In 2021, Kyle Larson was the breakout star and capped off a dream season with his maiden Cup Series championship. His is truly a comeback story, from the lows of getting dropped midway through 2020, to the highs of the 2021 title. Along the way, he bagged 10 victories in the season for Hendrick Motorsports. However, it could have been a completely different story once upon a time. There were talks that Tony Stewart [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/tony-stewart/] and Stewart-Haas Racing were interested in acquiring his services. Tony’s interest was piqued due to Larson’s prowess on the dirt arena, something that Stewart is also familiar with. Following his Chip Ganassi Racing exit and subsequent NASCAR suspension, Larson [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/kyle-larson/] elected to hone his craft. To do that, he turned to the dirt tracks and built a name for himself until the sport gave him a second chance. When NASCAR remained on tenterhooks to re-hire him, Tony Stewart was leaning towards redemption. TONY STEWART RUED NOT TAKING A CHANCE ON KYLE LARSON Talking about the missed opportunity with Kyle, who Tony considers to be a ‘unicorn’, he said [https://www.sportscasting.com/kyle-larson-unicorn-will-haunt-tony-stewart-for-years-biggest-regrets-professional-career/?amp], “I said (damn it) the day that I found out I couldn’t get him. I said it that day, probably in words that I can’t use right now, but I said that a lot that day and have said it every day since then. That will be one of the biggest regrets of my professional career is not getting that kid and having an opportunity to race him in our cars. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime driver.” Kyle Larson [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-09-27T005001Z_540031200_MT1USATODAY16836775_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-SOUTH-POINT-400.jpg]Sep 26, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) during the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports In all honesty, the SHR team needed him, especially with Clint Bowyer hanging up his boots. Furthermore, Aric Almirola had not committed to the #10 car, which came much later, but that’s another story. Owing to this, Stewart was more than willing to take him in. Unfortunately, there was a huge stumbling block called Ford, who shot the idea down. READ MORE: “Tried For the Last 4 Years”- Tony Stewart Reveals Why He Could Not Bring Kyle Larson to Stewart-Haas Racing [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-tried-for-the-last-4-years-tony-stewart-reveals-why-he-could-not-bring-kyle-larson-to-stewart-haas-racing/] 

Ahead of the 2021 NASCAR Cup season, Tony Stewart endured one of the biggest
missed opportunities in his career, recruiting Kyle Larson

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. He not only writes engaging content but helps connect readers with some of the biggest racing names thanks to his ability to churn out exclusive interviews.

Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

Dhruv George

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch.

Dhruv George | Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports

EssentiallySports

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Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. He not only writes engaging content but helps connect readers with some of the biggest racing names thanks to his ability to churn out exclusive interviews. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Dhruv-George-1-96x96.png

Dhruv George is a senior Motorsports author for EssentiallySports, having
authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR,
Tennis, NFL, and eSports. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the
Xavier Institute of Communications. Dhruv has also conducted interviews with F1
driver Pierre Gasly and Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino. He has been an ardent
follower of motorsports sport since 2001, holding Carlos Sainz Jr. and McLaren
in high regard.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Dhruv_George.png

“Tried For the Last 4 Years”- Tony Stewart Reveals Why He Could Not Bring Kyle
Larson to Stewart-Haas Racing

NASCAR Testing Day One

LAS VEGAS - JANUARY 29: Tony Stewart, driver of the #20 Home Depot Chevrolet, in the garage during NASCAR testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway January 29, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

NASCAR Testing Day One - EssentiallySports

Starting off as a tennis author in 2018, Varun Khanna has gone on to contribute to EssentiallySports in various capacities. After setting up interviews with the likes of Serena Williams? coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Aliz? Cornet, and Noah Rubin, Varun is now part of all major ATP and WTA press conferences and has gone on to pen more than 1300 articles for EssentiallySports. He now heads the tennis and NBA division of the organization. While writing remains a passion for him, Varun has branched out into the marketing and communications department of EssentiallySports as well. When he wants to relax, Varun doesn?t have to venture away from tennis and NBA; he simply tunes in to Rafael Nadal and Michael Jordan?s exploits in their respective sports, past and present.

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Varun Khanna

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What Makes Kyle Larson the Biggest Regret of Tony Stewart’s NASCAR Career

“He About Wrecked Us Twice”- Livid Kyle Busch Sounds off on Martin Truex Jr,
Voices Displeasure on Drivers Next-Gen “Defense Item”

Christopher Bell Trashes Chase Elliott’s “Helpful” Narrative by Condemning
NASCAR’s “Useless” Formality

Denny Hamlin Takes a Shot at Kyle Larson as the HMS Driver Brings Up Petty
Issues After Coming Up Short

Next-Gen Stats Sell Out Richard Childress’ Disgruntled Grandson as Riled Up Fans
Beg to Preserve Dale Earnhardt’s Legacy

Despite Cold Shouldering Joe Gibbs, MTJ Drops a Surprising 7-Word Revelation on
Their Dynamic

US Army rides in style & safety! NASCAR champs win acclaim for reinforced Chevy troop carriers 

Hendrick Tech for Army Trucks

Rumors of SHR downsizing fly as sponsorships dry up & Michael Jordan’s team eyes a ‘bargain’


23XI Frontrunners For A Third Car?

We remember a racing legend whose name isn't as widely known as the brand he helped build.

Forgotten Brother Behind Chevrolet’s Legacy

Delving into the business intricacies of the sports world ft. Chloe V. Mitchell

Exclusive unheard NBA stories with dunk master Austin Fritts

3 Time Mr. Olympia Frank Zane- The Chemist who made Arnold Schwarzenegger cry


MILLION DOLLAR BLING, Saudi Arabian Glory, World Title and More  Ft. Impa Kasanganay

NASCAR

NASCAR Archives

LatestNASCAR - EssentiallySports News | EssentiallySports

<h1 style="text-align: center"><b>NASCAR Cup Series: Origin, Teams and More</b></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the NASCAR Cup Series?</strong></h2>
NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is the authorizing body for stock-vehicle racing in North America. It was established in 1948 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Currently, the organization fields four types of tracks: Intermediate tracks, Superspeedways, Short Tracks and Road Courses.

