2021 has already started on a positive note for Kyle Larson. The 26-year-old went through the process of competing in the heat and qualifier of the Chili Bowl Nationals. He then qualified to Saturday’s feature race after winning his A-main event.

Following that competition, his focus would naturally switch to NASCAR commitments. Signing for Hendrick Motorsports, it undoubtedly marks a new chapter in Larson’s Cup Series career.

For the time being, Larson is attempting to defend his Chili Bowl crown that he had won last year. But he reveals that as soon as that event is over, his mindset steers into planning and strategizing for his season in the top division of stock car racing.

Kyle Larson shares excitement for upcoming NASCAR season

Larson stated, “This event, Chili Bowl, gets me excited for the Cup season because as soon as Chili Bowl’s done. You know as soon as the checkered flag waves, my mindset kind of fully switches to NASCAR stuff.”

The former Chip Ganassi Racing man has raced in the Cup Series for some time now, making the move full-time from the Xfinity division back in 2014. Since then, he has 223 starts and 6 wins to his name, with one eye on adding to that tally in the upcoming campaign.

“So I know you’re going to Chili Bowl, that’s like the last thing I get to do before you get down to business and get going for the NASCAR stuff. So yeah, I get excited for both. I get excited for the Chili Bowl and I do get excited for it to be over because that starts the next thing,” concluded Larson on the subject.

Hendrick Motorsports would have great expectations from their new driver

Racing for a champion team like Hendrick Motorsports does come with its own set of pressures. The side certainly expects all four of its drivers to be making the Playoffs every year as a genuine target.

Larson definitely would also aim for race victories and Top-5 finishes whilst at the team. With defending Cup Series champion Chase Elliott as his teammate, the need to rise up to the occasion then will be higher than ever for the new Hendrick Motorsports No.5 driver.