Kyle Larson is looking to make NASCAR return

Rumors have circulated with several top-tire seats still available in 2021; Kyle Larson’s agent comments

Back in April, Kyle Larson was suspended by NASCAR following the use of a racial slur during an iRacing event.

He was also suspended from Chip Ganassi Racing. Within hours, sponsors dropped left and right and Ganassi was forced to fire their driver.

There may be a path back to NASCAR. But, not without reinstatement.

Larson has interest in returning to NASCAR

“Kyle wants to get back as soon as he can,” Larson’s agent Rod Moskowitz told the Sports Business Journal. “At this point right now, he has not been reinstated as of yet, but his ultimate goal I’m sure is to get back in the series as soon as he can.”

Ever since suspension, Larson has been dominating the dirt tracks. Recently, he won a late model race at Port Royal Speedway. That was his debut event in a late model, ever.

At the same time, he’s been working with the Urban Youth Racing School. The school is led by Anthony Martinto and aims to help expose students to career opportunities within motorsports, that students of color had no access to.

Kyle Larson at Phoenix Raceway - NASCAR Cup Series
Kyle Larson at Phoenix Raceway – NASCAR Cup Series (Photo: Alejandro Alvarez | NASCAR Digital Media)

Where would Larson go in 2021?

As Bubba Wallace has landed with Michael Jordan’s new team, the silly season dominoes are falling. At the same time, the options are narrowing.

Jimmie Johnson is currently in his final year as the full-time driver of the No. 48. Larson could end up at Hendrick Motorsports, in on of their four cars.

Matt DiBenedetto has yet to renew with Team Penske. However, he expects to stay within the organization. He says he expects an announcement this week.

Aric Almirola recently renewed with Stewart-Haas Racing for 2021. However, Clint Bowyer has yet to renew his SHR contract. Stewart has expressed interest in hiring Larson, before and after the incident in April.

But, before that’s even a possibility, NASCAR has to reinstate him.

Related: “NASCAR has gotta get off their ass and do the right thing,” Tony Stewart says of Kyle Larson still being suspended from NASCAR.

Kyle Larson at Port Royal Speedway - Lucas Late Model - Dirt Track Racing 2402
Kyle Larson at Port Royal Speedway – Lucas Late Model – Dirt Track Racing 2402
Kurt Busch and Martin Truex Jr on Kyle Larson

“I really would like to see Larson back. I think he’s obviously one of the most talented drivers in any racing period and he belongs in the Cup Series with the best drivers in the world,” Martin Truex Jr told CBS Sports.

“I think he’s paid his dues and I know he’s done a lot of work to make things right and understand what he did to make up for that. I would love to see him come back. He’s a hell of a competitor and I think he makes everybody on the track better when he’s there.”

Truex added, “My gut feeling is that he absolutely will [get a ride] because of his talent. There’s just too many teams that can’t say no to that.” 

Kurt Busch was a former teammate to Kyle Larson at Chip Ganassi Racing.

“If he’s not in a top-tier ride next year, he’ll eventually get back to that point,” said Kurt Busch. “I think that’s the drive that Larson has. He’s got that champion spirit, and I see him at a top-tier ride. If it’s not next year, it’ll be in the future.”

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Kyle Larson | Tony Stewart | Stewart-Haas Racing | Hendrick MotorsportsNASCAR

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