[caption id="attachment_2675743" align="alignnone" width="5162"]<img class="wp-image-2675743 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-20T005209Z_1919194866_MT1USATODAY22564783_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-DAYTONA-500.jpg" alt="NASCAR" width="5162" height="3322" /> Feb 19, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series drivers Corey LaJoie (7), Kyle Busch (8) and A.J. Allmendinger (16) race three wide for the lead during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Origin</strong></h2>
The first-ever NASCAR race was held at Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway on June 19, 1949 and Christian David "Jim" Roper was the victor after racer Glen Dunaway was disqualified for making illegal adjustments to his car.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On this day in 1949, NASCAR held its first-ever "Strictly Stock" race.</p>
Thirty-three drivers raced at Charlotte Speedway, six of which were future NASCAR Hall of Famers. Jim Roper was declared the winner following a disqualification to Glenn Dunaway. <a href="https://t.co/yBUDRcRxVo">pic.twitter.com/yBUDRcRxVo</a>

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1670832065690972160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>

<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Why is it named Cup Series? </strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series is the pinnacle of the racing arrangement in the NASCAR classification. The arrangement started in 1949 and was called the Strictly Stock Division. The series was subsequently known as the Grand National Division from 1950 to 1970.

Then, in 1971, it started renting its naming rights to the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and was alluded to as the NASCAR Winston Cup Series till 2003. From the next year onwards, the series came to be known as the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series till 2007 after a partnership with Nextel.

Sprint obtained Nextel in 2005 and 2008 saw the arrangement being renamed as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Sprint remained the sponsor of the NASCAR Cup from 2008 to 2016. It was reported in December 2016 that Monster Energy would be the sponsor; therefore, the arrangement was renamed the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series from 2017 to 2019.

However, after decades of name changes, in 2017, the organization finally decided to shed off its old image and simply be named as the NASCAR Cup Series, with series sponsors being called 'Premier Partners'.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the format of the Cup Series?</strong></h2>
The NASCAR points system has been a complicated affair to say the least. Over the years, the organization has tried several iterations, namely the Latford system, the Chase and the current elimination playoffs format among others, to discern one that would be fair to each driver.

While the earlier system saw drivers being awarded points on the basis of prize money in a particular race, in 1972 a new format was introduced. This time the points were awarded on the basis of laps completed. However, even that came with its own flaws and just two years later, in 1974, the organization introduced point calculation based on a mathematical formula. However, given the complexity of the equation, Bill France Jr, the former CEO of NASCAR decided to step in and call upon his close friend Bob Latford, to come up with an efficient way, which later came to be known as Boot Hill Format or the Latford Model.

With equal points awarded in all races, as New York Times aptly put it: <em>"Mr. Latford set up his points scale to reward consistency rather than flashes of brilliance, and drivers seem to like it that way."</em>

This system was perhaps the longest-running one during that time, being replaced in 2003, by The Chase format. Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series operates on the Playoff Format. The schedule consists of 31 oval races, 4 road course races, one street track race, and 4 non-championship races to be held on ovals. This also includes 16 playoff races, with four elimination rounds, namely, Round of 16, Round of 12, Round of 4 and Championship 4.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Teams</strong></h2>
As of 2024, the NASCAR Cup Series has 16 full-time teams participating and three manufacturers, namely Toyota, Chevrolet and Ford. As for the team with the most number of victories and championship, Hendrick Motorsports has has an undebatable upper hand, with 305 Cup Series wins and 14 drivers championships.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Venue</strong></h2>
The first championship race was reportedly held at Martinsville Speedway, a half-mile oval, on October 16, 1949. Currently, the final race of a Cup season is held at the Phoenix Raceway, which is a one-mile, low-banked tri-oval race track located in Avondale, Arizona, near Phoenix.

[caption id="attachment_1351857" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1351857 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-11-07T003206Z_1075855806_MT1USATODAY19376372_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-CUP-CHAMPIONSHIP.jpg" alt="Joey Logano NASCAR" width="1920" height="1289" /> Nov 6, 2022; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano (22) races in the final laps of the Cup championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Championship</strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series hosts three different championship under one name: The Driver's Championship, the Owner's Championship and the Manufacturer's Championship. The driver's championship as the name suggests is the award given to the driver that has emerged as the winner at the end of a season. On the other hand, the Owner's Championship aims to reward the team at the top of the points standings. The driver with the most championship wins are Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson. Additionally, Rick Hendrick-owned Hendrick Motorsports has won a record-breaking 14 championships till date.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1195372 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/ezgif.com-gif-maker-3-78.jpg" alt="Richard Petty Dale Earnhardt NASCAR" width="1850" height="1253" />

On a similar note, the Manufacturer's Championship sees Original Equipment Manufacturers(OEMs) being awarded a championship based on how races their cars managed to dominate and the points accumulated. In this regard, US-based manufacturer Chevrolet has racked up the most Cup Series wins at 42, followed by Ford at 17, and Toyota at 3.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Track Types</strong></h2>
As mentioned earlier, the NASCAR Cup series organizes its races on four different types of tracks, namely, Intermediate tracks, Superspeedways, Short Tracks and Road Courses.

When it comes to Intermediate tracks, it simply means <em>"any track greater than one mile in length, with the exception of both Daytona and Talladega" </em>according to the official NASCAR website and currently the Cup Series drivers compete on the following Intermediate tracks/Speedways :
<ul>
 	<li>Atlanta Motor Speedway (1.540-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Charlotte Motor Speedway (1.500-mile Quad-Oval, including a 2.280 miles Road Course)</li>
 	<li>Darlington Raceway (1.366-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Dover Motor Speedway (1.000-mile, Concrete Oval)</li>
 	<li>Homestead-Miami Speedway (1.500-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Kansas Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Michigan International Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Nashville Superspeedway (1.333-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1.058-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li>Phoenix Raceway (1.000-mile, Dogleg Oval)</li>
 	<li>Texas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li>World Wide Technology Raceway (1.250-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)</li>
</ul>
On the other hand, Superspeedways ae oval road courses of two miles or longer. Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series has the following Superspeedways:
<ul>
 	<li>Auto Club Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Chicagoland Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Daytona International Speedway (2.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Kentucky Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Pocono Raceway (2.500-mile, Triangular Oval)</li>
 	<li>Talladega Superspeedway (2.660-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
</ul>
The short tracks (less than 1 mile in length) that are part of NASCAR are:
<ul>
 	<li>Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Eldora Speedway (0.500-mile, Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Iowa Speedway (0.875-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Knoxville Raceway (0.500-mile, Oval</li>
 	<li>Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)</li>
 	<li>Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (0.686-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Martinsville Speedway (0.526-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li>Milwaukee Mile Speedway (1.015-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>North Wilkesboro Speedway (0.625-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Richmond Raceway (0.750-mile, D-shaped Oval)</li>
</ul>
As for Road Courses, NASCAR makes use of the following race tracks:
<ul>
 	<li>Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (2.459-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Chicago Street Race (2.14 miles)</li>
 	<li>Circuit of the Americas (3.426-mile)</li>
 	<li>DAYTONA Road Course (4.170-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (2.400-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Portland International Raceway (1.967-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Road America(4.048-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Sebring Raceway (3.741 mi, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Sonoma Raceway (1.99-mile)</li>
 	<li>Watkins Glen International (2.45-mile)</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Crown Jewel Races</strong></h2>
While NASCAR has several racetracks that it competes on, there are a couple venues that are held in high regards. Currently there are four such venues/races, namely the Daytona 500 held at the Daytona International Speedway, the Coca-Cola 500 held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway , the Brickyard 400/Verizon 200 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Southern 500 at the Darlington Raceway.

