Feb 14, 2021 | 12:43 PM EST
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RICHMOND, VA – SEPTEMBER 09: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
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RICHMOND, VA – SEPTEMBER 09: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
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RICHMOND, VA – SEPTEMBER 09: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
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RICHMOND, VA – SEPTEMBER 09: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
Hendrick Motorsports’ new recruit Kyle Larson has hit the ground running for his new team. Taking to a Cup Series car in nearly a year, the 28-year-old admitted he had nothing but gratitude for the opportunity.
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Instrumental in bringing Larson to the team was owner Mr. Rick Hendrick. The 71-year-old saw a certain fire of desire, passion, and work ethic that convinced him Larson was the right man to occupy his fourth car entry.
Speaking to the team’s website, Mr. Hendrick showered words of praise on the newcomer. In addition, he also touched upon how he sees the team performing overall in the 2021 season.
Kyle Larson is a racer and loved by fans, said Rick Hendrick
Mr. Hendrick stated, “Fans love him. He drives the wheels off the cars, whether it’s sprint cars or midgets. He is a racer.”
The premier organization now lies just aix Cup Series wins behind all-time record-holders Richard Petty Motorsports with 269. Undoubtedly, Larson has the skills and tools to contribute to that number and make Hendrick Motorsports the most accomplished team in NASCAR Cup Series history.
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RICHMOND, VA – APRIL 29: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Credit One Bank Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR XFINITY Series ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)
Mr. Hendrick continued, “If we can lead laps, win races, then the rest will come. We’re not in that dominant area where you can win 17 races in a year, and I don’t think anybody is anymore.”
Larson put in his first laps in a Hendrick Motorsports car during the week
Attending the first practice session, the Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 sported his black-and-green themed car out at Daytona for the first time. Tuning into a groove and building some pace, Larson secured a place in the Duel, courtesy of a 13th place finish in qualifying.
It’s been a minute… #DAYTONA500 @NationsGuard @TeamHendrick pic.twitter.com/TH9ZyQkeLY
— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) February 10, 2021
Naturally, due to his own rustiness and lack of familiarization with the team setup, he finished sixth in Duel 1, which earned him a starting place of 13th on the grid for the 2021 Daytona 500.
But the season is long and tough, and Larson will get enough races under his belt to create an impression. With a new chapter beginning in his racing career, he will hence look to give it his all and notch some success this season.
MORE – What is the Prize Money and Trophy Awarded to the NASCAR Daytona 500 Champion?
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