History of Kyle Larson in Timeline

Kyle Larson is a highly versatile American professional racing driver. He currently races full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet ZL1. In addition to his primary Cup Series ride, Larson also participates part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Spire Motorsports, and the NTT IndyCar Series with Arrow McLaren.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1984: First win for the No. 5 car at Martinsville

In 1984, was the first win for the No. 5 car at that Martinsville track.

1987: Comparison to Dale Earnhardt

In 1987, Dale Earnhardt achieved a feat that Larson later matched in his career.

July 31, 1992: Kyle Larson Born

On July 31, 1992, Kyle Miyata Larson was born. He is an American professional racing driver.

2006: Comparison to Kasey Kahne

In 2006, Kasey Kahne achieved a feat that Larson later matched in his career.

2007: Comparison to Jimmie Johnson

In 2007, Jimmie Johnson achieved a feat that Kyle Larson later matched in his career.

2010: Sprint Car Track Record at Ocean Speedway

In 2010, Kyle Larson holds the sprint car track record at Ocean Speedway.

2011: 2011 4-Crown Nationals Win and Rookie of the Year

In 2011, Kyle Larson won the 4-Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway, winning in all three types of USAC cars in a single night. He also won two silver crown races and was named the 2011 Rookie of the Year.

February 2012: First Race in Full Bodied Stock Car

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

June 28, 2012: 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: 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, scoring his first career win in the series at Gresham Motorsports Park and another win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He also finished 13th in his ARCA Racing Series debut at Michigan International Speedway.

2012: USAC National Midget Races Wins

In 2012, Kyle Larson won six USAC National Midget races, including the Turkey Night Grand Prix.

2012: 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. He was also named the K&N Pro Series East Rookie of the Year.

February 2013: Full-Time in NASCAR Nationwide Series and Violent Crash

In February 2013, Kyle Larson competed full-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for Turner Scott Motorsports. He was involved in a violent crash at Daytona, injuring spectators. He later won the Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year award.

April 14, 2013: First Career Truck Series Win

On April 14, 2013, Kyle Larson scored his first career Truck Series win at Rockingham Speedway, prompting NASCAR to address safety concerns regarding his celebratory donuts without the steering wheel.

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

On August 27, 2013, it was reported that Kyle Larson would drive for Chip Ganassi Racing starting in the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.

June 7, 2014: First ARCA Win at Pocono Raceway

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

2014: Rough Start at Daytona 500, First Top-10 Finish

In 2014, Kyle Larson had a tough start at the Daytona 500 and later earned his first career top-10 finish at Bristol Motor Speedway, followed by a 2nd place finish at Auto Club Speedway.

2014: Joined NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

In 2014, Kyle Larson officially joined the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, driving the No. 42 car for Chip Ganassi Racing.

2014: First Career Nationwide Series Win

In 2014, Kyle Larson returned to the Nationwide Series, scored his first career win at Auto Club Speedway, and later won at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

2015: Hospitalization and Disappointing Season

In 2015, Kyle Larson had a DNF at the Daytona 500, fainted at Martinsville Speedway, and was hospitalized due to dehydration. He finished 19th in the points standings after a disappointing season.

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.

2015: Won 24 Hours of Daytona

In 2015, Kyle Larson won the 24 Hours of Daytona with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR).

May 21, 2016: Won Sprint Showdown

On May 21, 2016, Kyle Larson won the Sprint Showdown, earning a spot into the All-Star Race.

2016: Competed Part-Time for CGR

In 2016, Kyle Larson continued to compete part-time for Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) in the Xfinity Series, scoring 2 wins at Pocono and Texas.

2016: Drove for GMS Racing and Won at Eldora Speedway

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

2017: Kyle Larson Racing

In 2017, Kyle Larson acquired full ownership of the sprint car team named Larson Marks Racing (later named Kyle Larson Racing).

2017: Second Career Cup Series Win

In 2017, Kyle Larson led late in the Daytona 500 but ran out of fuel, and later scored his second career Cup Series win at Auto Club Speedway and a second win of the season at Michigan.

