Kyle Larson made a heartfelt appearance at a special charity event, Catwalk for a Cause, commemorating Sherry Pollex and raising funds for children affected by illness. Participating as part of his ongoing Kyle Larson charity appearance efforts, the Hendrick Motorsports driver joined other NASCAR and NFL personalities on Tuesday at the Ten Tenths Motor Club in a night dedicated to giving back.
Sherry Pollex, the late partner of Martin Truex Jr., lost her fight with ovarian cancer in 2023 after a courageous nine-year battle but left behind a legacy of advocacy and compassion. Pollex, who was 44 at the time of her passing, devoted her life to supporting others facing medical hardships, founding the Sherry Strong Integrative Medicine Oncology Clinic and the Catwalk for a Cause charity event in 2009. Her enduring dedication has inspired ongoing annual gatherings aimed at raising vital support for families in need.
Kyle Larson and Racing Community Unite on the Runway
The 2025 Catwalk for a Cause brought together a notable group of NASCAR figures, including Kyle Busch, Samantha Busch, Joey Logano, John Hunter Nemechek, and Daniel Hemric, alongside Kyle Larson. During the event, Larson and his wife, Katelyn Larson, walked the runway accompanied by children whose lives have been touched by cancer, congenital heart defects, or in vitro fertilization journeys. Their participation highlighted the event’s focus on hope and resilience for affected families.
Larson expressed his deep appreciation for being part of the occasion and the ongoing legacy of Sherry Pollex. After the event, he posted photos of himself on stage and shared his sentiments, saying:
“Honored to be a part and walk alongside these kids at Catwalk For Causes last night. Sherry’s vision brought so much hope, love, and strength to so many families, and I’m grateful that through the @kylelarsonfoundation, among others, we can keep that spirit alive.”
– Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports driver
The event’s charitable impact was strengthened through joint efforts from Larson’s own foundation, Samantha and Kyle Busch’s Bundle of Joy initiative, and Greg Olsen’s HEARTest Yard. The night concluded with both silent and live auctions, boosting total funds raised to over $450,000 and reaffirming the commitment to provide ongoing support for children and families facing serious health challenges.
Bristol Motor Speedway Challenges: Larson Reflects on Recent Race
Shortly after the charitable celebration, Kyle Larson competed at Bristol Motor Speedway, a track known for its demanding conditions and unique racing lines. Reflecting on the recent NASCAR Cup Series event, Larson described the constant adjustments drivers must make on the high-banked oval, noting that handling challenges make racing there unpredictable and physically taxing for drivers.
Larson joined NASCAR analyst Mamba Smith on Inside the Race podcast to discuss his experience at Bristol. He explained the delicate balance required to navigate the tricky surface and lane choices, highlighting the difficulties posed by car setup and on-track traffic.
“If your car is not handling right, you know, if you’re too tight, you know, then you’re trying to create different angles or different speeds and different points, and it becomes just really difficult. Same if you’re too loose, too. I mean, it’s not a fun place to be kind of bouncing on your right rear through one and two and just being sharp and on the edge of you losing grip,” Kyle Larson said. [6:05 onwards]
– Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports driver
Despite Larson’s skill and determination, the #5 Chevy Camaro ZL1 driver qualified fifth for the short track event but finished in 32nd position after contending with the circuit’s challenges. With 3032 points, he currently maintains third place in the Cup Series points standings and has a 24-point cushion over the cutoff line, keeping his championship hopes alive as the season progresses.
A Lasting Impact and Forward Momentum
The Catwalk for a Cause event, propelled by Kyle Larson’s vibrant presence and the joint force of the NASCAR community, made a powerful statement about resilience and giving. Sherry Pollex’s philanthropic vision continues to drive meaningful action, with over $450,000 raised this year for vital pediatric and family causes. As NASCAR heads toward pivotal races like the All-Star event, participants like Larson and the organizations involved remain committed to carrying forward both competitive spirit and community support, ensuring that Sherry’s message of hope and strength endures for years to come.
