Kyle Larson to shut down sprint car team

Larson and Macedo comment as Kyle Larson Racing will cease operations

Starting in 2021, Kyle Larson Racing will no longer exist. The team currently fields a car on the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series tour.

Next month, the team will run their final two races on The Dirt Track at Charlotte. The World of Outlaws Last Call event will be a two-day show, closing out the 2020 dirt racing season.

The team has run seven consecutive seasons with the World of Outlaws.

In 2013, the team began with Larson as a part-owner with Justin Marks. In 2018, Larson took full ownership of the team.

Carson Macedo is the current full-time driver for the race team. He’s driven for the team since 2019.

Related: Kyle Larson cleared for NASCAR return following suspension

Kyle Larson Racing shop - Dirt Track Racing garage
Kyle Larson Racing shop – Dirt Track Racing garage

Kyle Larson comments on the closure of his dirt car team

“We have made the very tough decision to close Kyle Larson Racing (KLR) upon the conclusion of the 2020 season,” Larson said in a statement. “It has been a difficult year for everyone amid COVID-19, which is one of a handful of factors that led to this choice.”

“My commitment to sprint car racing, and grassroots racing as a whole, remains as strong as ever. Owning a World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series team brought me great satisfaction. It was a thrill to compete as an owner, and I am blessed and honored to have had the opportunity.”

“As sad as this moment is, we’re thankful of the support of so many great partners. All were crucial in allowing us to finish the season with our driver, Carson Macedo, and the entire No. 2 team.”

“I always told myself that if I ever got the chance to own a sprint car team, I wanted to give someone an opportunity like I had. I saw that in Carson – a California kid just like me who loves dirt racing and drives hard every single night. We’re incredibly proud of Carson and everything he’s accomplished while racing for KLR, and we wish him all the best as he continues his career.”

Larson gives thanks

“You can’t win races without a stellar crew behind you, so a big thank you goes to Joe Gaerte, Trey Bowman and Patrick Dudzinski for the tireless work they’ve put in day after day. I know what a grind the schedule can be, and our guys are some of the best in the business.”

“Getting into team ownership didn’t just happen. There is a long list of great people and partners who made all of this possible. First is Justin Marks, as we both shared a passion for winged sprint car racing. Justin pulled me into team ownership in 2013 as a partner with Larson Marks Racing. LMR turned into KLR in 2018.”

“Additionally, I want to thank the World of Outlaws for everything they do. It truly is the Greatest Show on Dirt. I will always be a huge supporter of the tour, and I thank them for allowing me to be a part of their series, both as an owner and as a driver. While I will no longer be an owner in the series, I will continue to be out there racing whenever I can in the No. 57 car for Silva Motorsports.”

“Lastly, I want to thank the race fans for your unwavering support of Carson, our KLR No. 2 car and me. Competing in the World of Outlaws is such a rewarding experience because of the enthusiasm you have for the sport and its personalities. It’s something myself and my family have always appreciated and will never take for granted.”

Related: Tony Stewart explains signing talks with Kyle Larson

Carson Macedo - Kyle Larson Racing - World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series
Carson Macedo – Kyle Larson Racing – World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series

Carson Macedo comments

Racing full time for a World of Outlaw Sprintcar team has been a dream of mine since I was a young kid,” Macedo opened in a statement.

“At the beginning of 2019, Kyle and Katelyn Larson made that dream a reality. I am forever grateful for the opportunity of a lifetime that they provided for me.”

“I would like to personally thank every single person that was a part of making KLR possible the past two years. Thank you to my crew chief Joe Gaerte, Trey Bowman and Patrick Dudzinski for your hours of hard work on the road. Also, a huge thank you to Paul Silva, Andrea Larson, Josh Peterman and Heath Moyle.”

“Last but not least thank you to all of the great sponsors that made KLR possible. “

Macedo added, “Looking forward to finishing strong in the 2 car this year and announcing my 2021 plans soon.”


2021 plans?

The announcement comes at an interesting time.

Larson lost his NASCAR Cup Series ride with Chip Ganassi Racing back in April. The superstar NASCAR driver used the n-word will attempting to reach his personal spotter on a private channel.

However, the word was instead sent to the public audio channel. Within days, Larson was suspended by NASCAR, sponsors dropped at rapid speed and Larson was soon fired.

Last week, it was announced that NASCAR would reinstate Larson for the 2021 season. He suspension is set to be lifted on January 1, 2020.

Now, Hendrick Motorsports recently moved Alex Bowman to the No. 48 as he’ll take over following Jimmie Johnson’s retirement. Now, the No. 88 remains an open seat.

Rumors suggest that the No. 88 could become the No. 5 for 2021. Larson is the front runner to take over that seat, though that remains speculation.

Related: Kyle Larson has applied for NASCAR reinstatement; No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports car

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Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports | Chip Ganassi Racing | NASCAR | World of Outlaws

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