In a year marked by major changes within the sport, Kyle Larson, fresh off securing his second Cup Series championship, has announced his evolving approach for the upcoming season, directly addressing his future NASCAR 2026 plans. As NASCAR’s partnership with O’Reilly Auto Parts ushers in a new era for the series once known as Xfinity, Larson faces unique challenges and opportunities as he looks to balance his commitments in multiple racing disciplines while maintaining his competitive edge.
During the 2025 season, Larson competed in various high-profile events, including qualifying for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race in Bristol, Tennessee—one of several tracks where he pushed the limits with Hendrick Motorsports. A significant moment came in July, when his final Xfinity Series race of the year at Indianapolis Motor Speedway ended abruptly after contact with Justin Allgaier led to a crash, highlighting the difficulties that arise when Cup drivers transition into Xfinity races. Connor Zilisch, a fellow competitor, attributed some of the tense competition to limits on Cup drivers’ participation in lower series, an issue that prompted NASCAR to revise its policies for the 2026 season.
NASCAR Policy Changes Open New Opportunities for Cup Drivers
The 2026 season introduces a major shift in the way NASCAR stars approach the second-tier series. With O’Reilly Auto Parts stepping in as the new title sponsor and updated participation guidelines, veteran Cup drivers like Kyle Larson are permitted up to 10 races in the rebranded series per season. Speaking about the rule adjustment, Larson told Kevin Harvick,
“I don’t think I’ll be able to get to the limit on the Xfinity side. I think we’re all going to share a car like we typically have done. But yeah, I picked out a few, so I’m already excited about whatever that series is called next year, too. But um yeah, no, it’s fun. I enjoy doing that stuff.”
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver.
Larson’s excitement is evident. After racing in four Xfinity events in 2025—in Bristol, Homestead–Miami, Texas, and Indianapolis—he now has greater flexibility to extend his schedule. However, increased involvement in NASCAR’s second tier means scaling back in other areas, particularly sprint car racing. His responsibilities this year stretched thin, especially in the spring and summer when he alternated between NASCAR, IndyCar, and sprint car races with his High Limit Racing team.
On adjusting his racing calendar, Larson stated,
“I’ll probably tweak my schedule a little bit next year, but still you’ll get in 30 sprint car races, which is a lot. But maybe not 50 that I have on my schedule before the season starts.”
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver.
Despite the thrill of competition, the exhausting pace has become a concern for Larson. In 2025, alongside his NASCAR triumphs and a Chili Bowl Nationals victory, he found himself overcommitted. Reflecting on his approach, he said,
“When they start getting these dirt racing schedules out, I get a whole spreadsheet going of, you know, all the races I could run throughout the year, which is usually over a hundred. And then I kind of start weeding some out and whatnot. But, I’ll be honest, the last couple of years I’ve probably done too much, and I do get a little bit burned out in the summer.”
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver.
This self-assessment underscores the intensity and passion that has driven Larson’s success across multiple racing platforms, but also paints a portrait of a competitor striving to find balance.
Balancing Family Commitments with Racing Ambitions
Kyle Larson’s dynamic schedule is further complicated by parental responsibilities. With three children—Owen Miyata, Audrey Lane, and Cooper Donald—Larson has to coordinate his racing with family milestones. His eldest, Owen, is even beginning to carve out a sprint racing career of his own. Larson explained how these priorities influence his 2026 plans:
“You’ve got to factor in like my kids’ schedule too. So I try to get to those when I can.”
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver.
Still, the drive to perform at the highest level remains undiminished. He continued,
“I’ll probably try to dial it back a little bit the best I can, but it’s also tough ’cause I want to compete at a high level in everything I do…So, it’s like a hard balance of how much I compete so we can get our car better and stay competitive with those guys and…and then also balancing the family.”
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver.
Owen’s burgeoning interests in sprint racing, coupled with Larson’s dedication to supporting his children’s activities, contribute to a complex equation that must be carefully managed heading into the 2026 racing calendar. The goals of maintaining both family harmony and professional achievement remain top priorities for the Elk Grove, California native.
Pursuing New Milestones on the NASCAR Stage
As 2025 concluded, Larson seized his second Cup Series title in a gripping finale at Phoenix Raceway, a race that defied expectations as Denny Hamlin led much of the event before a late-race strategy call by Larson’s team swung the outcome. The victory placed Larson one championship away from tying Tony Stewart’s tally and two behind Jeff Gordon’s mark of four titles.
In recognition of Larson’s achievement and growth, Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports’ vice chairman, remarked,
“It takes you to another level and puts you in elite company, right? Gets you closer to what’s next, three [championships]. Me and Larson, we like to jab one another,”
— Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman, Hendrick Motorsports.
“He’s an incredible race car driver. But more so than that, he’s an incredible teammate at Hendrick Motorsports.”
— Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman, Hendrick Motorsports.
The positive momentum for Hendrick Motorsports and Larson, even after a hard-fought season against competitors like Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing, sets the stage for even higher expectations in 2026. Gordon’s comments signal continued faith in Larson’s abilities, both as an individual competitor and as an integral member of the HMS organization.
Looking Ahead: What Larson’s Shift Means for NASCAR
Larson’s recalibrated approach highlights how the 2026 NASCAR landscape will look different for both veterans and up-and-coming talents. The decision to race more selectively in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, while reducing his sprint commitments, outlines a path for sustained excellence while preventing burnout. As Larson manages expectations for himself and his family—including supporting Owen Miyata’s early steps in sprint racing—he remains focused on adding to his legacy at both Hendrick Motorsports and across multiple racing disciplines.
With just a few months left until the 2026 Cup Series season opens, NASCAR fans are eager to see Larson’s refined strategies in action. His dual commitments to family and career, alongside the structural shifts within the sport, make Kyle Larson’s NASCAR 2026 plans a focal point for the upcoming year.
