2023, Kyle Larson was named one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers, solidifying his legacy in the sport.

2023: Won at Darlington

In 2023, Kyle Larson won at Darlington after a last lap pass on John Hunter Nemechek, marking another significant win in his career.

2023: Knoxville Nationals Win

In 2023, Kyle Larson won the Knoxville Nationals, adding another victory to his achievements in dirt racing.

2023: Penalty for Unapproved Hood Louver

In 2023, Kyle Larson's team, No. 5, faced an L2 penalty due to an unapproved hood louver found during a pre-race inspection at Phoenix. The penalty included docked driver and owner points, playoff points, a fine, and a four-race suspension for crew chief Cliff Daniels. The penalty was later amended, restoring the points but upholding the fine and suspension.

September 10, 2024: Return to Indianapolis 500 Announced

On September 10, 2024, it was announced that Kyle Larson would return to the 2025 Indianapolis 500, with McLaren agreeing to pick up the second-year option.

2024: Win at Las Vegas and Indianapolis 500 Attempt

In 2024, Kyle Larson started the season with an 11th-place finish at the Daytona 500. Later, he secured his first win of the season at Las Vegas. He also attempted to run both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, but rain delays and other factors caused him to miss the start of the Coke 600. Despite missing the Coke 600 race, Larson was granted a waiver to maintain his playoff eligibility.

2024: Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year

In 2024, Kyle Larson was named the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year after starting fifth, running among the leading cars until being penalized for speeding on pit lane and finishing 18th. He had to miss the start of the Coca-Cola 600 due to the rain-delayed Indy 500.

2024: Won at Circuit of the Americas

In 2024, Kyle Larson won at Circuit of the Americas after overtaking Shane van Gisbergen and Austin Hill on the final lap, showcasing his skill on road courses.

2024: Knoxville Nationals Win

In 2024, Kyle Larson won the Knoxville Nationals for the third time, becoming the eighth multi-time winner and the eighth back-to-back winner of the event.

January 18, 2025: Third Chili Bowl Nationals Win

On January 18, 2025, Kyle Larson won his third Chili Bowl Nationals after starting from the pole and leading the 40 lap race from start to finish.

March 4, 2025: Announced Two Races with Spire Motorsports

On March 4, 2025, it was announced that Kyle Larson would compete in two races in the No. 07 truck for Spire Motorsports, and he won at Homestead after overcoming a late race spin.

2025: 30th Career Win at Homestead and Further Wins

In 2025, Kyle Larson began the season with a 20th-place finish at the Daytona 500, followed by his 30th career win at Homestead. He then achieved his second win of the season at the Bristol spring race and his third win at Kansas.

2025: Crash at Indianapolis 500

In 2025, Kyle Larson lost control and crashed in turn two at Indianapolis on lap 91, also involving Kyffin Simpson and Sting Ray Robb. He was ultimately credited with a 24th-place finish due to post-race inspection failures of other cars.