Kyle Larson, racing for Hendrick Motorsports, has rapidly built a reputation as one of NASCAR’s most dominant figures, capturing the attention of legends such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart. Their insights, expressed in a recent podcast, shed light on why the Dale Earnhardt Jr Kyle Larson conversation is a defining topic for NASCAR enthusiasts and insiders alike.
With a career that took off after 2021 upon joining Hendrick Motorsports, Kyle Larson’s achievements now include 32 race victories and two championships from 402 starts. These numbers have prompted figures like Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to compare Larson to legendary multi-discipline drivers A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti, recognizing his ability to excel across racing formats. Stewart and Earnhardt Jr. had anticipated this level of dominance from Larson, especially after matching him with the right equipment and support.
During a notable episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. sparked a discussion about Larson’s rare versatility. He likened Larson’s adaptability to getting behind the wheel of any car and competing at the highest level, much like Foyt or Andretti could in their prime.
“Isn’t Larson like this alien? Yes, he’s kind of like you were in your prime, A.J. Foyt, a Mario Andretti, a guy that can jump in anything. Mario Andretti can jump in a Cup car and win a Daytona 500?”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., on Dale Jr. Download.
Tony Stewart, himself a driver with celebrated success across multiple series, wholeheartedly agreed with Earnhardt Jr.’s assessment. Expressing clear admiration, he stressed that when Larson is presented with the right machinery, his prowess behind the wheel is unmatched among his contemporaries.
“Absolutely no doubt. I mean, the funny thing about the kid is it’s like you just pick him up, put him in the car, tell him ‘go play nice with the other kids,’ and just send him off.”
— Tony Stewart, responding on Dale Jr. Download.
Stewart continued, noting that few drivers in the current NASCAR lineup possess the depth of skill that Larson demonstrates in such a range of vehicles. While only Conor Zilisch is hinted to have similar potential among current drivers and Christopher Bell garners respect in dirt racing, Stewart sees Larson as the standout talent in today’s field.
“You don’t have to tell him anything — you just send him off and let him drive, and he figures it out. What he does, going from late models to sprint cars and then getting in the Cup car, and how good he is at all of them… you don’t find guys like that anymore. He is the diamond in the rough for sure.”
— Tony Stewart, Dale Jr. Download.
Memorable Moments Reminisced by Mike Davis
Mike Davis, who serves as President and Executive Producer for Dirty Mo Media, joined Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart on the podcast to share a light-hearted story from Tony Stewart’s racing career. Davis recalled an unforgettable experience from 2003, when he attended a wild local ‘Animal House‘ race that Stewart was competing in alongside NASCAR driver Jimmy Spencer.
“I was there with Spencer in 2003. Tony, on a Cup weekend, breaks away, goes to this animal house — and that is exactly what it was. It was an animal house. I got punched in an autograph line by Spencer, like I was not going to have any of it. Jimmy loved it.”
— Mike Davis, President and Executive Producer, Dirty Mo Media.
According to Davis, these local races provided Stewart a break from the demands of the Cup Series and gave him opportunities for memorable victories and humble experiences with racing legends and newcomers alike. Stewart later highlighted how such detours brought satisfaction and personal fulfillment beyond the main track.
The Enduring Impact of Versatile Racing Talent
The ongoing conversation led by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, and Mike Davis underscores how rare it is to witness a driver like Kyle Larson achieve mastery across varied racing series. Their collective admiration, paired with comparisons to all-time greats like Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt, raises the profile of Larson within NASCAR’s history and among multi-series race car drivers. Names mentioned in the discussion, such as Conor Zilisch, Christopher Bell, and Jimmy Spencer, situate Larson’s accomplishments within the broader context of the sport’s multi-generational talent.
Looking forward, as Kyle Larson continues to compete with Hendrick Motorsports and push the boundaries of what’s possible on the track, the ongoing spotlight from figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart ensures his position as a transformative force in modern NASCAR. Their acknowledgment of his unique gifts and unmatchable adaptability sets a benchmark for future racers striving to leave their own mark across disciplines.
Who's on the Mount Rushmore of multi-disciplined race car drivers? 🏎️⛰️@TonyStewart | @DaleJr | @MikeDavis88 pic.twitter.com/ii9p5IKz3U
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) November 28, 2025
