Kyle Larson, the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion, returned to Elk Grove for a special community celebration on November 14, organized by the city and Sonoma Raceway along Historic Main Street in Old Town. Recalling his journey from California‘s dirt tracks, Larson opened up about his Kyle Larson hometown feelings, describing the deep connection he still holds for the place where his racing career took off.
Returning to Where the Racing Journey Started
Despite living in North Carolina, Kyle Larson’s time back in Elk Grove is filled with nostalgia. Having last celebrated in his hometown after his 2021 Cup title, he was moved to see familiar faces and walk the same streets that were once his playground. Visits to Northern California have become less frequent, with most of his current trips focused on Grass Valley, the hometown of his wife, Katelyn.
Family Life and Changing Notions of “Home”
During the celebration in Elk Grove, Larson reflected on how perceptions of home have shifted for his children, Owen and Audrey, who see Mooresville, North Carolina, as their own starting point. He shared,
When I hear Owen or Audrey’s name get announced on the starting lineup of whatever race that they’re running, and it’s Mooresville, North Carolina, cuz I’m always associated with Elk Grove, California. And will always be too.
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver. Though the applause in Elk Grove was for him, Larson recognized that his kids are forging their own paths, grounded in a different zip code.
Elk Grove Remains a Lasting Foundation
For Larson, no matter where life leads, California remains at his core. He emphasized,
I think this will always be home to me,
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver. He continued,
It’s important that everybody knows I’m a California kid. But for them, they haven’t spent much time here, so yeah, this is not home, but (it) doesn’t matter.
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver. Even if his children’s experiences are rooted outside of California, the legacy of growing up in Elk Grove is something Larson wants to remain central to his identity.
Parallels Between Old and New Homes
Larson shared that North Carolina, his current home, reminds him a lot of his California upbringing, especially with its proximity to mountains, ocean, and a strong motorsports culture. He expressed,
North Carolina is a very equal place to kind of where I grew up,
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver. This connection gives Larson comfort, knowing his children have similar opportunities to embrace nature and motorsport competition, even if in a new setting.
Next Generation Making Their Mark
Kyle Larson’s children are beginning to find their own passions. Ten-year-old Owen is already gaining experience as a young driver, though Larson jokes he hopes his son will take up golf, a pastime he misses due to his busy schedule. Audrey has embraced both racing and ice hockey, the latter being a sport unfamiliar to her father, broadening the family’s ties beyond the racetrack.
Looking Ahead: Legacy and Community Roots
Although Elk Grove may no longer be Kyle Larson’s primary address, its racetracks and community spirit continue to shape his perspective. As his children, Audrey and Owen, build their own independent identities, Larson remains closely linked to Elk Grove, the city where a young kid first learned to chase dreams and win races. The emotional return reaffirms the continuing influence of his California roots, both on his legacy and the aspirations of the next generation.