Till date, Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman and retired NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon has the most number of Crown Jewel race wins (21), followed by Legacy Motor Club team owner Jimmie Johnson (14) and retired NASCAR driver Bobby Allison (13).

[caption id="attachment_1691261" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1691261 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jimmie-Johnson-Jeff-Gordon.jpg" alt="Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon" width="1920" height="1280" /> January 20, 2017 - Charlotte, North Carolina, USA - Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon introduce Rick Hendrick at the NASCAR Motorsport USA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, January 20, 2017, in Charlotte, N.C. Rick Hendrick was inducted into the Hall of Fame with Richard Childress, Mark Martin, Raymond Parks, and Benny Parsons. 2017 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - ZUMAw123 20170120_zap_w123_024[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Cars</strong></h2>
NASCAR is an ever-evolving sport and till date, there have been several iterations of the cars used during races. If we go back to the very inception of the sport, the first kind of vehicle that was used used to be called Generation - 1 (1948-1966), followed by Generation - 2 (1967-1980) and Generation - 3 (1981-1991). Later the Generation - 4 (1992 to 2007) was introduced , and then Generation - 5 (2007 -2012) and Generation - 6 (2013-2021) came into play. And currently, NASCAR features the Generation - 7 car that is also known as the Next-Gen.

Anothe notable model was the Generation - 5. Dubbed as the<em> "Car of Tomorrow"</em>, this model featured flaunted prominent front splitters under the bumpers and larger rear wings. Apart from that, according to NASCAR, the car also had <em>"significant safety advancements and a return to symmetrical bodies". </em>

[caption id="attachment_2651610" align="alignnone" width="3461"]<img class="wp-image-2651610 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-16T030626Z_974940649_MT1USATODAY22533198_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-BLUEGREEN-VACATIONS-DUEL-1-AT-DAYTONA.jpg" alt="" width="3461" height="2307" /> Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) during the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Street Course</strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series has come a long way since its initial days. The organization has always been open to developments and one of the most exciting ones came in 2023,when the tourney made its Street Course debut at Chicago.

In a bid to turn make the schedule even more exciting, NASCAR officials were reportedly in talks with Chicago authorities for a number of years, with one attempt of a Chicago street race even dating back to the 1980s. However, owing to political pressure, that plan failed to materialize. Now, fast forward to four decades later and authorities were finally geared up to host an exciting, first-of-its-kind race in downtown Chicago.

[caption id="attachment_1911252" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1911252 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-07-03T052154Z_1117738559_MT1USATODAY20983749_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-GRANT-PARK-220.jpg" alt="NASCAR" width="1920" height="1280" /> Jul 2, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A general view as cars race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the NEMA Chicago buliding. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

Designed by race simulation video game developer iRacing, the race aimed to showcase the city's major landmarks such as the Buckingham Fountain, the Grant Park and the Soldier Field Stadium, among others.

The first iteration of the race came in July of 2023, with New Zealand born driver Shane van Gisbergen clinching victory in his first-ever NASCAR race. If that's not iconic, what is?

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2804674 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/F0HhwcqXoAI3_zb.jpeg" alt="" width="2048" height="1365" />
<table style="width: 75.2357%;height: 264px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR Cup Series</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Place of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Year of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">1949</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR "Strictly Stock" Race, Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Last Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR Cup Series Spring Race at Martinsville Speedway, 2024</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Crown Jewel Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Daytona 500, Coca Cola 600, Brickyard 400/ Verizon 200, Southern 500</span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Drivers with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Richard Petty (7), Dale Earnhardt (7) and Jimmie Johnson(7)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Team with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Hendrick Motorsports (14)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Red Byron</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Ryan Blaney (2023)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Team</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Team Penske</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

NASCAR Cup Series

Here's everything you need to know about the NASCAR Cup Series, its Origin, Teams, History, Venues, Crown Jewel Races and more!

NASCAR Cup Series: Origin, Teams and More

NASCAR Cup Series Archives

<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is Stewart-Haas Racing?</strong></h2>
Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) is an American racing group that contends across multiple NASCAR divisions including the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-cup-series/">Cup Series</a> and the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-xfinity-series/">Xfinity Series</a>. The team was established in 2002 as Haas CNC Racing. It was after Haas, the sponsor of <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/hendrick-motorsports/">Hendrick Motorsports</a> at that time, chose to compete with their own group. In the NASCAR Cup Series, Stewart-Haas Racing handles four Ford Mustang Dark Horse teams. In the Xfinity Series, the group handles the No. 98 and No. 00 Ford Mustang.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2707902 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GDV_7DaWMAAqWVr.jpg" alt="" width="2048" height="1364" />
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>The History of Stewart-Haas Racing</strong></h2>
Stewart-Haas Racing was formed in 2022 and debuted in the 2003 Winston Cup. It is owned by CNC machine tools manufacturer Haas Automation's founder and president Gene Haas and former Cup Series driver <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/tony-stewart/">Tony Stewart</a>.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Why is the team named Stewart-Haas Racing?</strong></h2>
When SHR debuted, it used to be known as Haas-CNC Racing. However, ahead of the 2009 season, then <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/joe-gibbs-racing/">Joe Gibbs Racing</a> driver Tony Stewart agreed to join the team as a driver/owner after receiving a 50% stake for it.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Stewart-Haas Racing’s Net Worth 2024</strong></h2>
As a team that has been in the circuit for two decades, SHR has managed to build an empire. As per Forbes' February 2020 update, the team is said to be worth $165 million, out of which $27 million constitutes winnings and $103 million consists of revenue.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Stewart-Haas Racing Drivers</strong></h2>
Currently, SHR has four full-time Cup Series drivers, namely, Josh Berry (#4), Chase Briscoe (#14), Noah Gragson (#10) and Ryan Preece (#41).

Josh Berry's inclusion to the team came ahead of the 2024 season as he stepped in to fill the position vacated by retired veteran Kevin Harvick. <em>“I can’t imagine a better opportunity for me — to get in a car that’s been as successful and iconic as the No. 4. </em><em>Kevin is a future NASCAR Hall of Famer, and it’s going to be a challenge trying to come after someone so successful. But I know I’m going to have an amazing group of people around me, led by Rodney Childers, to where we can hit the ground runnin</em>g,” Berry said, according to RACER.

