During a recent Field Day interview hosted by That Guy Garf on YouTube, Kyle Larson, widely recognized as a leading driver at Hendrick Motorsports, was asked about the “LeBron James” equivalent in NASCAR, and later, who he believes is the Jimmie Johnson NASCAR greatest of all time. In response, Larson named Jimmie Johnson, highlighting the significance of Johnson’s achievements in the modern era of stock car racing.
“I think the greatest of all time would be Jimmy Johnson. I mean seven-time champion in the modern era of NASCAR, I think you know, I just think like it just gets tougher and tougher to win races and win championships with formats and cars getting better and closer and drivers getting better. So for what he did, winning five in a row and then another two like in the modern era is incredible.” —Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports driver
Jimmie Johnson, inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2024, is now co-owner of Legacy Motor Club. Johnson’s reputation is unmatched—he remains the only driver to earn five straight Cup Series championships from 2006 through 2010, and he shares the record for most premier series titles with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. Johnson’s impact on NASCAR continues as he helps guide Legacy Motor Club while being cited as a benchmark for greatness by current competitors.
Comparisons Between Larson and Johnson’s Approach
Larson’s admiration for Johnson’s sustained excellence is echoed by Steve Letarte, a former NASCAR crew chief. After Larson’s third win of the season at the AdventHealth 400 in Kansas, Letarte discussed the similarities between the two drivers during NASCAR’s Inside the Race segment. Letarte, having witnessed Johnson’s dominance firsthand, attributes much of Johnson’s legacy to his consistent humility and authenticity across both his championship years and his present role as a team owner.
“For me, his personality (Larson) reminds me a little of Jimmie in his prime. I was fortunate enough, crew chief in the building and saw Jimmie. 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, I just feel like he is as authentic as he can be. And I get a little bit of that out of Kyle Larson,” Steve Letarte said. —Steve Letarte, Former NASCAR Crew Chief
Letarte acknowledges distinctions in personality, but finds the authentic and honest qualities shared between Larson and Johnson notable, positioning both drivers as figures who exemplify the best traits of successful competitors.
Addressing the ‘Greatest Driver in the World’ Debate
Preparing for the Viva Mexico 250, Kyle Larson was interviewed by Amazon Prime about being labeled as the world’s best driver. The Hendrick Motorsports star, while flattered by such comparisons, remains grounded. He referenced legendary drivers Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, AJ Foyt, and Mario Andretti, expressing gratitude for being considered alongside such iconic figures, but emphasized his intention to continue working toward deserving those accolades.
“But I’m still, I’m only 32 and I’ve got a lot of racing left to do, and hope I can accomplish a lot more to really feel like I’m deserving of that credit, but I do appreciate it and it just makes me kind of have more drive to try and live up to that hype, I guess.” —Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports driver
As of now, Larson sits second in the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 569 points and leads the playoff standings with 23 points, demonstrating both his ongoing pursuit of excellence and his position among the sport’s elite.
The Lasting Influence of Jimmie Johnson on NASCAR
Jimmie Johnson’s accomplishments set a towering standard in NASCAR, providing a benchmark for future stars like Kyle Larson. As both an active co-owner at Legacy Motor Club and a seven-time champion, Johnson’s impact extends across generations of drivers, crew chiefs like Steve Letarte, and fans worldwide. With Larson openly striving to emulate Johnson’s achievements and characteristics, the conversation about who is the greatest continues to inspire current competitors to reach new heights in the world of stock car racing.
The dialogue on Jimmie Johnson NASCAR greatest of all time status not only celebrates an iconic career but also underlines how each era of racing builds on legends before it, with drivers such as Larson aiming for their own place in the sport’s history.