December 18, 2018: FBI Raids DC Solar Headquarters

On December 18, 2018, the FBI raided the headquarters of DC Solar, Larson's primary sponsor, leading to uncertainty for the 2019 season.

2018: Talladega Incident and Playoff Elimination

In 2018, Kyle Larson experienced bad luck at Talladega and was later eliminated from the Round of 12, finishing the season ninth in points.

2018: Made Playoffs Despite Winless Season

In 2018, Kyle Larson made it to the playoffs despite a winless season, and was involved in a wreck at the Charlotte Roval.

February 26, 2019: Controversial Comments on NBC Sports

On February 26, 2019, Kyle Larson sparked controversy on NBC Sports' Splash & Go! by joking that Hendrick Motorsports starts 'cheating and finding some speed' into the start of a season, resulting in an apology to Rick Hendrick.

2019: Kevin Meendering filled in for Cliff Daniels

In 2019, Kevin Meendering served as a crew chief for Jimmie Johnson during the season and was later brought in to replace Cliff Daniels in 2022

2019: Won 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race

In 2019, Kyle Larson won the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race. After a 2nd-place finish at Darlington, Larson clinched his spot in the playoffs for the fourth straight year despite no wins.

January 18, 2020: Won Chili Bowl Nationals

On January 18, 2020, Kyle Larson won his first Chili Bowl Nationals over Christopher Bell.

February 28, 2020: Re-joined GMS Racing, then Released

On February 28, 2020, Kyle Larson announced he would be re-joining GMS Racing to pursue a bounty offered by Kevin Harvick to beat Kyle Busch. Following his suspension from NASCAR, Larson was released from the team.

April 13, 2020: Suspension and Sponsorship Termination

On April 13, 2020, Kyle Larson was suspended by Chip Ganassi Racing and NASCAR after using a racial slur during an iRacing event. Multiple corporations like McDonald's, Credit One Bank, and Chevrolet terminated their sponsorship. Larson was also suspended by the World of Outlaws.

August 2020: Dirt Late Model Debut and Win

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

October 2020: Apology and Accountability

In October 2020, Kyle Larson apologized for using a racial slur in an essay posted on his website. He took accountability for his actions, including his suspension and dismissal, and sought reinstatement to the Cup Series. He also mentioned his sensitivity training and efforts to learn more about the African-American community.

October 2020: Permission to Continue Dirt Racing

In October 2020, following his reinstatement by NASCAR and signing with Hendrick Motorsports, Kyle Larson noted that he would be permitted to continue dirt racing, in addition to the Cup Series.

October 28, 2020: Signed with Hendrick Motorsports

On October 28, 2020, Hendrick Motorsports signed Kyle Larson to a multi-year deal to drive the No. 5 car beginning in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season. Hendrick would self-sponsor the car through HendrickCars.com and NationsGuard. Larson was allowed to continue dirt racing.

2020: Team Closure Due to COVID-19

In 2020, Kyle Larson Racing closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues.

2020: USAC Series and Sprint Car Wins

In 2020, Kyle Larson joined the USAC series for the Indiana Midget Week, winning all six races. He continued to win nine straight sprint car features. He also won at Grandview Speedway and Hagerstown.

2020: 2020 Daytona 500 and Auto Club 400

In 2020, Kyle Larson started the season with a 10th-place finish at the Daytona 500. During the Auto Club 400, Denny Hamlin turned Larson into the turn 1 wall, resulting in a 21st-place finish. When the season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Larson was seventh in points.

2020: Mitch Smith Memorial and Pennsylvania Speedweek Title

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

January 1, 2021: Reinstatement to NASCAR

On January 1, 2021, NASCAR reinstated Kyle Larson's competition privileges, marking his return to the sport after suspension.

January 16, 2021: Second Consecutive Chili Bowl Nationals Win

On January 16, 2021, Kyle Larson won his second consecutive Chili Bowl Nationals.