<img class="size-medium wp-image-1584972" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1025172722h.jpg" alt="" width="1" height="1" />

[caption id="attachment_618744" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-618744 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1311988712.jpg" alt="Josh Berry celebrates winning in NASCAR Xfinity Series" width="1920" height="1315" /> MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA - APRIL 11: Josh Berry, driver of the #8 Chevrolet Accessories Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Cook Out 250 at Martinsville Speedway on April 11, 2021 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)[/caption]

Current driver of the #10 at SHR, Noah Gragson's transition to his new team, wasn't as smooth, perhaps. In mid-2023, a screenshot showing him liking a racially insensitive post went viral. Soon after, he was suspended by his then-team Legacy Motor Club for reportedly violating NASCAR's code of conduct. However, the driver was reinstated on the condition of completing a program conducted by RISE, the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality.

And then, a few months later, <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-why-noah-gragson-is-the-right-pick-for-tony-stewart-desperate-stewart-haas-racing-image-refresh/">Gragson joined Stewart-Haas Racing</a>. <em>“Noah deserves to be in the NASCAR Cup Series and we’re very happy to have him as the driver of our No. 10 Ford Mustang. Noah has performed at every level where he’s competed and has regularly been in championship contention. That’s the kind of driver we need at Stewart-Haas and that’s why Noah is a part of our team, ”</em> Tony Stewart shared.

[caption id="attachment_2687804" align="alignnone" width="4268"]<img class="wp-image-2687804 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-16T011330Z_1385945347_MT1USATODAY22532136_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-BLUEGREEN-VACATIONS-DUEL-1-AT-DAYTONA.jpg" alt="Noah Gragson" width="4268" height="2845" /> Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Noah Gragson (10) before the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

As for <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/ryan-preece/">Ryan Preece</a>, he first joined the team in 2022 as a reserve driver who was to substitute for any of the team's full-time drivers in their absence. He was then promoted to a full-time role for the 2o23 season. The #41 that Preece drives used to be Kurt Busch and Daniel Suarez.

[caption id="attachment_781894" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-781894 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1339749626.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" /> RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11:Ryan Preece, driver of the #37 Kroger/Crest Chevrolet, waves to fans during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders at Richmond Raceway on September 11, 2021 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)[/caption]

Currently, the team's longest-remaining driver is <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/Chase-briscoe/">Chase Briscoe</a>, who joined the team in 2021. He also clinched Rookie of the Year title with the team. Perhaps that explains why he drives the #14, which was once a part of Tony Stewart and Clint Bowyer's teams. After all, being the oldest member of the team has got to come with its own set of perks.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-319025 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200719185151/Chase-Briscoe-1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Team Penske Partnerships and Endorsements</strong></h2>
As per Stewart-Haas Racing's official website, the team has more than two dozen official partners as of now. The list includes popular names such as Haas Automation, Sony, Mahindra Tractors, Ford Performance and Mobil 1, besides 3D Systems, Andy's Frozen Yogurt, Autodesk, Caymus Vineyards, Code 3 Associates, Cummins, Fanttik, Highpoint, Mohawk, Monster Energy, Morton Buildings, Production Alliance Group, Rinnai, Roushyates Engines, Rush Truck Centers, Sunny D, Terrible's and United Rentals.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Stewart-Haas Racing Major Achievements and Awards</strong></h2>
The team has clinched two Cup Series championships till date. The first came in 2011 with Tony Stewart, who was also the team owner. The second was clinched by retired Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick in 2014. As for race wins in NASCAR's top division, the team has had 89 victories as compared to 26 in the Xfinity Series. Additionally, SHR has also won one race in the Camping World Truck Series.

And not just in real life, the Tony Stewart-owned team has also shown its dominance on virtual tracks. In the eNASCAR iRacing World Championship Series, Stewart-Haas Gaming won the inaugural eNASCAR Heat Pro League Championship in 2019.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Stewart-Haas Racing Sponsorship Woes</strong></h2>
In motorsport, the relationship between a team and their sponsors is sacrosanct. It's common knowledge that sponsors play the backbone of racers and their teams and without the presence of a financier, the future prospects for a team might as well be over. And the situation is not new for SHR who have had to let go of multiple decorated sponsors and <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-tony-stewart-woes-pile-up-as-seven-one-billion-dollar-sponsor-delays-pending-decision/">face a precarious situation in 2023.</a>

When former SHR driver Kevin Harvick retired from the Cup Series at the end of the 2023 season,<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-can-tony-stewart-fill-one-twenty-billion-dollar-hole-after-sponsors-and-veterans-departure/"> it not only marked the end of his journey but also pushed Harvick's longtime sponsor Anheuser-Busch out of the picture</a>. The brewing company decided to quit from the team and move to Trackhouse Racing team's driver Ross Chastain.

And not just them, even Hunt Brothers Pizza took the same route when they parted ways with the team post Harvick's retirement. For the 2024 season, the pizza restaurant chain moved to Team Penske to sponsor the #22 of Joey Logano.

https://twitter.com/hbpizza/status/1733676973094764722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1733676973094764722%7Ctwgr%5E792114a26e8461a719be4f6bf9385dcd7e7eed2b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.on3.com%2Fpro%2Fnews%2Fkevin-harvick-passes-hunt-brothers-pizza-sponsorship-to-joey-logano-team-penske%2F

Same for the case when another veteran racer and SHR driver, Aric Almirola, decided to hang up his helmet from NASCAR's top tourney. And with his exit, his longtime sponsor Smithfield also decided to close the curtain. However, unlike Anheuser-Busch, Smithfield decided to leave the stock car racing series altogether.

