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Jeff Gordon Elated Over Kyle Larson’s Stepping Stone to Fulfilling His, Rick Hendrick’s & Father’s Special “Childhood” Dream

Published 10/16/2023, 6:25 PM EDT

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A remarkable racing journey is unfolding right in front of our eyes. One that transcends the boundaries of racing disciplines. Kyle Larson, a name synonymous with versatility and precision, is making headlines for a series of achievements that have left the racing community in awe. From conquering the High Limit Sprint Car Series to passing the Rookie Orientation Program test for the prestigious 2024 Indy 500, Larson’s determination knows no bounds. And just when fans thought he might have tired himself out, Larson secured a coveted spot in the Championship 4 race of the Cup Series.

After Kyle Larson won in Las Vegas, Jeff Gordon was asked about Larson’s week during the media briefing. The Hendrick Motorsports Vice Chairman had nothing but words of praise for Larson. However, among all the achievements, there was one that has made all of their dreams come true.

Kyle Larson’s achievements are helping others realize their childhood dreams

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Kyle Larson’s week has been nothing short of spectacular. It began with his victory in the inaugural High Limit Sprint Car Series championship at the Lincoln Speedway. This championship, which he co-founded with his brother-in-law Brad Sweet, became a battleground for supremacy. Larson’s journey was marked by fierce competition, and it all came down to the season finale.

With a 15-point lead over his closest rival Rico Abreu, Larson needed a top-six finish to claim the title. And he did just that, securing his championship in a season filled with thrilling races and extraordinary moments. But Larson’s quest for greatness didn’t stop there. He shifted gears to the world of IndyCar, where he passed the rigorous Rookie Orientation Program test. His successful laps at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway also marked the beginning of a journey to the 2024 Indy 500. It is a milestone that promises to open new doors for Larson and HMS.

Just when the motorsport world thought they had witnessed it all, Kyle Larson delivered another stunning performance. His victory at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway locked him into the Championship 4 race in the NASCAR Cup Series. In a high-stakes showdown, Larson emerged as the frontrunner, claiming a well-deserved position among the elite. During the post-race media exchanges, Jeff Gordon was asked to describe Larson’s exceptional week.

A journalist asked, “Kyle, you know all this week won a Sprint car championship, did Indy 500 testing, and now wins a key NASCAR playoff race. Is there any way to put in perspective what this guy is doing with the broader Motorsports landscape?”

“Yeah, how do you win your own championship? That’s my question,” said Gordon in response, adding, “I mean it’s certainly a great week, you know. I was up there with him in Indy and you know just like kind of childhood dreams for me, him, his dad, you know, Rick Hendrick… You know, being up there at Indy was so special. And I felt like our teams all of our teams had confidence coming into this race.”

Watch This Story | Kyle Larson Wins His Own Sprint Car Series, Faces Backlash From Fans

Larson’s journey toward the Indy 500 is not just a personal achievement. It carries much significance for Hendrick Motorsports and its owner, Rick Hendrick.

What does Kyle Larson running the Indy 500 next year really mean for Rick Hendrick & Co.?

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As the fifth driver ever to attempt “The Double,” Kyle Larson’s mission extends beyond personal success. It embodies the dreams of an entire generation of racing enthusiasts who have longed to conquer the iconic Indianapolis 500. For Jeff Gordon, this moment holds deep personal significance, reconnecting him with his Indiana roots and celebrating the dreams that drive the world of motorsport.

After Larson’s rookie test, Jeff Gordon said, “Watching him in his craft and his element. I could tell he was a little bit nervous. Heck, my palms were sweating before he got out on track myself. But then immediately you just see it click when he made those first few laps. And he just went into Kyle Larson mode of, ‘all right, now how do I get up to speed and go fast.’ He doesn’t want to just come here and compete. He wants to come here and compete competitively.”

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Even Rick Hendrick couldn’t contain his emotions as he said, “It didn’t really hit me until I saw him. We had the car here when we had the unveiling. But when you hear it and see it come by, and he’s in it, that’s when it really … it was goosebumps. It was goosebumps, it was pride, happy for him because it’s a bucket list for him and probably Jeff and I, too. But just to hear it, see it, and watch the speed when it came then, that brought it all to life.”

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Larson’s quest to fulfill the childhood dreams of legends like Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick transcends individual achievements. It’s an ode to the timeless dreams that drive the motorsports community and an inspiration for all those who dare to chase their own dreams.

READ MORE: Kyle Larson Stands a Chance to Win the Indianapolis 500 and Here’s Why

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Written by:

Veerendra Vikram Singh

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Veerendra Vikram Singh is a NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports. A Motorsport fan at heart, he has been following NASCAR and Formula 1 for over a decade now and has covered the on and off-track life of some of the best in the sport. He is a big fan of Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch but never lets that get in the way of authentic and fact-based reporting.
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Edited by:

Nischal Kandpal