The Tulsa Shootout has brought together some of the most competitive young drivers, and this year, Kyle Larson Tulsa Shootout hopeful Audrey Larson is making headlines as she fights for a shot at the coveted Golden Driller trophy. On December 30 in Tulsa, seven-year-old Audrey, daughter of two-time Cup champion Kyle Larson, captured the attention of racing veteran Kelley Earnhardt and the broader motorsports community with her impressive performance in the Junior Sprint category.
Larson Family Pursues Racing Success Across Divisions
The Larson family is fully committed this week in Tulsa, with multiple members chasing victories in their respective divisions. Kyle Larson, known for his dominance on both asphalt and dirt tracks, is racing in the Winged Outlaw division, while his children, Owen and Audrey, take part in different youth classes. Notably, both Kyle and his son Owen have advanced to their feature races after strong showings in the preliminary rounds.
Audrey’s journey has been particularly notable. She secured her initial heat win in the Junior Sprints on December 30, signaling her intent early in the competition. Her performance allowed her to progress to Friday’s B-Mains, where she surged to a second-place finish. This secured her entry into the Junior Sprints Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) in the No. 83 Roto-Rooter/HendrickCars.com car, which features a Factory Fourteen Lynk chassis.
As Factory Fourteen noted on social media,
“@audrey.larson57 is LCQ bound 👊🏼” – Factory Fourteen
This update, accompanied by images from Audrey’s qualifying run, quickly generated positive responses within the racing world. Among them, JR Motorsports co-owner Kelley Earnhardt publicly voiced her support, stating,
“Way to go girl!” – Kelley Earnhardt, JR Motorsports co-owner
Intense Competition Shapes the Junior Sprint Field
The Junior Sprint division welcomes racers from six to twelve years old, offering a challenging and competitive environment. The format advances the top sixteen drivers, based on combined points from heat and qualifier races, directly to the A-Main. Audrey’s early heat victory set her up as a serious contender, but she narrowly missed an automatic transfer spot into the main event, placing her into the B-Mains, which function as another opportunity to secure advancement.
Following her runner-up finish in the B-Mains, Audrey now faces the LCQ, where she will compete for one of the eight remaining transfer positions. To date, twelve drivers have already earned their place in the main, and the final eight, determined through the LCQ, will complete the starting grid of twenty cars racing for the Golden Driller later tonight.
Kelley Earnhardt’s involvement in the event extends beyond supporting Audrey; her son, Wyatt Miller, is also active this week. Wyatt is set to start on the pole position in his Winged Outlaw B-Main (Race 410), determined to progress through his LCQ and secure a place in the feature as well.
Larger Family and Professional Ambitions Drive Momentum in Tulsa
Kyle Larson has maintained a relentless racing schedule since clinching his second Cup Series championship, competing in top dirt track events across the United States and recently celebrating a major victory at the High Limit International in Australia. Now, his competitive focus returns home to Tulsa, where he has entered a single class—the Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw division. Kyle has already secured a provisional sixth-place starting spot in the feature, though LCQ outcomes will finalize the grid.
Meanwhile, Owen Larson, Kyle’s eleven-year-old son, is also showcasing his capabilities. Owen is entered in multiple classes, including Restricted, Stock Non-Wing, and Winged A-Class divisions. His strong performance in these competitive fields includes a qualifier victory, giving him entry into the Restricted A-Feature and putting him in contention for a Golden Driller alongside the rest of his family.
The Road Ahead for Audrey and the Larsons
As anticipation builds for tonight’s racing, all eyes remain on Audrey Larson as she seeks to claim her first Golden Driller in the Junior Sprint division. Her path through the heats, B-Mains, and now the LCQ illustrates her determination and racing roots in the Larson family. Whether or not she claims victory tonight, Audrey’s performance continues to inspire young racers and highlights the family-oriented spirit that defines events like the Tulsa Shootout.
The outcome of tonight’s finals could see the Larson family walking away with multiple hardware additions, further cementing their presence in youth and professional motorsports both in Tulsa and beyond. With the support of fellow competitors such as Wyatt Miller and encouragement from figures like Kelley Earnhardt, the future looks bright for these young drivers and their families on and off the racetrack.
