Getty
BRISTOL, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 18: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 Valvoline Chevrolet, waves to fans during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 18, 2021 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
Getty
BRISTOL, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 18: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 Valvoline Chevrolet, waves to fans during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 18, 2021 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
How does a champion driver like Kyle Larson keep himself motivated despite winning over 10 races in a season? Simple, they keep themselves “frustrated.”
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Kyle Larson, who went from zero to hero in less than two years, won the NASCAR Cup Series in Phoenix on Sunday. The Hendrick driver dominated the entire season, winning more races than three drivers in his competition combined.
So, it’s only natural to wonder how does the 29-year-old champion reignite the fire for more and keep himself going? Well, the man himself has an answer.
Speaking to The Athletic podcast, Larson revealed he feels the need to remain “frustrated” to challenge himself.
“I honestly enjoy being frustrated, you know, challenging him and being frustrated only makes you grow as a driver, and grow quickly too.”
Larson also spoke about how the feeling of ‘nerves and butterflies’ makes him feel happy. He explained that he likes to challenge himself in areas and disciplines outside of NASCAR.
“I like running, just challenging myself with other disciplines like you know, I ran a freakin USPKX race, go-kart race.. got my ass kicked a few weeks ago,” he said.
Getty
BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 18: While waiting on TV, Kyle Larson watches the video display screen from Victory Circle after he won the 61st Annual running of the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race on September 18, 2021 at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kyle Larson in F1?
The Hendrick driver confessed he’d love to try anything when it comes to potential career trajectories in motorsports, including F1.
“I don’t follow F1 that much, but it’d be cool to test one, to see what that’s like,” Larson said.
“I’d love to experience the speed and grip and all that, who knows, sometime down the road compete in an event.”
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 26, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) before the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Considering the pure racing talent and hunger Larson possesses, him trying his luck and arguably succeeding in ‘the pinnacle of motorsports’ shouldn’t be that unrealistic of a claim.
To start 2021#F1 Max Verstappen – 10 wins#NASCAR Kyle Larson – 6
Wins in 2021
Max Verstappen – 9 (so far)
Kyle Larson – 10, plus #NASCARPlayoffs championship— Beyond the Flag (@Beyond_The_Flag) November 8, 2021
Still, whether Larson gets behind the wheel of an F1 car is a thing for the future.
Tonight, Larson and Co. would want to celebrate the trophy they deservedly earned. And as long as the driver keeps himself frustrated, fans should look forward to more of the same from him.
Also Read: Denny Hamlin’s Crew Chief Showers the Ultimate Praise on Kyle Larson