<em>“Smithfield Foods congratulates Aric Almirola on his excellent run with Stewart-Haas Racing. With Aric’s decision to explore new opportunities, the time has come for Smithfield to end our NASCAR partnership. We’ve been with Aric since the beginning. We were his first sponsor in 2012, his first full year in the NASCAR Cup Series, and we’ve enjoyed great success with him over the years,” </em>the brand said in a statement at the time, according to Motorsportswire.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Stewart-Haas Racing social media</strong></h2>
<table style="width: 54.3108%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.7384%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Website</span></td>
<td style="width: 136.635%"><a href="https://www.stewarthaasracing.com/">https://www.stewarthaasracing.com/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.7384%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td style="width: 136.635%"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stewarthaasracing/">https://www.instagram.com/stewarthaasracing/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.7384%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td style="width: 136.635%"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/stewarthaasracing">https://www.facebook.com/stewarthaasracing</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.7384%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td style="width: 136.635%"><a href="https://twitter.com/stewarthaasrcng">https://twitter.com/stewarthaasrcng</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<table style="width: 54.4564%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">Stewart-Haas Racing</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Owners</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">Tony Stewart, Gene Haas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Base</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">Kannapolis, North Carolina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Series</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Race Drivers</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">Chase Briscoe, Josh Berry, Ryan Preece, Noah Gragson, Cole Custer, Riley Herbst</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Sponsors</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">Haas Automation, Sony, Mahindra Tractors, Ford Performance, Mobil 1, 3D Systems, Andy's Frozen Yogurt, Autodesk, Caymus Vineyards, Code 3 Associates, Cummins, Fanttik, Highpoint, Mohawk, Monster Energy, Morton Buildings, Production Alliance Group, Rinnai, Roushyates Engines, Rush Truck Centers, Sunny D, Terrible's, United Rentals.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Manufacturer</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">Ford</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Founded</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">2002</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Last Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">2024 Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%"><b>Cup Series</b>: 2 (2011, 2014)
<b>Xfinity Series</b>: 1 (2023)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Race Victories</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%"><b>Cup Series</b>: 69
<b>Xfinity Series</b>: 26<sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference"></sup>
<b>Camping World Truck Series</b>: 1
<b>ARCA Menards Series West</b>: 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 25.7206%"><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td style="width: 126.608%">$165 million (as of February 2020)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2></h2>

Stewart-Haas Racing

Read to find out all about Stewart-Haas Racing's Net Worth, Drivers, Sponsorship Woes, Stats, Achievements and Awards and more!

Title: Stewart-Haas Racing: 2024 Net Worth, Stats, Owners and More

Stewart-Haas Racing Archives

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Ahead of the 2021 NASCAR Cup season, Tony Stewart endured one of the biggest missed opportunities in his career, recruiting Kyle Larson.

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What Makes Kyle Larson the Biggest Regret of Tony Stewart's NASCAR Career - EssentiallySports

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<h1 style="text-align: center">Kyle Larson: Net Worth 2024, Relationships, NASCAR and More</h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Who is Kyle Larson?</b></h2>
Kyle Miyata Larson is one of the most prolific and successful motorsports drivers in NASCAR today. The Hendrick Motorsports star is a former Cup Series champion and is one of the most consistent drivers in the Cup Series. However, stock car racing is not the only thing Larson is prolific in. He is a master sprint car racer and will be trying his hand at IndyCar in 2024. Larson is also the co-owner of the fast-rising sprint car racing competition, High Limit Racing.

<img class="wp-image-2075684 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1599038101.jpg" alt="Kyle Larson" width="1920" height="1280" />

BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 07: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, laughs on the grid prior to a weather delayed restart of the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 07, 2023 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b> Kyle Larson's early life</b></h2>
Kyle Larson was born on June 31, 1992, in Elk Grove, California. The HMS star was educated at Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove itself. Racing and school are difficult to balance but Larson had a lot of help from his mother who was a teacher. It's safe to say that the 2021 Cup Series champion was kind of an all-rounder when he was in school.

The HMS driver was born into a family of racers. His father, Mike Larson, was a racer as well. His mother, Janet Larson, is Japanese-American and both of his grandparents spent time in an internment camp during World War II. His middle name is Miyata which is a common surname in several regions in Japan. He has a sister whose name is Andrea.

Early on in his career in motorsports, Kyle Larson was a prolific dirt-track racer with several prestigious wins in the King's Royal, Knoxville Nationals, and the Chili Bowl Nationals. He also won the 2011 4-Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway. This saw him win three types of USAC races at a go in a single night, becoming only the second driver to achieve so. The following year saw him earn six victories in USAC National Midget races, which included the Turkey Night Grand Prix.

His achievements caught the eye of the teams in NASCAR and Kyle Larson made his full-time debut in the 2013 Nationwide Series with Turner Scott Motorsports. He had run a few races in the Truck Series in 2012 with the same team.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson’s wife and children</b></h2>
The Hendrick Motorsports star married Katelyn Sweet on September 26, 2018. The couple has 3 children together, Owen Miyata Larson, Audrey Layne Larson, and Cooper Donald Larson. Cooper is the youngest and was born on the last day of 2022. However, when it comes to Audrey, the family shares some bad news. <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-same-quote-kyle-larsons-wife-reveals-daughter-suffers-from-the-same-horrific-disease-as-jada-pinkett-smith/">The parents revealed how their daughter has been impacted by Alopecia</a> since she was 18 months old, in honor of Alopecia Awareness Month. Since then, she has had hair loss, but they delayed going public with the news.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-1192530 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Kyle-Larson-wife-Katelyn-Larson-son-Owen-and-daughter-Audrey-NASCAR-trophy-768x512-1.jpg" alt="" width="768" height="512" />
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Lason's net worth 2024 </b></h2>
As of 2023, Kyle Larson has amassed a net worth of $12 million as per Celebrity Net Worth including his race earnings, endorsements, and other ventures. The Hendrick Motorsports star's current contract with the team runs until 2026 and as per reports, he makes an estimated $10 million each year as part of that deal. He also has several sponsorship deals with Target, Chevrolet, Oakley, Credit One Bank, iRacing, and Alpinestars.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson’s career timeline</b></h2>
Making his racing debut in outlaw karts at the age of seven, Kyle Larson has always been a talented multitasker trying his hands in various tourneys. Throughout his childho0d and adolescence, the driver started his professional racing career with open wheel-cars in the United States Auto Club (USAC) and the Silver Crown, among others. He also participated in the World of Outlaws and racked up his first win in the division at the Placerville Speedway, as one of the youngest drivers to ever compete. After winning Rookie of the Year in 2011, the racer then divulged his attention toward the NASCAR K &amp; N Pro Series and the ARCA Series.

In 2012, he was signed as a developmental driver for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. In June of the same year, Larson won his first NASCAR K &amp; N Pro Series East race at Gresham Motorsports Park. He also went on to win the 2012 NASCAR K&amp;N Pro Series East Championship beating the likes of <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/corey-lajoie/">Corey LaJoie</a>. On the other hand, his ARCA career took some time to take off as his first win in the division came two years after his debut, in 2014, at Pocono Raceway.

Larson's NASCAR Truck Series debut came in 2012 and he won his first race the next year, at Rockingham Speedway, driving for Turner Scott Motorsports. And it is around the same time that his Xfinity And <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-cup-series/">Cup Series</a> career took off as well. Debuting the top faction for <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/chip-ganassi-racing/">Chip Ganassi Racing</a> in 2014, the driver finished 17th in the points standings in his first year. As for his <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/nascar-xfinity-series/">Xfinity</a> Series career debut in 2013, the driver finished 8th in the final standings while driving for Turner Scott Motorsports.

