Kyle Larson, a champion racer for Hendrick Motorsports, firmly refuted ongoing claims that he races in NASCAR purely for financial gain, instead highlighting his deep passion for the sport. With the 2025 season finale approaching, Larson opened up about his motivation, making it clear that his commitment comes from love for racing rather than lucrative rewards—directly addressing the ongoing rumors that have cast shadows over his legacy.
Larson Addresses Persistent Rumors Over His NASCAR Motivation
Throughout his career, Kyle Larson has faced persistent narratives suggesting his primary interest in NASCAR is monetary. This accusation has been difficult for Larson, who has become one of the leading drivers of his generation and clinched the championship in 2021 with Hendrick Motorsports. As the 2025 Bill France Cup finale approaches—where he will contend with Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and William Byron—Larson took the opportunity to confront these characterizations head-on.
Something that’s bugged me throughout my whole career is that everybody just assumes I’m here for the money, and that’s not the case at all. I would not be here if I did not want to be a NASCAR. I love the sport — I love what it provides, but I love what I’m doing.
Kyle Larson said via Fox Sports.
Larson underscored that, for him, NASCAR is more than just a career—it’s where his passion lies. He explained that if his interest was purely financial or if he lacked enthusiasm for stock car racing, he could have pursued a full-time stint in sprint car racing years ago. Despite the pressures and longevity of his racing career, he has found fulfillment with his team, relishing every opportunity to perform at the highest level.
If I wanted to go race sprint cars full time, I would have done that a long time ago. Even Cliff, he asks me all the time, ‘How long do you think you’re gonna do this?’ And I’m like, ‘I don’t know, a long time.’ So, I’m happy doing what I’m doing. And I’ve always been happy being in NASCAR. I’ve been in it for 12 something years.
Kyle Larson added.
The veteran racer also pointed to pivotal moments in his career, particularly his comeback following a suspension in 2020 after using racially insensitive language. Larson emphasized that his return to NASCAR was motivated by his desire to prove himself and because of his love for racing, not external factors. He has maintained a busy racing schedule, continuing to compete in multiple non-NASCAR sprint car events annually, reflecting his overall devotion to motorsports.
f I wasn’t having fun, I’d be gone. I would have not tried to come back in 2020. … For me, I get to compete in NASCAR, and I love doing that. And I also get to compete in 30 to 40 sprint car races a year.
Kyle Larson asserted.
Despite public assumptions, Larson’s ongoing participation in both NASCAR and sprint car circuits demonstrates his genuine enthusiasm for the sport itself. The No. 5 Chevy driver—often referred to as “young money”—expressed satisfaction with his decade-plus career, adding that he intends to continue racing as long as he remains passionate and competitive.
Approaching the 2025 NASCAR Finale With Renewed Confidence
With the championship race at Phoenix looming, Kyle Larson has expressed unprecedented optimism regarding his opportunity to secure another title. Larson believes Hendrick Motorsports has finally fine-tuned their approach to the short track package in the Next Gen era, setting up the team for a strong outing at the season finale.
This is probably the best I’ve felt about what we’re bringing for Final Four compared to any other year. I think finally, in the Next Gen era, we’ve gotten our short track stuff better, short flat track package better…so yeah.
Kyle Larson said.
This surge in confidence comes after strong performances at Gateway and New Hampshire, two flat short tracks where the team’s new setups showed significant promise. Larson sees parallels between those tracks and Phoenix, hinting at a potentially better-than-ever shot at earning the Cup championship in this generation of cars.
We went to Gateway and were super strong. New Hampshire, we were really good, and Phoenix is somewhat similar to those places, so I think we’ll have a better opportunity to win a championship than we’ve ever had in the Next-Gen era.
Kyle Larson added.
As Larson prepares to face off against rivals like Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and teammate William Byron, there is buzz around the garage regarding whether Rick Hendrick’s drivers can bring home another title, or if Joe Gibbs’ team can reclaim victory for the first time since 2019. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the competition intensifies and the stakes grow higher in the quest for NASCAR supremacy.
Significance for Larson, Hendrick Motorsports, and the NASCAR Community
The statements Larson made have further strengthened his connection with a loyal fanbase that appreciates drivers motivated by pure love for racing. Hendrick Motorsports, under the guidance of Rick Hendrick, continues to shape the narrative of dedication within the garage, especially as NASCAR heads into one of its most closely contested finales. The focus on Kyle Larson NASCAR motivation has energized supporters and brought renewed attention to the commitment and passion of elite competitors in the field.
The outcome of the season finale will not only impact the individual legacies of racers like Larson, Hamlin, Briscoe, and Byron, but may also define the direction of NASCAR’s Next Gen era. As anticipation builds at Phoenix, the entire motorsports community awaits to see which driver and team will rise to the occasion and claim the coveted Bill France Cup.
