Dale Earnhardt Jr. has voiced fresh doubts about Kyle Larson NASCAR performance after Indy 500, pointing to a noticeable lack of standout finishes since Larson’s attempt at the 2025 Indianapolis 500. The remarks came during a recent episode of Earnhardt Jr.’s Dirty Mo Media broadcast, where he analyzed Larson’s results after participating in both the Indy 500 and the Charlotte race in May.
Earnhardt Jr., serving as a prominent NASCAR commentator, emphasized that while Larson has not entirely lost his edge, his post-Indy 500 performances do not meet the high expectations he has previously set. Although Larson has managed some finishes inside the top five, Earnhardt Jr. argues that the number of true contending runs has diminished since May. Echoing this view, Earnhardt Jr. highlighted the consistent excellence typically associated with Larson.
“Everybody’s careful about this one,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., Commentator
He elaborated by mentioning that Larson, known for challenging for victories every few races, has failed to produce a signature result since entering both marquee events in May. For Earnhardt Jr., the concern is not limited to a single underwhelming race, but rather a broader trend in Larson’s performance pattern.
“He hasn’t had a reasonable result or a Larson-style performance since Indy,”
he added. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., Commentator
Tracking Larson’s Recent NASCAR Results and Trends
Statistically, Kyle Larson has developed a reputation for finishing among the top contenders every third event, often appearing poised for victory. According to Earnhardt Jr., that dominant pace has been missing throughout the summer stretch. He pointed to road courses and tracks like Pocono as potential factors affecting Larson’s ability to find his rhythm on race weekends.
“We’re used to seeing Larson, every third race at least running in the top two, top three, battling for the win,”
Earnhardt Jr. added. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., Commentator
Although Larson has not entirely fallen down the order, his lack of front-running authority is drawing attention. The conversation reveals a complex mix of admiration for Larson’s skills and concern that his current form does not align with established expectations. Earnhardt Jr. speculated that the demanding summer schedule and track variations might be impacting Larson’s consistency, but he reaffirmed confidence in the driver’s talent and potential for recovery. If Larson were to win the next race, Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged he would not be caught off guard, yet he maintained that the slip in results since May remains significant.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reflects on Earnhardt Family Legacy and New Podcast Release
Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt Jr. stepped back into the spotlight for a different reason with the release of new archival images promoting season two of his “Becoming Earnhardt” podcast on July 14. This new chapter spotlights the 1980 campaign of his father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., in the Cup Series, following up the inaugural season’s coverage of 1979.
The latest podcast material draws on rare images sourced from Earnhardt Jr.’s aunt’s collection, depicting moments from the 1980 Mello Yello 300 at Charlotte. In that race, David Pearson captured pole position and the victory, while Earnhardt Sr.—starting second—crashed out after just 60 laps. The podium that day included drivers such as Bobby Allison, who drove the Camaro prepared by Earnhardt Jr.’s grandfather, Robert Gee.
“1980 Mello Yello 300. Charlotte. Pole sitter David Pearson would win. Dad started 2nd but crashed after 60 laps… Bobby Allison started 4th and finished 2nd in my grandfather Robert’s Gee’s Camaro,”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. wrote on X. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., Commentator
Not only do the images feature cars like the Osterlund Ventura driven by his father, but they also connect to stories inside the team, such as the fallout between crew chief Jake Elder and car owner Rod Osterlund. According to Earnhardt Jr., Elder was frustrated by team decisions permitting Earnhardt Sr. to participate in feeder events at the expense of the Cup pursuit. Elder’s departure after Charlotte opened a new chapter, and Earnhardt Sr. ultimately secured the season championship.
What the Recent Developments Mean for Larson, Earnhardt Jr., and NASCAR
The recent scrutiny of Kyle Larson’s NASCAR performance after Indy 500, articulated by Dale Earnhardt Jr., highlights how quickly expectations can shift for top drivers facing unique challenges. Larson’s form remains a central storyline, set against the backdrop of NASCAR’s evolving competitive landscape and a demanding summer schedule.
At the same time, Earnhardt Jr.’s efforts to document and celebrate his family’s racing history through new podcast episodes and rare photographs serve as a reminder of the sport’s deep-rooted legacy. Together, these developments underscore the persistent pressures and persistent achievements that define figures like Kyle Larson and the Earnhardt family within NASCAR’s ongoing narrative.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?
A. While Larson might not surpass Verstappen in Formula 1, he stands out as more adaptable overall. Bianchi notes that Larson’s experience is broader. He achieves success in many very different types of cars.
