Kyle Larson praises Ryan Timms following Timms’ record-breaking victory at the Knoxville Nationals in August, where he became the youngest champion since Kenny Weld in 1964. During a recent appearance on the Stacking Pennies podcast, Larson expressed admiration for the teenager’s rapid ascent in the dirt racing world.
Larson Recognizes Timms’ Achievements in Dirt Racing
Ryan Timms’ performance at the Knoxville Nationals made a significant impact, attracting the attention of established figures like 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson. Timms, only 18, has demonstrated remarkable skill and composure in one of racing’s most competitive environments, becoming a source of excitement for fans and fellow drivers alike.
On the Stacking Pennies podcast, Larson took a moment to spotlight Timms’ accomplishments, saying,
He has been killing it this year. Their car is really, really good too. That was awesome to see him. I can’t imagine being 18 or whatever he is and winning 190,000 dollars and winning the biggest race of the year and then back it up…
—Kyle Larson, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
The HMS driver continued his praise, stating,
I think that was cool too, that his team was really prepared and confident. But he is good. I have no clue if he wants to get to NASCAR, anything like that. The money he is getting is so much better in dirt racing, like I think a lot of those guys are like Why…
—Kyle Larson, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
Choosing His Own Path in Racing
Ryan Timms’ journey diverges from the typical family tradition in motorsports. While he was raised around Late Model racing due to his father’s involvement, Timms chose to pursue open-wheel racing. Even as a child, Timms expressed a preference for Late Models, initially stating he thought they were “cooler.” However, a shift came when his father introduced him to junior sprints, which led the young driver to develop a passion for sprint cars and open-wheel competition.
This decision led Timms down a unique route. Instead of following directly in his father’s footsteps, he carved a separate legacy in dirt racing. By age 8, Timms started his career on micro-sprint tracks across Oklahoma. His natural talent became evident quickly, as he clinched the junior sprint division of the prestigious Tulsa Shootout on New Year‘s Eve in 2017, establishing himself as one of the most promising young open-wheel drivers in the country.
The Future: Dirt Racing or Stock Cars?
Despite his success in sprint cars, Timms’ future direction remains a topic of discussion among fans and industry observers. While some speculate about a possible transition to NASCAR, the teenager appears content and prosperous in the dirt racing scene for now. The financial rewards and personal fulfillment he has found in sprint cars provide little reason to shift to stock car racing at this stage. Nonetheless, many, including figures like Kyle Larson, remain curious about whether Timms might one day bring his talents to NASCAR. For the moment, though, the dirt tracks remain the arena where Timms continues to build his impressive racing resume.