[caption id="attachment_521629" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-521629 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210120200820/GettyImages-1150194779.jpg" alt="Kyle Larson" width="1920" height="1281" /> CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 18: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Advent Health Chevrolet, celebrates winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson’s partnerships and endorsements</b></h2>
One of Kyle Larson's earliest sponsor after he moved to <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/hendrick-motorsports/">Hendrick Motorsports</a> from Chip Ganassi Racing in 2021 was HendrickCars.com. The Hendrick Automotive Group, via the HendrickCars.com brand, became a majority sponsor for the #5 driver for the 2022 and 2023 Cup Series seasons. Backing Larson for some 35 races in his NASCAR schedule, the brand also committed itself to sponsoring the racer in all non-NASCAR events.

As the division's first Japanese-American driver, Larson also paid an ode to his heritage when, in 2023, he landed an official restaurant partner in the form of JINYA Ramen Bar. In this extensive agreement, according to an official press release by Hendrick Motorsports, the brand was set to feature on the driver's post-race hat, firesuit and even his team apparel.

Expressing his excitement, JINYA Founder and CEO Tomo Takahashi said at the time, <em>"Not only is Kyle a NASCAR star because of his supreme talent on the track, but he’s also the sport’s first-ever Asian-American driver, so we are thrilled to partner with him. Kyle has already picked up two wins this season and we can’t wait to see him make many more trips to victory lane while wearing the JINYA logo!"</em>

Additionally, ahead of the 2024 Cup season, automotive services and lubricant brand, Valvoline also announced its bid to back Kyle Larson along with his teammate William Byron. <em>“Valvoline will be the primary sponsor for Kyle Larson in three races (Phoenix, Sonoma and the Chicago Street Race) for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season,” </em>an official press release said.

In another exciting development, Kyle Larson is also set to drive for McLaren Racing for the 2024 Indianapolis 500 as he attempts the revered 'Double Duty' on May 26. Apart from that, tool manufacturer, Cincinnati Inc also joined hands with him ahead of his HMS debut.

One thing's for sure. The driver sure knows how to attract sponsors!
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson's investments</b></h2>
Just like any other multi-talented personality, Kyle Larson has time and again shown how easy it is to dabble in multiple things at once. From competing to owning, the driver knows how to do it all. Merely at the age of 21, in 2013, Kyle Larson started exploring his entrepreneurial side which saw the formation of his sprint car and midget racing team, in association with fellow driver Justin Marks, named Larson Marks Racing. Primarily competing in the World of Outlaws, the team has had its highs and lows. The team had a fairly successful run with driver Shane Stewart who won at the team's second-ever start at the Eldora Speedway. Apart from that, the driver was also the 2015 Kings Royal victor at the Eldora Speedway yet again. Stewart was also won the Winter Heat Sprint Car Showdow during the 2015-16 off-season, besides finish second in the WoO points standings in 2015.

But, things soon went downhill. While Kyle Larson taking over the sole ownership of the team in 2017 and renaming it Kyle Larson Racing seemed promising, the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be an adversity. In October of 2020, it was announced that the team would cease operations after the season was over.

While the closure might be disheartening, it didn't dampen his spirit. Soon after, in 2021, the driver announced the formation of a sprint car series, with his brother-in-law and five-time WoO champion Brad Sweet. The first season in 2023, saw 12 races. Kyle Larson won the inaugural season of the series. As for High Limit Racing's 2024 plans, the series has expanded the schedule to a staggering 60 races. It will also offer $5.8 million in prize money. Now that's what we can call an epic comeback!

[caption id="attachment_677288" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-677288 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-06-14T153502Z_1823926688_16251805_RTRMADP_3_MOTOR-NASCAR.jpg" alt="Kyle Larson NASCAR" width="1920" height="1368" /> Jun 13, 2021; Fort Worth, TX, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) shoots his six shooter guns as he celebrates winning the NASCAR All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson’s NASCAR career stats</b></h2>
For a driver of Kyle Larson's stature, the numbers speak for themselves. The driver boasts an average finish of 14.23 and an average start of 11.9. He has a total of 23 race wins in his Cup series career with 164 top 10s and 16 pole positions. As for the other two NASCAR divisions, the driver has 14 wins, 80 Top 10s, and six poles in his Xfinity Series career, and three wins, 11 Top 10s, and two poles in his Truck Series stint. The driver also boasts a total of 7,556 laps led in his NASCAR.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson's  major achievements and awards</b></h2>
Kyle Larson, at his age, has already earned more accolades than several racing veterans and even legends of the sport. The HMS star is the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, the 2012 NASCAR K&amp;N Pro Series East Champion, the 2010 King of the West Sprint Car Series Champion, the 2018 United Truck Parts International Midget Series Champion, the 2020 Pennsylvania Speedweek Champion, 2015 Rolex 24 at Daytona Overall Winner, 2019, 2021, 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race Winner, 2021 Coca-Cola 600 Winner and countless more.

As for his sprint car racing career, the driver won the inaugural season of his High Limit Racing series, thereby cementing his place as a formidable racer. This year, too, he'll be looking to visit the podium as the series takes a new turn with charter introductions akin to NASCAR and schedule expansion.

The 31-year-old is also set to expand his racing horizon when he makes his IndyCar debut with Arrow McLaren in 2024 in the Indy 500 on May 26. The HMS did race go-karts when he was younger and that knowledge will come in handy. The race will be a part of the revered 'Double Duty' attempt which him see him compete in the Indianapolis 500 and the almost 600 miles way <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/coca-cola-600/">Coca-Cola 600</a> on the same day.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson's merchandise</b></h2>
Being as popular as he is, Kyle Larson's merchandise sells out like hotcakes. He has his own merch store online with several products embroidered with the KL logo. Caps, beanies, hoodies, t-shirts, and even gift cards are the products sold by the driver's team on <a href="https://shopkylelarson.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://shopkylelarson.com/</a>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson's controversies</b></h2>
He may come across as a civil sportsperson today but Kyle Larson was the center of attention for all the wrong reasons back when he was racing for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2020. The now-Hendrick Motorsports driver uttered a racial slur during a video game stream in April that year. He was swiftly dropped from his team and he lost his sponsors. Before long, NASCAR suspended the driver. Larson was reinstated in October after which he joined HMS.

The 2021 Cup Series champion has had run-ins with the outspoken <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/denny-hamlin/">Denny Hamlin</a>. The two drivers had a moment in the 2023 Cup Series season in Kansas. Hamlin nudged Larson into the wall to take the victory of the race. The two drivers expressed their disappointment with one another and even the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/stewart-haas-racing/https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nascar/joe-gibbs-racing/">Joe Gibbs Racing</a> driver's comments on the Actions Detrimental podcast frustrated his rival.

