Does Kyle Larson have a path back to NASCAR? Does he even want to come back?
A month ago, Kyle Larson was in an online racing event on the virtual oval of Monza. It was designed to be a fun, chaotic event with 61 drivers in the field and no yellow flags allowed.
Unfortunately, the fun event flipped Larson’s life upside down.
While attempting to reach his personal spotter on a private channel, Larson used the n-word. Instead, the radio transmission was broadcast across the public channel. All 60 drivers and thousands of NASCAR fans heard the word.
Related: NASCAR driver Kyle Larson drops N-word (Video)
Within hours, Larson was trending on twitter. In less than a day, we was suspended by Chip Ganassi Racing and NASCAR.
Within 2 days, primary sponsors like McDonalds, Credit One Bank, Advent Health and Chevrolet had abandoned the 27-year old. Larson was then fired by CGR.
Matt Kenseth is now set to jump out of retirement. He’ll fill the seat of the No. 42 at Darlington Raceway when the sport restarts on May 17th.
Larson since using the n-word; Returns to dirt track
A month has gone by, Larson is still suspended from NASCAR. However, he returned to the seat on May 9th at Knoxville Raceway with the World of Outlaws.
The Outlaws only requirement for Larson to return was that he complete a sensitivity class. Larson has completed that.
NASCAR also required Larson to complete that class in order to return. Yet, with the class complete, Larson has yet to have his suspension lifted.
Meanwhile, Larson has listed two homes for sale in North Carolina. One was the first house he ever bought, the one he currently lives in. The other is a new construction project he stated late last year, it’s not yet completed.
Related: Kyle Larson lists both North Carolina homes for sale
Given the home listings, it would appear that Larson is expecting to take a step away from the high-paying NASCAR career and head for the dirt tracks. At least in the short term.
Denny Hamlin on Kyle Larson
Hamlin is a good friend to Kyle Larson. They regularly golf together and until recently, raced as competitors every Sunday.
Jenna Fryer: Do you see a road back for him to NASCAR? Do you think he even wants to come back to NASCAR?
“I think he loves NASCAR,” Denny Hamlin responded during his NASCAR Media availability.
“So much gets made about his love for dirt. He’s got a love for dirt there’s no question about it.”
“I went to plenty of races with him last year on Saturday’s, to some dirt races. I got to watch how passionate he is about dirt.”
“But, he also really likes Cup racing. If he wants to come back, I think there is a path for him to come back. He’s been doing all the right things, from what I’ve heard.”
“Obviously, he put himself in a really bad spot. Saying something that was totally inappropriate. But, people make mistakes. And, a lot of people make mistakes.”
“Hopefully, he’s back in cup racing, sooner than later.”
Links
Denny Hamlin | Kyle Larson | NASCAR | eNASCAR | iRacing | World of Outlaws | Knoxville Raceway
