Kyle Larson praises Ryan Timms following a record-breaking victory in the dirt racing world, lauding the 18-year-old’s exceptional talent and recent triumph at the Knoxville Nationals. The celebration of Timms’ remarkable ascent highlights the emergence of a new contender on the racing scene, drawing attention from fellow drivers and fans alike.
Larson Recognizes Timms’ Breakthrough Victory
Kyle Larson, who captured the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series title, has openly commended Ryan Timms’ recent success. The young racer astonished the motorsports community by winning the Knoxville Nationals at just 18 years old—an accomplishment not seen since Kenny Weld’s win in 1964. The feat positioned Timms as the youngest champion of the event in nearly six decades, catching the intense admiration of his peers.
“He’s been killing it this year,”
Kyle Larson, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, said on the Stacking Pennies podcast, reflecting the broader sentiment within the racing world. Timms’ victory earned him an impressive prize of $190,000, signaling not just personal achievement but a rise in recognition at the highest level of dirt track racing.
Teamwork and Preparation Drive Success
Larson also credited the quality of Timms’ racing team, observing the synergy that contributed to the championship performance at Knoxville.
“Their car is really, really good too. That was awesome to see him.”
— Kyle Larson, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. The winning combination of a well-prepared crew and Timms’ driving acumen showcased what the next generation of racers brings to the track: innovation, discipline, and exhilarating skill.

A Unique Pathway to Prominence
Ryan Timms’ rapid rise can be traced to his distinct journey in motorsports. While many promising young drivers follow family traditions, Timms foraged his own route. Inspired initially by the appeal of Late Model cars, which he once described as “way cooler,” he quickly shifted gears after steering junior sprints at eight years old. By age 12, Timms had already secured a junior sprint title at the Tulsa Shootout, laying the groundwork for his current status as one of the sport’s most formidable young talents.
Future Ambitions and NASCAR Prospects
With victory and substantial rewards now part of his resume, speculation grows about whether Timms might pursue NASCAR in the future. While Larson mused that the lucrative potential in dirt racing could keep Timms grounded in open-wheel competition, the idea of his skills translating to NASCAR excites industry observers. Fans, analysts, and fellow drivers all weigh in on the possibility, eager to see whether his trajectory could lead him onto stock car racing’s biggest stages.
The Next Chapter for Ryan Timms
As Ryan Timms continues to thrive on dirt tracks, his star grows brighter within the racing community. His achievements at a young age and the praise from established figures like Kyle Larson underscore his status as a rising force. The impact of Timms’ win at the Knoxville Nationals has sparked interest across the sport, raising questions about what lies ahead for this talented driver and how his career might influence the next wave of competition in both dirt and stock car racing.