<em>“I don’t think there’s a reason to be mad at him,”</em> Larson had said on an episode of the High Limit Room podcast. <em>“We were racing aggressively on the last lap for a win, and he was way faster than me. Just the only thing that I guess I get frustrated with is on his deal, his podcast, he says, ‘I race a certain way, but I’ve never had to reach out to him to apologize about anything.'"</em>

[caption id="attachment_780514" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-780514 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-09-27T033921Z_1662942844_MT1USATODAY16837811_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-SOUTH-POINT-400.jpg" alt="NASCAR Denny Hamlin Kyle Larson" width="1920" height="1290" /> Sep 26, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) driver Kyle Larson (5) and driver Kyle Busch (18) race for position during the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Kyle Larson's social media</b></h2>
Kyle Larson is fairly active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. While he shares a lot of promotional content on the first 2, his Instagram account holds several moments of his personal life.
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KyleLarsonRacing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/KyleLarsonRacing</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td><a href="https://twitter.com/KyleLarsonRacin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://twitter.com/KyleLarsonRacin</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kylelarsonracin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.instagram.com/kylelarsonracin/</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td>Kyle Larson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Popular Name</span></td>
<td>Yung Money</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Place </span></td>
<td>Elk Grove, California, U.S.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Date</span></td>
<td>July 31, 1992</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Age</span></td>
<td>31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Height</span></td>
<td>5 ft 6 in</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Weight (in pounds)</span></td>
<td>135 lb</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Parents </span></td>
<td>Mike Larson, Janet Larson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Siblings</span></td>
<td>Andrea Larson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality</span></td>
<td>American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Ethnicity</span></td>
<td>Japanese-American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td>$12 million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Salary</span></td>
<td>$10 million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Relationship/Marital Status</span></td>
<td>Married</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Spouse</span></td>
<td>Katelyn Sweet</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Children</span></td>
<td>Owen Miyata Larson, Audrey Layne Larson, and Cooper Donald Larson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Profession </span></td>
<td>Motorsports athlete</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Team</span></td>
<td>Hendrick Motorsports</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2 style="text-align: center"></h2>

Kyle Larson

Here is everything you need to know about Kyle Larson and his Net Worth, Relationships, Controversy, Family, Social Media and More.

Kyle Larson: Net Worth 2024, Relationships, NASCAR and More

Kyle Larson Archives

ReportingNews

ReportingNews Archives

ReportingNews Archives - EssentiallySports

When one thinks of greatness in motorsports, Tony Stewart is one of the names that will surely come up. 'Smoke' is the only racer who has won the championship in IndyCar and NASCAR's Cup Series, which just goes to show how versatile a racer he is. It has been several years since his retirement as a driver for both these promotions but he has kept himself engaged in motorsports by not only being a team owner but also racing in NHRA.
<h2><b>Tony Stewart Net Worth 2024 (update)</b></h2>
Over the years, he has built great personal wealth and as per Celebrity Net Worth, Smoke has a net worth of a whopping $90 million. Stewart also has several sponsorship deals and endorsements from where he earns a significant part of his income as well. According to his official website, some of his leading sponsors are Mobil 1, Ford Performance, Haas, Mahindra Tractors, and Advance Auto Parts. Aside from these, several other companies work with the former Cup Series champion as well.

[caption id="attachment_1959131" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1959131 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1405223778.jpg" alt="Tony Stewart" width="1920" height="1348" /> SOUTH BOSTON, VIRGINIA - JUNE 25: Tony Stewart #14 stands on the grid prior to the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience event at South Boston Speedway on June 25, 2022 in South Boston, Virginia. (Photo by Jared Tilton/SRX/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2><b>Tony Stewart’s family life</b></h2>
Smoke was born on May 20, 1971, in Rushville, Indiana. He started racing from a young age in go-karts and in 1980, won his first motorsports competition. He had a successful career in go-karting before he moved to the United Midget Racing Association and USAC. Stewart was the USAC Rookie of the Year in 1991, USAC National Midget Series Champion in 1994 and 1995, and USAC Silver Crown Series champion in 1995. He was also the first driver to win USAC's version of the Triple Crown, earning championships in all three major USAC divisions.

Smoke was born to Nelson Stewart and Pam Boas. The former NASCAR Cup Series driver has one sister named Natalie. As is the case with most professional racers, Smoke's parents supported his passion for motorsports from a young age and it would be an understatement to say that their efforts have paid off. Nelson would always push Tony to improve his racing and settling for anything less than P1 was never an option. Unfortunately, his parents got divorced when he was in high school.

Stewart married fellow motorsports athlete Leah Pruett in 2021. The two had met in 2019 through NHRA legend Don Prudhomme. It's unclear when they began dating but the couple took their relationship public in 2020. They had reportedly spent most of their time together during the Covid-19 pandemic.

[caption id="attachment_1959104" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1959104 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1346577190-1.jpg" alt="Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett" width="1920" height="1280" /> CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 14: Leah Pruett speaks as Tony Stewart looks on during the press conference held at the zMAX Dragway on October 14, 2021 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)[/caption]

Pruett was a prolific racer in the NHRA drag racing series and like her husband, has several accolades to her name. However, in 2023, she said that she would take a hiatus from racing to start a family with Stewart himself taking over his wife's NHRA role.
<h2><b>Tony Stewart: Stats, Championships and Ownerships</b></h2>
Very few racers have been as successful as Tony Stewart over the course of their careers. Smoke was one of a kind. He has won the IndyCar Series, the NASCAR Cup Series 3 times, the USAC Triple Crown, and several other competitions. When it comes to notable races, the only event Smoke has not won as a racer is the Daytona 500. He has won the Brickyard 400 twice, the All-Star race once, the Chilli Bowl twice, and the Budweiser Shootout thrice among other victories.

His exploits as a team owner are also incredible. Tony Stewart was the Cup Series owner's champion in 2014 when Kevin Harvick won the title in his first season with Stewart-Haas Racing. He also won the 2017 Dayton 500 as an owner with Kurt Busch as the driver.
<h2><b> Tony Stewart's Business Ventures</b></h2>
One of the biggest reasons why Tony Stewart has been able to keep himself so active in the motorsports world today is through his business ventures. The 3-time Cup Series champion co-owns the NASCAR team Stewart-Haas Racing with Gene Haas and it has been a successful venture. Smoke is also the owner of Tony Stewart Racing in the NHRA which his wife used to be part of.

