Kyle Larson is taking a streamlined approach to the 2026 Tulsa Shootout, entering only the Winged Outlaw class as he balances racing and family commitments. After a year of intense travel between North Carolina, Australia, and Oklahoma, Larson has decided to scale back, keeping his focus on the main event and supporting his children’s debut at the Tulsa Expo Raceway.
Larson Alters His Race Strategy for This Year’s Event
Larson, known for his championship wins in NASCAR and versatile racing skills, decided to shift gears after last year’s demanding schedule in Tulsa, which saw him compete in multiple divisions. Noting his tight travel calendar that now includes extensive international competition and nearly 11,000 miles logged between continents, Larson will participate exclusively in the Winged Outlaw class this year. This allows him to prioritize the experience for his family, especially his children Owen, 11, and Audrey, 7, who are set to race in their own divisions.
Family Racing Takes Center Stage
Larson’s children, Owen and Audrey, are poised to make their marks on the Tulsa Shootout stage. Both youngsters have been preparing rigorously, with particular focus from Audrey, who is entering her first Shootout in the junior sprint category. Larson expressed his excitement about watching his children take part in the high-profile event.
“That’s what I’m most excited about is just getting to see the kids participate in a big event, have fun and, hopefully, do a good job,”
Larson said before the drivers’ meeting at the Perth Motorplex in Australia.
The depth of preparation for his daughter has not gone unnoticed by Larson, who remarked on her dedication to studying every aspect of the junior sprint competition. Meanwhile, Owen will face several tough divisions, and while Larson is hopeful for success, he acknowledges the unpredictability inherent in racing.
“And then Owen, he has been doing a good job this year, but he’s going to be in a lot of tough divisions, so I don’t know what to expect there. Obviously, it takes a little bit of luck along the way,”
he added.
International Racing and Grueling Travel Schedule
Larson’s latest journey began shortly after Christmas at his home in North Carolina. He departed from Charlotte-Douglas Airport, connected through Dallas-Fort Worth, and eventually arrived in Brisbane, Australia. Quickly making his way to Perth, he still found time to rest before high-stakes races at the Perth Motorplex.
Racing in the High Limit International event with Jason Pryde Motorsports, Larson delivered top performances in qualifying rounds and made a dramatic return for driver introductions. This included delivering a record-setting $110,000 winner’s prize for the Australian sprint car race, underscoring the scope of international competition.
Despite challenges, including a flat tire during a feature race that dropped him to 17th place, Larson bounced back with steady results and ultimately captured the finale victory for the second consecutive year. With barely a break, his itinerary sees him catching an early flight to Sydney, connecting to Dallas, and finally landing in Tulsa just hours before the Winged Outlaw heat races begin.
“It’s still pretty much the same route to get there for the most part,”
Larson commented about the nearly 11,000-mile trip, adding details of his tight timeline.
“I think I land at like 3:30 central on the 31st and then the Outlaw Wing heat races are probably a few hours after that,”
he elaborated.
Narrowing His Focus on the Winged Outlaw Event
Returning to Tulsa, Larson will skip practice sessions due to the time constraints imposed by his travel. As the defending champion in the Winged Outlaw category, he brings valuable experience and five Golden Driller trophies—including one from the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals—back to the quarter-mile dirt oval.
Although few can match Larson’s adaptability in various racing machines, he admits an element of curiosity remains regarding how quickly he will adjust to the No. 83k CB Industries car. The nuances of micro sprint vehicles, such as their sensitive braking systems, present a different challenge compared to his usual schedule running multiple divisions.
“The micros are different and the brakes are really touchy,”
Larson noted about last year’s adaptation process, highlighting the difficulty of acclimating to the new machinery.
“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,”
Larson said, describing his mindset heading into the event.
Looking Ahead: Family, Competition, and Community
All five days of the 2026 Tulsa Shootout will be broadcast live on FloRacing, giving fans and family members the opportunity to follow the action. An array of top competitors, including several NASCAR drivers, are set to compete in a range of classes, ensuring that the event remains both prestigious and highly competitive. As Larson prioritizes both competition in the Winged Outlaw class and his children’s early racing experiences, the family’s involvement underscores a generational passion for motorsports.
The adjustments to Kyle Larson’s Tulsa Shootout routine illustrate the balancing act faced by elite racers managing international schedules, family, and multiple commitments. As he returns to Oklahoma with a reduced, but focused plan, all eyes will be on both Kyle and the next generation of Larsons as they take to the Tulsa Raceway Park dirt.
