Zooming into the heart of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs at Bristol Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson, the man with the Midas touch on dirt, reigns supreme. With 2,117 points, three victories, and an astonishing 12 top-five finishes, Larson is not just leading the pack; he’s rewriting the dirt-track history books. But beneath the helmet and the high-speed stunts, there’s more to Larson than meets the eye.

In the dazzling world of celebrity encounters, where flashbulbs pop and fans gush with excitement, NASCAR sensation Kyle Larson has a rather quirky confession to make. Brace yourselves, folks, because this is not your typical celebrity fanboy story.

Larson’s unique take on meeting celebrities, and Justin Timberlake

During a recent ‘The Athletic’s 12 Questions’ podcast interview, the interviewer prodded the Hendrick Motorsports star with a question that would make most fans swoon: “Who is a person you would be starstruck by when meeting them?” Expecting the usual list of Hollywood heartthrobs, fans got something refreshingly different.

“Honestly, I don’t like meeting celebrities, so nobody. “Starstruck” to me is like a big moment, but I would just be more shy. I wouldn’t want to talk. I don’t like talking about myself, so I don’t really like meeting celebrities because I don’t think they’re that interested in what we do.” Larson stated. Hold onto your seats, because this is where it gets intriguing. 

“Sure, I’d love to meet Justin Timberlake. I’m a big fan of his. He’s super talented and all that. But I wouldn’t be starstruck. I just would probably not even say much around him. I’m perfectly fine to never meet another celebrity in my life.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Kyle Larson Namedrops Top 3 Guy As Biggest Championship Roadblock

While his fellow racers might spend their downtime on the golf course, Larson marches to the beat of his own engine. Instead of chasing birds, he prefers solitary moments or family dinners at Mexican restaurants with his kids. A devoted father, Kyle Larson knows that life isn’t just about burning rubber on the track. But here’s the quirk you did not know about the new Golden Boy of HMS.

Kyle Larson shares behind-the-helmet quirks

Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, confesses that when his wife, Katelyn, takes the wheel, Larson transforms into the quintessential backseat driver. Who would’ve thought that the speed demon of the racetrack could be reduced to offering unsolicited advice in the family car?

In a world where speed is his currency, Larson faces his Achilles’ heel as a passenger: traffic. The man who thrives in the fast lane finds himself in an anxiety-inducing traffic jam when Katelyn’s at the helm. “You’re clear; get over,” he mutters from the passenger seat, fully aware of the irony.

READ MORE: Track Analysis: What Makes the Bristol Motor Speedway a Great Hunting Ground for Kyle Larson?

As Larson reflects on his life behind the wheel, he contemplates what’s next when he eventually hangs up his racing gloves. The answer might make you do a double-take. Imagine this speedster-turned-school bus driver ferrying kids to school in the Sunshine State, all while trading stories with former motorcycle racing champion Randy Goss. It’s a retirement plan that’s as unexpected as a last-lap pass for the checkered flag.