Kyle Larson has addressed his future in full-time NASCAR racing, stating his long-term plans could be shaped heavily by how his personal life unfolds in the coming years. Larson, who drives for Hendrick Motorsports and remains a top competitor, made it clear that his Kyle Larson NASCAR retirement plans hinge on the balance between his career and his growing family.
Larson Weighs the Timing of Retirement from Full-Time NASCAR Competition
Currently 33 years old, Kyle Larson continues to stand out as one of NASCAR’s most adaptable drivers, successfully racing in various NASCAR series, participating in dirt track events, and even competing in the prestigious Indy 500. In a recent appearance on The Podium Finish’s Hot Seat, Larson was asked about how long he sees himself racing at NASCAR’s highest level. He responded candidly:
“Yeah. That’s definitely a tough question to ask because I think that thought and idea probably changes every year, or probably even less than every year,” Larson said. “Every time I might think about it in my head, it might change. But, I think for me, I’m 33 right now. I think it’s realistic to see me race in Cup until I’m 40.” (9:20 onwards) – Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver
Having captured the Cup Series title in 2021, Larson suggested that age 40 may be a natural turning point to decide the next steps for his racing journey. What happens after that age will largely depend on where his three children—Owen, Audrey, and Cooper—are in their lives and activities.
“That’s almost seven years from now. Owen will be going close to 18 years old by that point. And uh yeah, Audrey would be about 14 and Cooper would be, you know, about 10, which would be Owen’s age right now,” Larson added. “So, life will look a lot different at that point. It probably comes down to really what they’re into and all that. But I really enjoy what I’m doing right now and I just don’t know if that changes when I’m 40.” – Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver
The Larson Family’s Racing Routine Adds Another Layer to Retirement Decision
For Kyle Larson, racing is far more than just his own career. His children, especially his oldest son Owen and daughter Audrey, regularly compete at Millbridge Speedway in Salisbury, North Carolina—a well-known developmental track for young drivers eyeing futures in NASCAR. Even Cooper, his youngest, is absorbing the racing lifestyle by spending considerable time at the track, although he is a few years away from competing himself.
Earlier this year, Audrey celebrated her first victory at Millbridge, an achievement that deeply resonated with Larson and brought back memories of his own early racing experiences. The day-to-day life of the Larson family, including their increasing involvement at various racetracks, is a central part of what will ultimately influence Kyle Larson’s long-term career decisions.
Juggling Fatherhood and Racing Commitments
As Larson considered how his children’s future pursuits might affect his own, he shared his mixed emotions over missing some significant moments. Amid a busy NASCAR schedule and ongoing commitments to dirt and sprint car racing, Larson said:
“It’s a lot of fun to see them enjoying racing and getting really involved in it,” Larson added in the aforementioned interview. “I wish I could go to a lot more of it. I get to go to quite a bit, I feel like of their Millbridge stuff. But they’ve been traveling a fair bit this year – Oklahoma, Illinois, some places around the Midwest – and I don’t ever get to go to those. But it’s cool to see them building just lifelong memories.” (11:10 onwards) – Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver
Larson heightened this emotional reflection by discussing the natural talent and dedication emerging in his kids. He highlighted Owen’s sharpening focus and improved performance on the track, while expressing particular pride in Audrey’s determination and work ethic.
has always put in a lot of work,
Larson’s pride in his children’s commitment is evident, and he considers these developments as he contemplates his own timeline in the sport. After nearly 15 years of professional racing, and as he preps for another Championship 4 appearance, the role of fatherhood has never felt more significant to his NASCAR journey.
Family To Play a Major Factor in Larson’s Future
As he continues to pursue race wins and championship titles for Hendrick Motorsports, the next several years will be crucial for Larson’s career plans. The realization that his children are rapidly growing and carving out their own identities in the sport is prompting him to weigh how best to support them, while maintaining his own competitive ambitions.
Kyle Larson NASCAR retirement plans now seem intimately connected to his role as a father and to the emerging dreams of his children—especially as Owen, Audrey, and Cooper become more deeply embedded in the racing world at places like Millbridge Speedway and venues across North Carolina, Illinois, and Oklahoma. As Larson’s career intersects with theirs, his eventual decision is poised to shape not just his own future but also the next chapter for his family in motorsports.
The coming seasons promise to be transformative for both Kyle Larson and his family. As NASCAR fans and insiders alike watch closely, attention will remain fixed on whether Larson continues his career into his forties or decides to step back to prioritize the racing aspirations and memories he hopes his children will make on and off the track.