March 17, 2021: Drove for Niece Motorsports

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

2021: Drive No. 5 car in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season

In 2021, Hendrick Motorsports signed Kyle Larson to a multi-year deal to drive the No. 5 car in the NASCAR Cup Series season. The team negotiated a clause in the contract allowing Larson to continue racing dirt races, provided that he focused primarily on the Cup program.

2021: First win with HMS at Las Vegas

In 2021, Kyle Larson began his season with a 10th-place finish at the Daytona 500. Three weeks later, Larson scored his first win with HMS at Las Vegas.

2021: 5th Victory and Regular Season Championship

In 2021, Kyle Larson scored his 5th victory of the season at Watkins Glen, a career-high. Following the Coke Zero Sugar 400, Larson clinched the regular season championship.

2021: NASCAR Cup Series championship

In 2021, Kyle Larson won his 10th race of the season at Phoenix, securing his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. He became the first driver to have 10 wins and a championship in the same season since Jimmie Johnson did it in 2007. Larson ended the season with 10 wins, 18 stage wins, 20 top fives, 26 top tens, and 2,581 laps led.

2021: Won Coca-Cola 600 and NASCAR All-Star Race

In 2021, Kyle Larson won the Coca-Cola 600, marking the 269th Cup victory for Hendrick Motorsports, surpassing Petty Enterprises. He also won his first road course win at Sonoma and the NASCAR All-Star Race, becoming the 8th driver to win both the Coca-Cola 600 and the All-Star race in the same season. At Nashville, Larson scored his third consecutive win (All-Star races, as they are not points-paying, are not included).

September 16, 2022: Contract Extension with HMS

On September 16, 2022, HMS announced that Kyle Larson had signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with the team through 2026.

2022: Won at Watkins Glen

In 2022, Kyle Larson drove the No. 17 car for Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) at Road America, finishing 2nd, and won at Watkins Glen.

2022: 2022 Season

In 2022, Kyle Larson started on the pole at the Daytona 500 and finished 32nd after a crash. He rebounded with a win at Auto Club Speedway. At Sonoma, Larson's car lost a wheel, leading to a crew chief suspension. He scored his second win at Watkins Glen, but his engine blew up at Daytona.

March 15, 2023: L2 Penalty at Phoenix

On March 15, 2023, the No. 5 team received an L2 penalty for an unapproved hood louver found during a pre-race inspection at Phoenix. The team was docked points, and crew chief Cliff Daniels was suspended and fined. However, the points were later restored.

2023: Won at North Wilkesboro

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 and All-Star Win

In 2023, Kyle Larson scored his 20th career Cup Series win at Richmond and won at Martinsville, marking the first win for the No. 5 car at that track since 1984. He also won his third career All-Star race, 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.

2023: Won at Darlington

In 2023, Kyle Larson won at Darlington after a last lap pass on John Hunter Nemechek.

2023: Knoxville Nationals Win

In 2023, Kyle Larson won the Knoxville Nationals.

2024: 2024 Season

In 2024, Kyle Larson started the season with an 11th-place finish at the Daytona 500. He scored his first win of the season at Las Vegas. At the Kansas spring race, Larson won by 0.001 seconds over Chris Buescher. He attempted to run both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600.

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.

2024: Won Knoxville Nationals

In 2024, Larson won the Knoxville Nationals.

January 18, 2025: Third Chili Bowl Nationals Victory

On January 18, 2025, Kyle Larson secured his third Chili Bowl Nationals victory, leading the entire race.

March 4, 2025: Won at Homestead

On March 4, 2025, Kyle Larson won at Homestead after overcoming a late race spin, competing in the No. 07 truck for Spire Motorsports.

2025: 2025 Season

In 2025, Kyle Larson started the season with a 20th-place finish at the Daytona 500. He scored his 30th career win at Homestead and his second win of the season at the Bristol spring race. At Kansas, Larson scored his third win of the season, tying him with Dale Jarrett.

2025: Won at Bristol and Texas

In 2025, Kyle Larson won at Bristol. On May 3, Kyle Larson substituted for Connor Zilisch at Texas where he scored his second Xfinity Series win of the season.