Kyle Larson’s NASCAR journey has been anything but ordinary. From his dirt-track roots to becoming a Cup Series champion, Larson has built a reputation as one of the most versatile and talented drivers in motorsports today. He’s racked up major achievements, including the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series championship with a remarkable 10-win season. Just this season, he’s racked up multiple Cup wins, including a dominant performance at Kansas where he led 221 laps.

But with all the trophies and headlines, there’s always been a lingering narrative among some fans. There is a belief that NASCAR is just a pit stop on his way to something else. As Larson continues to rack up wins and make history, he’s decided to set the record straight.

He offers an honest take on what really drives him and why some fans still get it wrong.

Kyle Larson’s love for racing began long before NASCAR came calling. As a kid, he’d roam dirt track pits with his mom, collecting autographs and dreaming of one day being behind the wheel himself. That dirt racing passion shaped him into the fearless, versatile driver fans know today. Even now, with a Cup championship and over 30 wins to his name, Larson still finds time to race sprint cars whenever he can. Clearly, for him, dirt racing isn’t just a hobby.

But that deep connection to dirt tracks has led to a lingering misconception. Some fans still think Larson would rather be anywhere but NASCAR, chasing sprint car glory full-time. “People back in the day used to get wrong that I didn’t care about NASCAR. I still think people think, “Oh, I’m just doing this for the money and if I had a choice, I’d be racing sprint cars all the time.” That really bugs me, because it isn’t about the money. I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t love it, you know? So I do love this. I wish fans would realize that. And I feel like they have over time, but not all of them, and you’re never going to convince everybody?”

The truth is, nobody races as much as Kyle Larson. Even when he has a fully-packed schedule, he makes sure that every race, including NASCAR ones, gets his full effort and focus. Take a look at his recent week at Texas. Kyle Larson participated in the Kubota High Limit Racing at Texas Motor Speedway on 3rd May, then the Cup Series race as well.

Here, Kyle Larson gave an impressive performance, clinching the pole and finishing 2nd in the main race. This, however, didn’t mean Larson took it easy. Just days after his sprint car runner-up finish, he came second in the NASCAR Cup Series’ Würth 400. Earlier, he managed to win in the Xfinity Series’ Andy’s Frozen Custard 300. Sprint cars or stock cars—Larson’s commitment and performance never waver, no matter the track.

And as far as the money is concerned, Larson is making roughly $10 million a year, and considering the amount has averaged around this figure for the last few years, he has made enough to retire if he decides that’s what he wants.

For Larson, it’s never been about choosing between NASCAR and dirt. It’s about loving every form of racing he can get his hands on and giving his all, no matter what he’s driving. But with every lap, every win, and every decision to put NASCAR first, Larson keeps proving his heart is fully in the game.

And when it comes to his retirement and future plans, he’s made his plans very clear. “I don’t know, I haven’t really had a sit-down discussion with anybody about that, so I don’t know. I can’t really fully answer that. In my head, yeah, I’m going into this thinking it’s at least for the time being, in the near future, the final Indy 500. But I am still young, and I mentioned on Dale (Earnhardt) Jr.’s Download thing (podcast) that maybe someday when I’m not full-time Cup and I can really devote all my mind to Indy, I’d like to do it again. But we’ll see. If I happen to win the Indy 500, I’d probably just ride off into the sunset, too.”

Larson is really proving his love for motorsports, isn’t he? Just check out his plans for the All-Star weekend.

Another power-packed weekend for Kyle Larson

If you want to understand Kyle Larson’s passion and commitment, just look at his schedule for this weekend. It’s a jaw-dropping, cross-country marathon that only a true racer at heart would even attempt. Larson is living out the dream of every motorsports fan: chasing glory at both the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR All-Star Race, all in the span of three adrenaline-filled days.

Friday kicks off with Larson jumping into IndyCar mode at noon for Indianapolis 500 practice, meaning Justin Allgaier, the guy who pilots the No. 7 JR Motorsports’ Chevy will be taking Yung Money’s spot.. But there’s no time to catch his breath. By late afternoon, he’s back in North Carolina for NASCAR All-Star Race pit road qualifying practice, followed by the main All-Star practice and then qualifying. In between, he’ll squeeze in the Indy 500 qualification draw at 6:15 p.m. before heading straight into NASCAR qualifying at 7 p.m. It’s a logistical puzzle that would make most heads spin, but for Larson, it’s just another day chasing speed.

Saturday is even more intense. Larson heads back to Indy for 500 qualifying at 11 a.m., then pivots to focus on NASCAR’s All-Star heat races in the evening. Sunday is the ultimate test. Larson will bounce between Indy 500 practice, last chance qualifying, the Firestone Fast Six, and then hustle back for the NASCAR All-Star Race at 8 p.m. It’s a schedule that would exhaust even the most seasoned drivers, but Larson thrives on this kind of challenge.

By Monday, he’s back at Indy for more practice. Then, Tuesday sees him on a media blitz in New York City. For Kyle Larson, this isn’t just a busy weekend. It’s the ultimate showcase of his love for racing, his commitment to both series, and his relentless drive to compete at the highest level. Will all this effort pay off with a win, or just add another legendary chapter to his story? Either way, fans are in for a show.

Speaking about it, Larson said, “I hope this year is not the last time we ever see anybody do it because I think it’s huge for motorsports. It’s huge for IndyCar, probably even bigger for NASCAR. Hopefully, the schedules will work out in the future and maybe the rules will change a little bit, too.”