Kyle Larson, reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hendrick Motorsports star, is bringing a unique family element to the upcoming Tulsa Shootout, as his children Owen and Audrey Larson join him on the racetrack. As one of the most accomplished drivers in the sport, Larson is expanding the family legacy at this major offseason event in Tulsa.
Larson’s Busy Winter Racing Commitments
Following his second Cup championship victory in Phoenix, Kyle Larson has shown no signs of slowing down during NASCAR’s offseason. While currently competing in races across Australia, Larson is preparing for a quick return to the United States to compete at the Tulsa Shootout. The No. 5 driver is renowned for tackling multiple racing formats each year, deftly managing a packed travel schedule.
In last year’s Tulsa Shootout, Larson narrowly missed main event victory in a dramatic photo finish against Christopher Bell, though he secured two feature wins across four divisions. For 2026, his focus will be solely on the Winged Outlaw class due to his jam-packed calendar. This year, however, the Larson name on the entry list will include not just Kyle, but his son Owen and daughter Audrey as well.
Passing the Torch: The Next Generation of Larsons Take the Track
Both Owen and Audrey Larson are set to race at the Tulsa Shootout, continuing the family tradition. For Audrey, this marks her debut in the junior division, reflecting her commitment to the competition. When asked about his children participating, Kyle Larson shared his excitement, saying,
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.
– Kyle Larson, Two-Time Cup Series Champion
Larson highlighted Audrey’s dedication as she embarks on her first major junior sprint event. He remarked,
Audrey, she’s getting to run her first Shootout in the junior sprint, and she takes it very seriously. We’ve watched every lap of the 2024 Shootout, every lap of the Junior Sprint. So she’s been studying. Hopefully, she can do good.
– Kyle Larson, Two-Time Cup Series Champion
Owen, on the other hand, already has experience under his belt but faces a considerable challenge with strong competition in several divisions. Larson commented on his son’s racing strategy, noting,
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.
– Kyle Larson, Two-Time Cup Series Champion
Kyle Larson Reflects on Expectations and Recent Racing Experience
Kyle Larson’s 2025-2026 offseason has included mixed results in Australia, where he has raced with impressive speed but has sometimes fallen short of victory, though he secured a $110,000 win in a final race. With travel plans leaving little margin for delay, he’s prepared for a quick transition between continents and competitions, but he approaches Tulsa with an open mind rather than pressure to win. Offering perspective on his goals for the Shootout, he stated,
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, Two-Time Cup Series Champion
Anticipation Builds for a Family Affair at the Tulsa Shootout
With both Audrey and Owen joining their father on the track, the Larson family will attract significant attention during the five-day Tulsa Shootout event. Their participation symbolizes the continued influence of legacy in motorsport, while providing a special moment for both the established champion and his up-and-coming children. As each member tackles their respective class, fans and racing insiders alike will watch closely to see how the next generation of the Larsons embraces this high-profile contest. With the family’s passion and talent on display, the Tulsa Shootout could mark the start of exciting careers for Audrey and Owen, while further cementing Kyle Larson’s legacy as both a champion driver and dedicated mentor to his kids.
Kyle Larson will once again make the 10,816-mile journey from Perth, Australia to Tulsa, Oklahoma. But this year, he's simplified his approach to the #TulsaShootout.
Read the full story from @CandiceSpencer 👇 https://t.co/slVexz87QC
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) December 30, 2025
