In the high-stakes arena of NASCAR, where penalties are being dealt out with increasing frequency, the mere thought of receiving a phone call from the organization’s chairperson can send shivers down the spines of teams and drivers alike. The looming threat of a penalty is a specter that haunts even the most seasoned racers. This also includes the likes of Hendrick Motorsports driver, Kyle Larson.

A NASCAR journalist recently reported that Larson had indeed been on the receiving end of an unexpected call. The call came from none other than the chairperson of NASCAR. Nonetheless, the surprise interaction left Larson feeling a mix of amusement and unease. However, luckily, the call was for something else entirely.

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NASCAR journalist Kelly Crandall stated, “Kyle Larson thought he was in trouble when Mike Helton called him recently. It wasn’t a holiday and he just had issues at Bristol w/Preece. ‘I’m like, shit. It’s Thursday, are you guys going to suspend me this late in the week?’ It was the call about the 75 Greatest Drivers List“

Thankfully, the call wasn’t about his recent Ryan Preece incident at Bristol. Instead, it was for something far better.

Several key drivers, including Kyle Larson, get into the 75 Greatest Drivers list

NASCAR has been celebrating its 75-year anniversary this year. Yup, it has been that long since the early races on the sands of Daytona Beach. In order to commemorate the great era of NASCAR racing, the organization has created a “greatest driver” list that will incorporate 75 of the best drivers of all time.

The recent induction of several current grid drivers into the prestigious list has stirred excitement. Names like Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and, of course, Kyle Larson have been added. With 25 new talents joining the ranks of the 50 Greatest Drivers selected in 1998, anticipation runs high.

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However, the amusing timing of these calls to some of the sport’s active stars raises eyebrows. Many of the drivers receiving calls had recent incidents or run-ins with NASCAR. Luckily, their fears of facing suspensions were misplaced, as they were actually being honored as part of an elite group and joining the ranks of NASCAR’s greatest drivers.