Kyle Larson notes dirt success led to NASCAR win in Vegas

Kyle Larson comments after NASCAR win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway; Talks Hendrick Motorsports

In 2020, Kyle Larson lost his ride with Chip Ganassi Racing and was suspended from NASCAR. He returned to the dirt tracks with an uncertain future for his motorsports career.

Related: Kyle Larson lists both North Carolina homes for sale

In the months that followed, Larson dominated dirt tracks from coast to coast. And he did it in everything. He even made his dirt late model debut at Port Royal Speedway, where he claimed a win in his first race weekend with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.

In total, Larson claimed 43 victories through the 2020 season. That notched an amazing win percentage over 50%.

For 2021, Larson has returned to his old stomping grounds, the NASCAR Cup Series. He’s piloting the No. 5 for Hendrick Motorsports. Now, he’s a championship contender as in just his fourth start with the team, Larson went to victory lane…

Kyle Larson on dirt success leading to NASCAR success

“Even with being out of a stock car for most of last year, still being able to go race a lot and win a lot last year, really helped me as a driver for this year,” Larson said.

“I was in positions to win races, more so than any other race car driver in the world last year. You learn from all those moments. I feel like I’m a much stronger racer today, mentally than I was early last year.”

“I think all the moments from last year helped me for moments like today. Staying calm, through moments like today, coming to pit road. Being able to stay calm in that moment and just get back to work.”

“Last year or the year before that, I don’t know I would be mentally strong enough to clear my mind, hit my marks again and get away from the #2 car.”

Related: Bubba Wallace, other NASCAR drivers congratulate Kyle Larson

Kyle Larson at Las Vegas Motor Speedway - NASCAR Cup Series
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 07: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, leads the field during the NASCAR Cup Series Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 07, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)

Larson on Hendrick Motorsports

“I hoped that we would start this strong but I just didn’t know. I thought there would take a moment to just gel with my team. Having them understand my driving style and stuff like that.”

“They’ve obviously done their homework on me throughout the off-season. Us being off last week at Homestead, was a good data point to learn from that. Then, put what they learned into the cars going forward.”

“Without practice, I’ve been studying and working way harder than I ever have. I think it’s all paying off. I’ve been able to start each race, really strong.”

NASCAR practice and qualifying has been removed for most races in 2021. Only 8 races will feature practice. For the others, lineup is set from factors on the previous race.

Larson added, “The quicker you can get up to speed out there, the further ahead you are for the rest of the race.”

Related: Kyle Larson’s win in a Ricky Hendrick paint scheme is emotional for Rick Hendrick

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Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports | Las Vegas Motor Speedway | NASCAR

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