Kyle Larson’s recent surge in the NASCAR Cup Series has prompted a compelling comparison to Jimmie Johnson, one of NASCAR’s most celebrated drivers, as former crew chief Steve Letarte highlighted. With his second win in four races at Kansas Speedway, Larson not only climbed to the top of the drivers’ standings, but also ignited fresh discussions about his racing approach and how it mirrors the drive and identity of Jimmie Johnson during the peak of his storied career. This conversation echoes throughout the racing community, intensifying after Larson’s string of victories and relentless focus on multiple racing circuits this season.
Larson’s versatility and unyielding concentration have stood out, especially as he juggles appearances in NASCAR’s Xfinity and Truck Series, in addition to his dirt track exploits. His ability to seamlessly excel across different platforms, all while preparing for a double-header on Memorial Day weekend—including attempts at the Indy 500 with Arrow McLaren and the grueling Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway—demonstrates a rare stamina and adaptability. Letarte, a veteran observer who tracked Jimmie Johnson’s rise as crew chief for Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr, expressed admiration for Larson’s “authentic” demeanor, pointing out how both drivers showcase the essential qualities of elite racers regardless of the track or event.
“I want to focus on Kyle. He is really, really, really good in anything he sits in,”
Letarte explained.
“For me, his personality reminds me of Jimmie in his prime. I was fortunate enough [as] crew chief in the building and saw Jimmie [regularly].”
He further shared,
“I’ll admit from race 1 to championship seven to today, when I call Jimmie Johnson on the phone it’s the same guy. The conversation may change a little bit but he is the same humble, aw shucks, even as a team owner he feels like he is as authentic as he can be. And I get a little bit of that out of Kyle Larson.”
Letarte’s deep familiarity with Jimmie Johnson’s character and racing persona allows him to spot the same honest, competitive streak in Larson, even though their personal styles differ.
Continuing the comparison, Letarte added,
“Now their personalities are very different, but that authentic honest trait, whether I get Kyle Larson on a golf course, whether that is at a dirt track, whether it is the Cup garage, I was even fortunate enough to talk to him when he did do the Indy 500 on NBC, I don’t know if anyone is more comfortable being a badass race car driver than Kyle Larson. I know that sounds weird. I’m trying to think of a personality trait but he is the quintessential race car driver. AJ Foyt, put him on the wall, Al Unser, put him on the wall, Rick Mears, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kyle Larson, put him on the wall as well.”
Larson’s performance trajectory with Hendrick Motorsports since winning his maiden title in 2021 has kept fans and analysts inspired. He continues to be a consistent frontrunner, finishing second overall in 2023, narrowly missing another championship, and amassing 32 victories in the top tier of stock car racing. While the coveted Daytona 500 podium remains elusive, the Jimmie Johnson driving style comparison has amplified expectations and excitement. Looking forward, Larson’s ability to maintain such high standards across diverse racing challenges could further define his legacy, potentially placing him in the same enduring spotlight as Jimmie Johnson for years to come.
