For years, Kyle Larson openly talked about eventually stepping away from NASCAR to pursue a full-time Sprint Car schedule.
Today, that isn’t the plan anymore.
Instead, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion says the biggest influence on whatever comes next won’t be another racing series at all. It’ll be his family.
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Speaking to Motorsport.com ahead of next weekend’s Iowa Speedway race, Larson explained that his thinking has shifted dramatically since he first floated the idea of leaving NASCAR before turning 40 to chase another championship.
Kyle Larson says his children will shape what’s next
Kyle Larson with children Owen Larson, Audrey Larson and Cooper Larson Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Larson admitted that reaching age 40 remains an important checkpoint in his career, but not necessarily because he expects to retire.
“I started saying this last year, but 40 is my next milestone,” Larson said. “I want to get there and then evaluate if I want to keep going or be done. It all depends on where my kids are in their lives and interests.”
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That marks a notable change from the vision Larson shared several years ago, when he hoped to devote himself to Sprint Car racing after his NASCAR career.
Since then, Larson has built one of the most accomplished résumés in motorsports. Along with winning two Cup Series championships, he has continued racing dirt events while collecting victories in marquee races including the Knoxville Nationals, Kings Royal and Chili Bowl.
With those accomplishments already on his résumé, Larson no longer feels the same urgency to pursue a full-time Sprint Car championship.
The dream has changed
Larson said he believes he’s already achieved much of what he wanted outside NASCAR.
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“As far as competing for a Sprint Car championship, I would say right now in 2026, that I have changed my mind on that,” Larson said. “I feel like I have accomplished a lot since I made those comments.”
He continued:
“I just don’t know what a championship would add to my career so I’m just not into the idea now. And like I said, I think my kids are going to be busy doing their own racing by that time, so do I really want to commit to an 80-to-90 race schedule?”
Larson laughed before adding: “That’s way busier than I am now.”
His oldest son, Owen, is already competing in youth racing, while daughter Audrey has also begun racing. Youngest son Cooper is approaching the age where he could soon follow the same path.
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Rather than planning his own next chapter around another demanding racing schedule, Larson indicated he’ll likely spend those years supporting theirs.
For one of NASCAR’s busiest drivers, the future no longer appears centered on squeezing more races into his calendar. Instead, it may revolve around standing on the other side of the pit wall as a father watching his own children chase racing dreams.
