Kyle Larson, fresh from his triumph in the High Limit Racing International at Perth Motorplex, has shared his thoughts about the upcoming Tulsa Shootout, outlining measured expectations and focusing on enjoyment rather than high pressure. The Hendrick Motorsports driver, who secured the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship, aims for a different experience as he prepares for competition at the famed Oklahoma dirt event, highlighting a shift in his racing schedule and priorities this year. The topic of Kyle Larson Tulsa Shootout expectations is front and center as he returns to the celebrated race.
Larson piloted Jason Pryde’s #1K sprint car during his win at the 3/8-mile clay track in Australia. Facing tough opposition from Corey Day, Dayne Kingshott, and Michael Kofoid, he managed to clinch the High Limit Racing International title for a second year. Although he found success in two of four features at last year’s Shootout, the pursuit of another Golden Driller trophy remains one of his key goals this season.
This year, Larson plans to compete only in the Winged Outlaw division at the Tulsa Shootout, reflecting a more streamlined approach compared to his previous outings, which saw him racing across four divisions. With a demanding travel calendar that sent him from North Carolina to Australia and back to Oklahoma—covering about 11,000 miles—he emphasized the need for balance and efficiency in his racing commitments.
Mindset Shift: Enjoyment Over Results at Tulsa
The 33-year-old Nascar All-Star has openly addressed how different the micro sprint experience is, especially with elements like sensitive brakes. He also recognizes the limited time he’ll have to get acclimated to the car, as opposed to the varied seat time he enjoyed last year. Reflecting on his attitude heading into the Tulsa Shootout and the Chili Bowl Nationals, Larson remarked:
“The micros are different, and the brakes are really touchy. I remember that was kind of the biggest thing to get used to last year. But I had four divisions to kind of get the feel for the pedals. I don’t really have any expectations. I’m just going there to have fun. If we make the show, we make the show. If not, I’m not going to be too upset.”
—Kyle Larson, Driver
In addition to his racing ambitions, Larson will focus on being present for his children during this year’s Shootout. His seven-year-old daughter, Audrey Larson, is set to make her debut in the Junior Sprint division, joining her brother Owen Larson, who will compete in more advanced categories. This family involvement has added another meaningful layer to his racing calendar, making the Tulsa event about more than just results or trophies.
Kyle Larson Advocates for Change to NASCAR Championship Format
Looking back to November 2025, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion contributed candidly to the Rubbin is Racing podcast. He commented on the one-race championship format used by the stock car racing association, urging for a broader structure after observing Denny Hamlin’s narrow loss despite a dominating season. Larson proposed changes to make the championship criteria more reflective of overall season performance.
“I don’t think there’s ever a clear one hundred percent, you know, perfect format that everybody in the world is gonna agree on. But I think what we can all agree on, I think what you know, Sunday maybe proved that we need more than one race, yes, whether that is 36 or 10 or four or whatever the number is, it should be more than one because of moments like that.”
—Kyle Larson, Driver
Larson backed up his viewpoint with a strong season, earning wins at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and Kansas Speedway before ultimately beating Denny Hamlin to the championship at Phoenix. His advocacy for a multi-race championship structure resonates with many in the racing community who seek greater fairness in determining season-long excellence.
The Broader Impact and What Lies Ahead
Kyle Larson’s pragmatic approach to the Tulsa Shootout this year signals a balancing act between personal ambition, sporting enjoyment, and family commitments. His suggestion for championship reforms also points to a willingness within NASCAR’s elite to spark conversations about the future of the sport. As the Tulsa Shootout approaches, both his on-track performance and his role as a mentor and parent, with Audrey and Owen Larson competing, will be closely watched by the racing community. The evolving expectations for Kyle Larson at the Tulsa Showdown highlight not only his racing acumen but also his focus on legacy and sport-wide advancement.