&nbsp;

The SHR co-owner owns several race tracks as well, including the iconic Eldora Speedway. Smoke even shares the ownership of the Paducah International Raceway in Kentucky. In addition, he shares ownership of Macon Speedway in Macon, Illinois, with Bob Sargent, Kenny Schrader, and Kenny Wallace.

And as you would already know, he is also one of the founders and co-owners of the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) series.
<h2><b>Tony Stewart’s luxurious $30 Million Rural Estate</b></h2>
It sure does pay to be a successful race car driver and Tony Stewart's ranch in Indiana stood testament to that. Unexpectedly, he decided to sell it in March 2022 for an astounding $30 million. In the history of the state, this property is the most costly one to be listed for sale. With six bedrooms and eleven bathrooms, the 20,000-square-foot home has plenty of space. A two-story waterfall and trout stream adorn the house entry. And there's a massive professional hibachi grill in the kitchen.

In addition, a golf simulator, game room, bowling alley, and lit onyx bar are all set up on the bottom level of the property which was constructed in 2011. With a nine-acre stocked lake, it is situated on 415 acres of wooded land. There is also a sizable guesthouse and workshop on the property.


<h2><b>Tony Stewart: Car Collection</b></h2>
Stewart has a great deal of love for cars and has accumulated a sizable collection of some of the greatest vehicles ever driven. He is carrying several IndyCar models, including the #2 vehicle from his 1997 victory, to begin with. In addition, he has maintained the winged-sprint car from his first couple of outlaw races intact. He has also maintained the car with which he won at the 2007 Chilli Bowl Nationals with Keith Kunz.

When it comes to the Cup Series, not many people will be surprised to know that Tony Stewart has kept his car from each of his 3 title-winning runs - 2002, 2005, and 2011. Smoke has even maintained the car he was driving at the 2001 Daytona 500. He crashed in that race and sometime later, Dale Earnhardt did too, eventually losing his life.
<h2><b>Tony Stewart’s Racing Series</b></h2>
As if owning successful race teams and being a successful driver was not enough, Tony Stewart is also the owner of a series called the Superstar Racing Experience. The series was founded in 2020 and was brought to the fans by CBS. SRX aims for shorter races at shorter tracks and has a random pairing of driver and crew chief for each race.

The field is a variegated one with youngsters and experienced veterans all participating in the races, including retired motorsports legends like Stewart himself, Bobby Labonte, Bill Elliott, and Michael Waltrip among others. Fans usually love to see the older racers back on track and that is perhaps one of the reasons why SRX has gained a lot of popularity in a short time.

[caption id="attachment_903882" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-903882 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1328029747.jpg" alt="SRX Series" width="1920" height="1277" /> SLINGER, WISCONSIN - JULY 10: Michael Waltrip #15 practices for the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience event at Slinger Speedway on July 10, 2021 in Slinger, Wisconsin. (Photo by Logan Riely/SRX via Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2><b>Tony Stewart Philanthropy</b></h2>
The Tony Stewart Foundation was founded in 2003. The main goal of the organization is to care for and support underprivileged children with chronic illnesses, drivers hurt in racing accidents, and conserve different animal species. The 3-time Cup Series champion is quite proud of his philanthropic venture and the Foundation has done a lot of good work to help people and animals.
<h2><b>Tony Stewart Controversies</b></h2>
Tony Stewart might have won the owner's championship in 2014 but that year also served up one of the darkest and toughest moments of his life. The 3-time Cup Series champion was racing in a sprint race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. Kevin Ward Jr was also one of the racers in the event. The two drivers made contact causing Ward to spin out and crash, bringing out the yellow. The disgruntled driver was angry at Stewart and he stormed down the track after getting out of his car.

This was extremely dangerous as a lot of cars were still going around the track. While some cars were able to avoid him, the same cannot be said for Tony Stewart. Smoke failed to dodge and Kevin Ward Jr was thrown 25 feet away across the track. He later succumbed to his injuries.

A grand jury rejected an indictment against Stewart on September 24, 2014. Moreover, as per District Attorney Michael Tantillo, Ward had THC in his system. A few weeks before the trial was slated to start in 2018, Stewart was the target of a civil lawsuit filed by Kevin Ward Sr. It was later settled out of court with the specifics kept under wraps.
<h2><b>Tony Stewart in popular media</b></h2>
Tony Stewart has worked as a NASCAR analyst on FOX in the past and for the 2o23 Cup Series season. He was a guest commentator for the Clash, Duel races, Daytona 500, Fontana, Atlanta, Bristol Dirt, Talladega, and Charlotte races.

[caption id="attachment_1398492" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1398492 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1018372780h.jpg" alt="Tony Stewart" width="1920" height="1280" /> NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Coca-Cola 600-Practice, May 23, 2019 Concord, NC, USA NASCAR Cup Series car owner Tony Stewart looks on in the garage during practice for the Coca-cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports, 23.05.2019 15:06:05, 12763612, Tony Stewart, NASCAR, Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJasenxVinlovex 12763612[/caption]

Smoke has also appeared in movies and TV series like Herbie Fully Loaded, Over The Wall, ESPN Speedworld, and Last Man Standing. He is also the owner of Tony Stewart's All-American Racing video game and Tony Stewart's Sprint Car Racing. Other video games that have his involvement are SRX: The Game, and NASCAR Heat 5.
<h2><strong>Tony Stewart's Social Media Accounts</strong></h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TonyStewart" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/TonyStewart</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tsrsmoke/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.instagram.com/tsrsmoke/</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td><a href="https://twitter.com/TonyStewart" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://twitter.com/TonyStewart</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td>Tony Stewart</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Popular Name</span></td>
<td>Smoke</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Place</span></td>
<td>Rushville, Indiana</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Date</span></td>
<td>May 20, 1971</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Age </span></td>
<td>52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Height</span></td>
<td>5 ft 9 in</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Weight (in pounds)</span></td>
<td>225 lb</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Parents </span></td>
<td>Nelson Stewart, Pam Boas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Siblings</span></td>
<td>Natalie Stewart</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality</span></td>
<td>American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Ethnicity</span></td>
<td>Caucasian</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td>$90 million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Relationship/ Marital Status</span></td>
<td>Married</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Children</span></td>
<td>None</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Profession</span></td>
<td>Race team owner, racing series owner</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Team</span></td>
<td>Stewart-Haas Racing, Tony Stewart Racing</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Tony Stewart

Tony Stewart has had a great life as a racer. And here is everything that you need to know about his Net Worth, Family, Career and Controversies in 2024.

What Makes Kyle Larson the Biggest Regret of Tony Stewart’s NASCAR Career

Tony Stewart rued not taking a chance on Kyle Larson